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 | 方塊酥 | ||||||||||
| |||||||||||
Square cookie, (Chinese: 方塊酥; pinyin: fāngkùaisū; Pe̍h-ōe-jī: hong-tè-so̍), is a traditional Taiwanese cookie, originating from Chiayi County.[1][2]
History
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
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
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
References
- ^ "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
