Edible blessings: Jiaodong huabobo

For centuries, Jiaodong huabobo has been telling the story of life in East China's Shandong province. More than art, it is an edible blessing. Made with eggs and milk, the dough is rich and soft. These steamed creations appear at a baby's full-month celebration, an elder's birthday, weddings, and housewarming parties. Each shape carries meaning: a lion for fortune, a tiger for strength, a peach for longevity. Take a bite — and taste the sweet blessings.