After the last prayer has been made to our ancestors, I
rapidly run to the kitchen as my favorite part of Chinese New Year is about to
begin. I've been waiting anxiously for almost an entire year for this moment. It
was time to make my mom’s scrumptious Jin Dui.
Every time I hear the words Jin Dui I think of how my mom
makes it taste and look better than any other eatery. The crispy, golden brown
coating and the soft and sweet inside is just the most incredible combination
ever made. Every bite reminds me of each Chinese New Year our family has spent
together. In my head I see everyone greet each other by saying, "Gung He Fat Choy!" and my mom placing all of my favorite traditional dishes on the dining table. Aunts,Uncles, Grandmas, and Grandpas would walk around distributing Lei See -which is a red
envelope full of money- to all the kids and wish each other a great Chinese New
Year. I’d rush to take each one I receive to my room along with the others. By the end of the night, we've all received hundreds
and hundreds of dollars to start our New Year that symbolize good luck. After we've had our dinner we are all so full we can't take another bite, but we somehow find a way to save a little room for dessert.
As a child I never hesitated with helping my mom make this
dessert. Even to this day I wouldn't mind. The more I help, the closer I’ll be
to devouring it. I’d watch as her agile hands incorporate every ingredient
while carefully kneading the dough to perfection. The way she does it with confidence shows how long she's been doing it and how much she loves doing it. Then it’ll be my turn to help
roll it into balls while inserting a piece of black bean paste as the filling. I’d
go over to the sink to wash the sticky dough off my hands. By the time I get
back I see my mom individually putting each ball into the wok, not being afraid
of any oil that splatters on her. By the time it's done, it's gone from the size of a golf ball, to a soft ball. I bring it to the dinner table as everyone rushes toward it, only leaving a few left.
After the long and laborious process, it’s time to eat. I grab a piece and place it on my plate. I take a moment to admire the beautiful sight. Perfectly round and coated with crunchy sesame seeds. After that, I've grown too impatient to spare another
second to let it cool down. Instead, I allow it to burn my mouth. As I take a
bite I hear a subtle crunch as puffs of steam rush toward my face, revealing
the inside while deflating. Every year I am reminded that the more you eat Jin Dui the better your fortune will be and wealthier you'll be. One day I'll learn how to make this delicious dessert from my mom to share with my future family and friends.
I really thought that your essay was good. The Way you described the whole tradition of Chinese New Year and how it ties into your dish. I also think that the way you describe how special this dish is for you was very effective. I liked your sensory details and how you described how it was eaten and made. The only thing I think you can improve on is the conclusion. I think you should better summarize all your points. But overall, good job.
ReplyDeleteGOOD START, MAKE SURE TO ACTUALLY DESCRIBE THE PROCESS OF MAKING JIN DUI AND ADD SENSORY DETAIL TO THAT EXPLANATION. ALSO TELL US WHY YOU ARE SO ANXIOUS FOR THIS DISH AND ADD DESCRIPTORS TO THAT EXPLANATION AS WELL. MS(3)
ReplyDeleteYour essay was very good. You had good words choice, and your sensory details made me imagine the snack. Also, it was good how you explained about your tradition, and the memories you have with this dish. One thing you could work on is the conclusion because it ends a little suddenly. Overall, your essay is good, and I would like to try it.
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