#BakeInSolidarity
Today’s post is in collaboration with the Subtle Asian Baking community to raise funds to support a bakery in Manhattan Chinatown! However, this also goes far beyond supporting a single bakery. New York City’s Chinatown was hard-hit during the pandemic and so many businesses have had to shut down. As someone who grew up walking through the streets of Chinatown every Friday, it was definitely disheartening to see and hear that stores and restaurants I used to go to and pass by have closed. Today, I’m going to #BakeInSolidarity to support the longevity of my Chinese culture and community as well as the AAPI AND BIPOC communities. As we all know, the AAPI and BIPOC communities have faced inequality, discrimination, and oppression for many years, and this treatment has truly peaked in the past year and as we speak. In this collaboration, we’re coming together to rectify these social inequalities and ensuring that New York’s Chinatown will continue to thrive for many years to come. Today, I’ve baked some classic Bolo Bao from What To Cook Today to reflect my Chinese heritage!
Bolo Bao AKA Pineapple Bun
Bolo Bao is often referred to as the Pineapple Bun. Fun Fact: there’s not actually any pineapple in the bread. People refer to it as the pineapple bun because of the pattern of the crust. A cookie is placed onto the dough before baking it in the oven. When the bun bakes, the cookie begins to crackle on top, forming a pineapple patterned crust.
Growing up, Bolo Bao was always my go-to treat whenever I went to Chinese Bakery. And to be honest, it still is! In my opinion, Bolo Bao is the classic of all the classic Chinese bakery goods. It’s so simple yet so good! I chose to bake these buns because they’re probably one of the most nostalgic treats for me. They represent so much more than a treat — it reminds me of my past, where I grew, up, and who I am, which is all tied to my Chinese heritage. I’m so proud of who I am, and I encourage you to feel the same about your own culture!
Help support NYC’s Chinatown as well as your local communities by shopping and getting takeout from your local stores and restaurants! And please feel free to #BakeInSolidarity with the Subtle Asian Baking Community and I! You can also help by donating to @welcom.to.chinatown’s longevity fund, which will support the aforementioned bakery in Manhattan Chinatown!
Show your support by donating or baking in solidarity! Thanks for tuning in today and I’ll catch you in my next post! Love ya!
