RU BING (MILK CAKES)

SOURCE: GEORGIA FREEDMAN. COOKING SOUTH OF THE CLOUDS: RECIPES AND STORIES FROM CHINA'S YUNNAN PROVINCE.

Ingredients

4 ounces/110 grams thinly sliced Yunnan ham OR Jamòn Serrano, cut into 12 1 1/2-inch/3.8-cm squares

1 pound/450 grams Yunnan Ru Bing, sliced into 24 2-inch/5-cm squares at a thickness of 1/4 inch/0.64 cm

Vegetable oil

OPTIONAL: Chopped scallions for garnish

Specific Equipment

Wok

Chopsticks

Serves 4 to 6

Instructions

1. Sandwich each slice of Yunnan ham or Jamón Serrano between two slices of cheese. Set aside.

2. Wipe the wok with vegetable oil and set the wok over high heat until the oil is smoking hot. Reduce the heat to medium. Toast in the cheese squares for 15 to 30 seconds or until each cheese square has browned lightly. Flip the cheese squares over the other side with chopsticks and toast for another 15 to 30 seconds or until the cheese has browned lightly and can still hold its shape.

3. Remove the wok from heat and transfer the cheese squares onto a serving platter. Garnish with chopped scallions, if desired.