Rainbow Apam (彩虹小鬆糕 / 發糕)

One of the most commonly used Altar offering items in Chinese Malaysians' households, I call Apam (發糕) the Eastern muffin.
Compared to muffin, Apam is not as sweet and is more chewy in texture.

Last Chinese New Year, my Taiwan-born-America-raised friend Sue bought two big boxes of Apam to the party. Because Apam is called the Prosperity Cake in Chinese, Sue made whoever she could get her hands on, to eat one Apam.

To Prosperity!

Rainbow Apam Recipe

Ingredients:
1. low-gluten flour - 150g
2. caster sugar - 120g
3. egg - 1
4. baking powder - 1/2 tsp
5. ovalette (黃油) - 1/2 tsp
6. water - 100ml
7. Desired coloring (suggestion: Red and Brown)

Method:
1) Combine all ingredients in a mixer. Beat until it forms a batter. Remove and divide into 3 portions. Add coloring to two of the portions. Keep aside.

tip: dissolve baking powder with a little water before adding to mixer.

2) Prepare a steaming mold (such as those trays used for baking muffins) and lined with paper cup in each cup mold. Spoon in 1 tbsp of different color batter into each paper cup. Steam in a preheated steamer over high heat for 15 minutes. Remove and ready to serve.

tip: if you do no have a steamer, use a rice cooker. Make sure water is boiling before putting in the cups. Steam for 20 minutes. Do not open the lid before time's up.