Square cookie
 | |
| Alternative names | Fangkuaisu, Cubic cracker |
|---|---|
| Place of origin | Taiwan |
| Region or state | Chiayi |
| Created by | Tang Chang-fa |
| Main ingredients | flour, water, sugar, salt, sesame seeds, milk powder, lard |
| Square cookie | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional Chinese | |||||||
| |||||||
Square cookie, (Chinese:
History
[edit]The famous cookie were first crafted by Tang Chang-fa in 1956. Tang, a retired military officer who retreated from China to Taiwan with the Kuomintang in 1949, innovatively combined the method of making northern Chinese flatbread with traditional Taiwanese pastry techniques, modifying the shape to a square for better packaging and convenience. These cookies have since become emblematic of Chiayi's culinary heritage, frequently chosen as souvenirs and included in prestigious lists such as Taiwan's top 100 souvenirs and state banquet desserts.[3]
Ingredients and Preparation
[edit]The primary ingredients for square cookies include baked milk powder, butter or lard, sesame seeds, and sugar. The preparation involves mixing low-gluten flour with these ingredients to form a dough, which is then divided into small portions. Separately, medium-gluten flour is kneaded to create the outer layer. Each portion of the filling is wrapped in the outer layer, flattened, folded multiple times, and then baked until crispy. The resulting texture and flavor, characterized by the rich taste of butter and sesame, are what make these cookies particularly appealing.
Variations
[edit]Square cookies are a staple in Chiayi, often considered the best in the region. En Dian Square Cookies, established in 1945, is a well-known local bakery that specializes in these cookies, boasting a delicate 243-layered crispy texture.[4] The cookies come in various flavours, including original, honey, chocolate, and seaweed. They are also a popular choice for souvenirs and are included in gift packages for tourists.[5]
See also
[edit]
References
[edit]- ^ "
不 只 雞肉飯 ！陪嘉義人 長大 的 「老 楊方塊 酥」 逾100種 口 味 讓 人 難 以忘懷 " (in Chinese (Taiwan)). United Daily News. 2021-09-14. Retrieved 2024-06-04. - ^ "
想像 台灣 ／台灣 休 閒 零 嘴 出口 19國 ！用 美食 替 台灣 做國民 外交 ！" (in Chinese (Taiwan)). Formosa Television. 2023-07-20. Retrieved 2024-06-04. - ^ "A foodie's guide to 10 things to eat in Chiayi" (in Chinese (Taiwan)). Taiwan Scene. 2023-02-17.
- ^ "
方 塊 酥創始祖 堅持 一 甲子 的 美味 " (in Chinese (Taiwan)). Taiwan Cultural Memory Bank. Retrieved 2024-06-04. - ^ "
嘉 義方 塊 酥—眷村餅 乾 晉 升 國 宴 指定 點心 ！" (in Chinese (Taiwan)). Liberty News. 2018-06-23. Retrieved 2024-06-04.
External links
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