Guo Zi facts for kids
Guo zi (pronounced Gwor-dzuh) is a collection of eight traditional Chinese sweet treats. It's especially popular in northern China. People often enjoy these delicious snacks during festivals or special ceremonies. Guo zi isn't just one food; it's a special set of eight different items. These include Mi san dao, Yang jiao mi, Tiao su, Ma pian, Hua sheng tang, Jin qian bing, Nuo mi tiao, and Gui hua su tang. Each one has its own unique story, name, and way of being made. Most of these treats came from northern China, with the full collection becoming popular in Xuzhou. People often give Guo zi to family and friends during celebrations as a symbol of good wishes and blessings. Today, you can often buy these items separately, but Guo zi as a collection still represents festivals and important events.
Mi san dao
What is Mi san dao?
Mi san dao is a traditional Chinese pastry made with honey. Its name comes from how it's made. The pastry is cut three times on its surface before frying. This helps it soak up lots of sweet honey. Because of these three knife cuts, it's called "Mi san dao," which means "honey three knives."
The Story of Mi san dao
Mi san dao has a cool story connected to a famous person named Su Shi. He was also known as Su Dongpo. Legend says that during the Song Dynasty, Su Dongpo was in charge of the city of Xuzhou. A friend invited him to look at a very special knife. After some drinks, his friend gave Su Dongpo the knife. Su Dongpo was amazed by how great the knife was!
So, Su Dongpo took the knife and made three deep cuts on a green stone where they were sitting. Just then, a servant brought out some new sweet pastries. Su Dongpo's friend had made them, hoping Su Dongpo, who loved sweets, would give them a name. Su Dongpo tasted the pastry; it was sweet like honey and made him very happy. Thinking about the three cuts on the stone and the three cuts on the pastry, Su Dongpo named the food "honey three knife" or "Mi san dao."
Ingredients of Mi san dao
- flour
- caramel
- vegetable oil
- sesame
Yang jiao mi
What is Yang jiao mi?
Yang jiao mi is a traditional pastry from Xuzhou, in Jiangsu province. It's shaped like a ram's horn and filled with honey. That's why it's named "Yang jiao mi," which means "ram's horn honey."
The Story of Yang jiao mi
In old Chinese stories, there was a big battle between Xiang Yu and Liu Bang. Xiang Yu's army was tired and hungry. A young shepherd boy came and offered Xiang Yu and his wife, Yu Ji, some honey in a ram's horn. After drinking it, Xiang Yu and Yu Ji felt much better and happier. Xiang Yu was so grateful that he gave the shepherd his sword and some gold and silver. When Xiang Yu returned to his palace, he told his cook to make a food using flour and honey, just like the shepherd's gift.
Ingredients of Yang jiao mi
- flour
- vegetable oil
- white sugar
- malt syrup
Tiao su
What is Tiao su?
Tiao su is a type of traditional Chinese snack. It's popular in the Jiangnan region of China.
Ingredients of Tiao su
- Flour
- Cinnamon sugar
- granulated sugar
- syrup
Ma Pian
What is Ma Pian?
Ma Pian is a tasty traditional Chinese food item.
Ingredients of Ma Pian
- Flour
- sugar
- yeast
- water
- edible oil
Hua Sheng Tang
What is Hua Sheng Tang?
Hua sheng tang is an ancient Chinese food item. It's also known as peanut candy.
The Story of Hua Sheng Tang
Folklore says that the first Hua sheng tang was made during the Warring States period. This was a time when China often had wars. Rich people would travel to other places to avoid the fighting. As they traveled, some people started cooking caramel and peanuts together. After the mixture cooled, they would cut it into small pieces. This was the very first peanut candy!
Ingredients of Hua Sheng Tang
- Flour
- sugar
- yeast flour
- water
- oil
- alkali
Jin Qian Bing
What is Jin Qian Bing?
Jin qian bing is a local snack from Jiangsu. It's made from white sparrow cowpeas and is about the size of a coin. Its name means "gold coin cake."
Ingredients of Jin Qian Bing
- Flour
- sugar
- vegetable oil
- water
- soda
- ammonia powder
- sesame seed
- essence
Nuo Mi Tiao
What is Nuo Mi Tiao?
Nuo mi tiao is a traditional Han Chinese snack. In the past, it was a must-have food for the Spring Festival.
Ingredients of Nuo Mi Tiao
- Glutinous rice noodles
- white sugar
- caramel
- peanut oil
