Mud Soup! A New To Me Comfort Food from R. F. Whong's Zenith of Tea

Mud Soup! A New To Me Comfort Food from R. F. Whong's Zenith of Tea
Tuesday, June 30, 2026 by Sally Jo Pitts

Categories: Books & Food / Recommended Books

Investigating Food Used in Novels

This month’s food scene and recipe for Black Sesame Soup (Cantonese Sweet “Mud” Soup) come from R. F. Whong’s novella, Zenith of Tea. (Ruth is offering a free book on writing. Read on for details.)

Here is the Scene:

Joseph turned to Lance. “As an attorney, what is your opinion on the Chinese Exclusion Act? Do you think our government will follow the US example and pass similar legislation?”

Lance leaned back and stared at the ceiling. “The winds seem to blow from south to north.”

A metaphor as poetic as it was ominous.

Mrs. Chau poured jasmine tea for everyone. The aroma mingled with the night air, but the unshakable tension lingered.

Joseph wrapped his hands around the cup. “If those in power think it’s acceptable to copy the US law and exclude people based on their ethnicity, then we’re moving backward, not forward.”

Winston sipped his tea. “You have allies, Joseph. The solidarity we’ve demonstrated means something. We must make sure a different voice is heard.”

Joseph pressed again. “Will the government pass the legislation here?”

Robert knitted his brows. “Hard to say.”

The warmth of the tea seeped into Mijen, a small comfort against the cold uncertainty. “Don’t those people call themselves Christians? Why do they hold such hatred for us Chinese?” She shifted her attention to Joseph. “Many of you are Christians too. Why do they not care?”

Silence fell, broken only by the canaries.

Before Joseph answered, Lance huffed out his reply. “Fear often masquerades as righteousness. The roots of prejudice run deep, entangled in history and ignorance.” His voice firmed up. “This isn’t just about legislation. It’s about the soul of our land. If this law passes, it sets a precedent for other acts of discrimination. We can’t allow that.”

The room squeezed in. The half-empty teapot stood as a quiet witness to his words.

Robert broke the lull. “I’ve been praying for the development of the event. God is in control.”

“We must keep pushing.” Joseph fidgeted in his seat. “We owe it to the next generation.”

Mijen tapped the table in a nervous staccato. “What if God doesn’t answer your prayer, and the Act is passed? Will you continue to believe in Him?”

“I understand your concern, Mijen.” Robert paused as if gathering his thoughts. “My faith isn’t based on outcomes. Your question reminds me of Daniel’s three friends—Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. When faced with the fiery furnace, they declared God could save them, but even if He didn’t, they would still believe in Him.”

“I admire your conviction.” Mijen stifled a sigh. A knot tightened in her stomach. “It sounds strange to me.”

Robert put his hands together. “God’s plan is bigger than what we see. Our job is to remain faithful, regardless of what happens.”

Mrs. Chau stood, interrupting their discussion. “Looks like everyone finished eating. I made a special dessert for you. Let me get it.”

She disappeared into the kitchen and returned with a large pot. The fragrance of sesame wafted through the air.

“This is my sweet mud soup.” Mrs. Chau set a bowl before each of them. The soup shimmered a velvety dark gray.

Black Sesame Soup (Cantonese Sweet “Mud” Soup)

Author R. F. Whong explains: This humble yet luxurious treat is a beloved comfort food in southern China, particularly in Guangdong, where it’s enjoyed as a warming dessert or a snack. “Sweet mud soup” might sound odd, but it perfectly describes the silky, dark, almost volcanic appearance of the dish. Its flavor is nutty, fragrant, sweet, and soothing.

For the recipe CLICK HERE.

More about Zenith of Tea:

A cookbook, a glimmer of fairy tale, a spoonful of history, and a teacup of hope.

In the early 1920s, accomplished martial artist Wang Mijen is haunted by her past and the red birthmark that she believes prompted her family to abandon her at six. She survives by robbing ancient tombs and living in a cave concealed from the soldiers. When she saves Joseph Cheung, a Chinese Christian educated in Canada, from bandits, her insecurities whisper that such a man could never love an “ugly” girl like her.

Growing up in San Francisco’s Chinatown, Joseph experienced anti-Chinese prejudice. Still, he helps Mijen move to Canada to avoid danger. In Vancouver, amidst anti-Asian riots and the looming Chinese Exclusion Act, Joseph helps Mijen open a teahouse. As they work together to rescue young women trafficked into brothels in North America, Joseph’s unwavering faith and fight for equality challenge Mijen’s hardened heart.

From China to Canada, can Mijen and Joseph overcome their challenges, rediscover their identities, and open their hearts to each other?

A stand-alone novella in the Apron Strings Tea series, inspired by The Nightingale.

Giveaway opportunity:

Please comment below if you have ever made or tried “mud” soup and what is your favorite creamy, pudding-like dessert?

Ruth is offering her My Journey into Writing Fiction book for free with a newsletter signup, link is below.

https://dl.bookfunnel.com/pvcfaqfmp5

About the Author:

Dr. Ruth Wuwong (PhD in biochemistry, MBA in finance) has published 120+ scientific books and papers (under her legal name) and a few Christian fiction books under R. F. Whong. She lives in the Midwest with her husband, a retired pastor. They served together at three churches from 1987 to 2020. Her grown son works in a nearby city.

She currently runs a small biotech company (www.vidasym.com) and has raised more than twenty million US dollars during the past few years for Vidasym.

In addition to her weekly newsletter and the platform (www.ruthforchrist.com), she is active in several writers’ groups, including ACFW, Word Weavers, Facebook, and Goodreads. Through these connections, she plans newsletter/promotion swaps with others and has writers endorse her books, write forewords, and host her on guest blogs.

Ruth was chosen as a featured author by the Minnesota Anoka County Library in 2025 and by the Suffolk Virginia Authors Festival in 2026. She has a new book, Eclipsed System (Sci-fi) scheduled for release, preorder is 2.99 before release date on 7-13-2026,

Eclipsed System (Sci-fi): pre-order link:

EXTRA! EXTRA!

Book #3 in my romantic suspense series is releasing July 28!