In Harbin, a dish called Rock Sugar Pork Knuckle was the result of a kitchen mishap, when the meat was accidentally left to burn. The addition of a sweet sauce improved matters. Subsequently, after a process of trial and error, Rock Sugar Pork Knuckle was created as a unique fusion of southern and northern cooking styles. Today, it is a signature dish at a family-run Harbin restaurant. This story describes how culinary innovation and family tradition can produce something very special.