Winter Rice Pudding With Dried Fruits

In China this richly exotic dish is eaten on the 8th day of the 12th month of the lunar calendar. Why? I have no idea, can you tell me? Two-hour soaking time required. From Ethnic Cuisine.

• Ready In: 1 hr 20 mins
• Serves: 6-8

Ingredients

• 1  cup glutinous rice
• 1  tablespoon peanuts
• 1  tablespoon pine nuts
• 1  tablespoon lotus seeds
• 8  ounces  mixed dried fruit (raisins, kumquats, prunes, dates, etc.)
• 8  cups water
• 1⁄2 cup sugar, more if needed

Directions

1. Soak the rice in a bowl of cold water for at least 2 hours. Drain well. Soak the peanuts, pine nuts, and lotus seeds in a separate bowl of cold water for at least 1 hour. Drain well. Soak the dried fruits as necessary. Drain well. Chop all the large fruits into small pieces.
2. Bring the water to a boil in a pan, then add the sugar and stir until dissolved. Add the drained rice, peanuts, pine nuts, lotus seeds, and dried fruits. Return to a boil. Reduce heat to very low and simmer, covered, for 1 hour, stirring frequently.
3. The texture of this dish should be that of a very thick soup. Simply add more water to create a slightly thinner version.