Yaksik

Yaksik is a traditional Korean sweet rice cake made with glutinous rice, nuts, and dried fruits.

Ingredients - Serves 6

Rinse the glutinous rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in water for 2 hours, then drain.
In a large pot, add the soaked rice and 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and sticky.
In a small saucepan, combine the brown sugar, soy sauce, sesame oil, cinnamon powder, and salt. Cook over low heat until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is well combined.
Add the cooked rice to the saucepan with the sauce mixture. Stir well to coat the rice evenly.
Add the pine nuts, dried cranberries, and dried dates to the rice mixture. Mix well.
Transfer the yaksik mixture to a greased baking dish and press it down firmly.
Let the yaksik cool completely, then cut it into small squares or rectangles.
Serve the yaksik as a sweet treat or dessert.