Making Tangyuan, also known as Yuanxiao, is a traditional Chinese activity during the Lantern Festival. It's a time for families to come together and make these sweet and sticky rice balls filled with various fillings. The process of making tangyuan is not only a culinary activity but also a cultural and social event. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to make tangyuan:

Prepare the ingredients: The main ingredient is glutinous rice flour. You will also need water, and other fillings like sweet or savory ingredients such as red bean paste, peanut butter, black sesame seeds, or meat, mushroom, and green vegetables.

Mix the dough: In a bowl, prepare some glutinous rice flour and slowly add hot water until they mix into a dough. Knead the dough until it's smooth.

Make the filling: If you're making sweet tangyuan, you can prepare fillings such as red bean paste, peanut butter, or black sesame seeds. For savory tangyuan, you can use fillings like minced meat, mushrooms, and green vegetables.

Divide the dough: Pinch off pieces of the dough and roll them into small balls, about the size of a walnut.

Fill the balls: Place a small amount of the filling in the center of each dough ball. Then, fold the dough over the filling to enclose it completely, making sure the edges are sealed well.

Shape the lanterns: If you want to make a traditional lantern, you can shape the filled dough balls into crescent shapes or other traditional forms. You can also decorate the lanterns with sesame seeds or other toppings.

Cook the tangyuan: Boil the tangyuan in water until they float to the surface. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Serve the tangyuan hot, and enjoy the traditional Lantern Festival with your family.

Making tangyuan is not only a delicious activity but also a fun way to celebrate the Lantern Festival with your loved ones. It's a time for families to come together, share the joy of making these sweet treats, and enjoy the festivities that come with this special day.