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The daughters of Chinese immigrants, Ashley Xie and Hedy Yu grew up on both American food and Chinese food. After leaving home for college, Xie and Yu didn't have access to as many home-cooked meals and Asian grocery stores and felt the need to reconnect with their roots. Thus, Rooted Fare was born: modern, uniquely Chinese American pantry staples such as Black Sesame Crunchy Butter, Dried Chili Sichuan Dressing, and Roasted Peanut Dan Dan Sauce.

This Rooted Fare Black Sesame Crunchy Butter ($15) is a recipe inspired by 汤圆 (tang yuan), a Chinese New Year dessert consisting of a glutinous rice ball filled with ground black-sesame seeds, lard, and brown sugar. The spread is best served on toast, oatmeal, apples, or ice cream.