Eight Treasure Rice

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1. 1Step 1: Cover the glutinous rice with 2 inches (5 cm) of cold water and soak for at least 3 hours, preferably overnight.
2. 2Step 2: Drain the rice and rinse it a few times.
3. 3Step 3: Bring water to a boil in your steamer.
4. 4Step 4: Place the soaked rice in a heat-proof bowl and set it on the steamer rack. Steam, covered, for 30 minutes if the rice was soaked overnight, or 45 minutes if soaked for 3 hours. The rice should be edible but still quite tough.
5. 5Step 5: While the rice steams, arrange the toppings in the bottom of a wide heat-proof bowl.
6. 6Step 6: Once the rice is steamed, add the coconut oil and sugar. Stir thoroughly until the sugar melts and the rice is evenly coated with oil.
7. 7Step 7: Press the seasoned rice into the bowl with the toppings, being careful not to disturb the pattern. Fill two-thirds of the bowl with rice and create a dent in the middle for the red bean paste.
8. 8Step 8: Add the red bean paste in the middle and use the back of a spoon to flatten it into a thin layer.
9. 9Step 9: Add the rest of the rice and use a spoon to flatten it.
10. 10Step 10: At this stage, you can store the rice, covered with plastic wrap, in the fridge for 1 to 2 days. Follow the rest of the instructions prior to serving.
11. 11Step 11: Place the assembled rice back in the steamer and steam for an additional 30 minutes.
12. 12Step 12: While the rice steams, prepare the syrup. Combine the water, sugar, and chrysanthemum buds in a small saucepan and heat over medium heat until boiling. Turn to medium-low heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
13. 13Step 13: Mix the cornstarch with 1 teaspoon of water until completely dissolved.
14. 14Step 14: When the chrysanthemum mixture is cooked, pour in the cornstarch slurry. Keep cooking and stirring constantly until the syrup slightly thickens. Pour the syrup through a strainer into a bowl and discard the chrysanthemum buds.
15. 15Step 15: When the treasure rice is done steaming, drizzle a few spoons of syrup onto the rice. Let it sit for 10 minutes.
16. 16Step 16: To plate the rice, put a plate over the bowl and flip it in one swift motion. Remove the bowl and pour the remaining syrup over the top. Serve warm.
17. 17Step 17: The cooked treasure rice can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave.