Nin Gao

1 1/2 cups water
2 1/2 cups dark brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup vegetable oil
4 1/2 cups sweet rice flour*
3 dried red dates*

*Available in Asian specialty markets

Directions

Mix the rice flour thoroughly with the cooled liquid and transfer the mixture into an 8-inch round aluminum pan (the aluminum pans at supermarket salad bars work very well for this). Set the dates in the middle.

Fill a large pot with 1 inch of water and carefully set the pan in the water. Cover lightly with aluminum foil and gently steam the mixture for about 50 minutes. Take care not to let the water boil over into the nin gao.