The Moon Festival, also known as the Mid-Autumn Festival, is celebrated in Chinese and Vietnamese culture on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month. It is a time for family and friends to gather, admire the full moon, and share stories about the legend of Chang’e and Houyi while enjoying mooncakes and other desserts. A step-by-step guide and recipe for making mooncakes with lotus seed paste or red bean paste are provided, along with easy and delicious snow skin mooncake and Osmanthus jelly recipes. Making your own mooncakes and desserts is a great way to add a personal touch to the celebrations.
Celebrate the Moon Festival with Mouthwatering Mooncakes and Desserts
The Moon Festival or Mid-Autumn Festival is one of the most celebrated holidays in Chinese and Vietnamese culture. It usually falls on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month, which marks the full moon and the harvest season. During this festival, people gather with family and friends to admire the moon, eat mooncakes, and share stories about the legend of Chang’e and Houyi.
If you want to join in the celebrations, why not make your own mooncakes and desserts? They are not only delicious but also fun to make with your loved ones. Here is a step-by-step guide and recipe for mouthwatering mooncakes and desserts.
Mooncakes
Ingredients:
For the skin:
– 220g all-purpose flour
– 130g golden syrup
– 80g vegetable oil
– 1/2 tsp alkaline water (lye water)
For the filling:
– 300g lotus seed paste or red bean paste
– 40g melon seeds (optional)
– 1 egg (for egg wash)
Instructions:
1. Mix the flour, golden syrup, vegetable oil, and alkaline water in a bowl until a smooth dough forms.
2. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and let it rest for at least 30 minutes.
3. Divide the filling into 20 equal portions and roll them into balls.
4. Divide the dough into 20 equal portions and roll them into balls as well.
5. Flatten each dough ball with your palms and place a filling ball in the center. Wrap the filling with the dough and pinch the edges to seal.
6. Dust the mooncake mold with some flour and press the wrapped dough ball into it. Tap the mold lightly to release the mooncake.
7. Place the mooncakes onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
8. Mix the egg with some water to make an egg wash. Brush the mooncakes with the egg wash.
9. Bake the mooncakes for 15 minutes, then take them out and let them cool down for 10 minutes.
10. Brush the mooncakes with egg wash again and return them to the oven. Bake for another 10-15 minutes until golden brown.
11. Take the mooncakes out of the oven and let them cool completely. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Desserts
Apart from mooncakes, there are also many other desserts that you can make for the Moon Festival. Here are some easy and delicious recipes:
1. Snow Skin Mooncakes
Ingredients:
For the skin:
– 50g glutinous rice flour
– 20g rice flour
– 25g powdered sugar
– 20g vegetable oil
– 50g milk or coconut milk
For the filling:
– Same as above for mooncakes
Instructions:
1. Mix the glutinous rice flour, rice flour, powdered sugar, and vegetable oil in a bowl.
2. Gradually add the milk or coconut milk while stirring until a smooth dough forms.
3. Divide the dough into 20 equal portions and roll them into balls.
4. Repeat the same steps as above for filling and wrapping.
5. Dust the snow skin mooncakes with some glutinous rice flour and store them in the refrigerator.
2. Osmanthus Jelly
Ingredients:
– 20g dried osmanthus flowers
– 500ml water
– 50-80g rock sugar (adjust to taste)
– 1 tsp agar powder or gelatin powder
– A few drops of food coloring (optional)
Instructions:
1. Rinse the osmanthus flowers and soak them in water for 30 minutes.
2. Heat the osmanthus flower water in a pot and simmer for 5-10 minutes.
3. Add the rock sugar and stir until dissolved.
4. Mix the agar or gelatin powder with some water in a separate bowl.
5. Add the agar or gelatin mixture into the osmanthus flower water and stir well.
6. Add a few drops of food coloring if desired.
7. Pour the mixture into a mold or shallow dish and let it cool down.
8. Slice the osmanthus jelly into small pieces and serve chilled.
Conclusion
The Moon Festival is a time of joy, reunion, and delicious food. By making your own mooncakes and desserts, you can add a personal touch to the celebrations and impress your family and friends. Follow the step-by-step guide and recipe above, and have a happy and scrumptious Moon Festival!