"Chuan Momo" refers to a type of steamed bun with local characteristics.
This steamed bun, imbued with rich local flavor, evolved from "Hua Momo."
When "Hua Momo" was shaped into a small boat, it acquired a new name: "Chuan Momo."
"Chuan Momo" is made during festive occasions in towns and villages, typically for celebrations or during the Lunar New Year.
The process of making "Chuan Momo" is intricate and consumes a considerable amount of oil and flour.
However, regardless of a family's financial situation, they would steam a set of ten "Chuan Momo" during the New Year or for joyous events.
This is a custom, a tradition. Grandma Su has been faithfully steaming a set of "Chuan Momo" every year for decades.
The only difference was that during difficult times, the buns were smaller, and when conditions were better, they were steamed larger.
Grandma Su added alkali water to the fermented white flour, kneaded it until it was firm, and then rolled it into large, thin flatbreads.
Next, she spread a fragrant sesame and turmeric oil on the flatbread, brushing it evenly with a small brush until it was perfectly coated.
The old woman's expression was one of deep reverence, as if she were undertaking a monumental task.
"Today, we're steaming a foot-long 'Chuan Momo.' It's been many years since we've steamed one this large," Grandma Su said. She then sprinkled rose petal powder and bitter bean powder on the flatbread, followed by a touch of dry flour, before folding it into a fan shape.
Su Xiaotian, washing vegetables nearby, watched Grandma Su make the "Chuan Momo."
Having observed this process for years, Su Xiaotian still found it incredibly pleasing to the eye.
The other girls were similarly captivated.
Qian Xiaobei and Li Jianhong, both from the Northwest, had seen such buns before. However, Qi Xiaofang had never encountered anything like it and was utterly mesmerized.
The steamed buns she knew were nothing like this.
Her eyes widened as she watched Grandma Su evenly slice the folded dough into five strips, then stack the resulting long strips of dough in order from largest to smallest.
The smallest pointed tip was placed on top. Grandma Su then picked up a special tool and pressed a line horizontally and vertically onto the surface with chopsticks, before arranging four butterflies molded from dough.
"Grandma Su, your hands are so skillful," Qi Xiaofang exclaimed involuntarily.
To be able to create such exquisite artistry in steamed buns was truly eye-opening.
"What's so special about this? We'll make some small flower rolls later," Grandma Su said with a smile, slightly shaping the buns before placing them in the steamer.
The Su family used a large steamer with a diameter of eighty centimeters. Five buns fit on one layer, and two layers made a set of ten "Chuan Momo."
With a four-layer steamer, two sets, or twenty buns, could be steamed in one go.
Once all the buns were prepared and placed in the steamer, Grandma Su covered it tightly, ensuring a perfect seal to prevent any steam leakage.
"Xiaotian, keep an eye on the time!"
Su Xiaotian acknowledged the instruction.
Meanwhile, Third Master Su continued kneading dough, while the others began preparing to make baozi.
With everyone working together, over two hundred baozi were completed in less than half an hour.
These baozi would fill three layers of the steamer.
For the remaining layer, Grandma Su planned to steam small flower rolls the size of walnuts.
As the baozi were nearing completion, Grandma Su had already started preparing the small flower rolls.
She again rolled out the dough as thinly as possible, spread it with turmeric and sesame oil, and rolled it into a long strip. Grandma Su then picked up a cleaver and nimbly cut the strip into evenly sized small segments.
With a twist of her hand, aided by chopsticks, a delicate small flower roll was formed, about the size of a quail egg.
Grandma Su made various types of flower rolls, over ten different shapes, making a dozen of each and arranging them evenly on the large cutting board.
By this time, it was also time for the "Chuan Momo" to be taken out.
Qi Xiaofang craned her neck, eagerly awaiting the "Chuan Momo," filled with curiosity.
Grandma Su carefully removed the steamer layers and set them aside to cool.
Liang Xiu busied herself by adding water to the large iron pot, while Grandpa Su added firewood to the stove.
"Xiaotian, add the plum blossom dots."
Grandma Su gently tapped each bun to release it from the bottom of the steamer before calling out.
Su Xiaotian quickly brought over edible red and green colors and dotted clusters of colorful plum blossom patterns on the buns.
The already exquisite buns became even more beautiful with the addition of the plum blossom dots.
"Daughter, look, do you like them?" Grandma Su chuckled, seeing Qi Xiaofang's captivated gaze.
"Grandma Su, why is Xiaotian the one dotting the plum blossoms?"
"In our village custom, the skill of making steamed buns is passed down from mothers to daughters, not sons. Little girls start by dotting the plum blossoms."
Su Xiaotian was already a young woman, but in Grandma Su's heart, she was still her little granddaughter, which was why Su Xiaotian was still at the stage of dotting plum blossoms!
The skill is passed down from mothers to daughters?
Qi Xiaofang was taken aback for a moment, then understood.
The craft of making steamed buns was indeed not very suitable for boys.
Her thoughts flickered for a moment before she refocused on the "Chuan Momo."
The over-foot-long "Chuan Momo," with its distinct layers appearing stacked and piled, was beautiful and vibrantly colored, making it incredibly enticing.
"How do you eat such a large steamed bun?" Qi Xiaofang asked curiously.
"When eating, you just cut it into pieces," Su Xiaotian explained. "Each piece of the bun is distinct in its layers, soft and fragrant when bitten, easy for both the elderly and children to chew and digest!"
"In the early years, when we were in the commune, your family always sent these over for the New Year, but I never managed to learn how to make them," Yu Ruiyuan reminisced.
"They were smaller in the early years, but the taste was truly excellent. The first year I arrived, I still remember the taste of the 'Chuan Momo' you sent!"
Yu Ruiyuan recalled her years in the commune. Although life wasn't easy, looking back now, it felt incredibly warm.
At the time, she had simply thought everyone in the countryside was kind and lovely. It was only after returning to the capital and discussing it with old acquaintances that they realized everyone's experiences were different.
Meeting the Su family was truly their good fortune.
Thanks to the overt and covert care from the Su family, the elderly couple suffered almost no hardship compared to others.
Even if the food was a bit plain, being able to eat their fill was already excellent.
Moreover, during the New Year, they could eat something good, and even on ordinary days, they could occasionally have some meat.
When their old friends heard them talk about these things, they were very envious of the couple's luck.
"Those years have passed. From now on, our lives will be as bright and open as these 'Chuan Momo'!" Grandma Su said, trying to comfort Yu Ruiyuan, fearing she might become sad thinking about the past.
Yu Ruiyuan was merely expressing her feelings; she herself did not wish to dwell on those old memories.
One must forget unhappiness and move towards happiness.
Only by moving forward can life improve!
"'Chuan Momo' are boats that carry emotions. When two families exchange 'Chuan Momo,' their bond can last for decades. We old friends share such a connection," Grandma Su said with a smile.
Now that the two families got along so well, they truly seemed like one family.
The three girls listened and watched, suddenly feeling that perhaps this was the true essence of human life.
Though mundane, it always felt warm and cozy.
No wonder Xiaotian was so wonderful; she had grown up in such a family.