Sesame Balls with Drunken Fig Filling Recipe | Epicurious.com

"Sesame balls are classic dim sum. In the yum chat (dim-sum dining) culture, these sticky-sweet treats are eaten between savory bites throughout the meal. Traditionally, the dough is made only with glutinous rice flour, which is quite sticky and will leave you searching for a toothpick. I add taro to make the dough more tender, more tasty, and a lovely shade of lavender. I substitute flavorful figs for the traditional lotus seed and red bean fillings. CHEF'S TIPS: In Chinese cooking, sesame seeds are never deeply browned? their white color symbolizes purity. Be sure to start with untoasted white sesame seeds for a light golden color when the balls are done. Most fried desserts are best eaten right away, but these stay delicious and crisp even at room temperature...."