Instructions: Combine the rices and wash 3 times.

Heat the groundnut oil in a wok until almost smoking. Stir-fry the mushrooms, the Chinese sausages, chicken, dried shrimp, lotus seeds, onion, and bamboo shoots for 1 to 2 minutes. Add the soy sauce, 5-spice power, sesame oil, and salt. Stir-fry to mix well.

Bring the rice to a rapid boil and continue to cook by the absorption method. When most of the water has been absorbed, add the stir-fried ingredients, mixing them through the rice. Simmer, covered, on low heat for 20 minutes. Turn off the heat, and allow to stand for 10 minutes.

Stir the rice with chopsticks, adding the chopped scallions. Remove the rice from the pot and pack into a lightly oiled bowl, pressing in firmly. (If preparing a day in advance, refrigerate in the bowl until just before needed.) Steam the rice in the bowl for 10 minutes, and invert to serve.

This recipe yields 6 to 8 servings.

Comments: This is the celebrated eight-treasure rice eaten at Chinese New Year. In the early days of the Han dynasty (202 BC-AD 220), rice was considered a delicacy as millet was the staple grain. Eight-treasure rice depicts the almost spiritual significance of rice to the Chinese people, bringing good fortune and blessings to all at the beginning of a New Year.

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