Literary tastes

"The ingredients used in making Chinese desserts are healthy, such as grain, fruit and vegetables, which don't add too much burden to your body. And sweet foods also make people happy," says Luo, explaining why she continues to run the online course to teach dessert making.

For Luo, creating new Western-style desserts is an easier undertaking because there are more reference points available, whereas she often has to develop new Chinese desserts from scratch. There are no certainties in the process. Sometimes she worries that her creations are too Western, and at other times she finds her wondering if the traditional recipes are actually better.

"Making desserts is like life. You need to find the beauty, and add your own understanding and inspiration, so the beauty will be relevant to you."

Contact the writer at liyingxue@chinadaily.com.cn