As Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as ‘Mooncake Festival’ approaches on 29th September this 2023, the streets in many Asian cities start to illuminate with colourful lanterns and decorations, where families get together to celebrate under the gentle full moon’s glow.
Something that cannot be missed during this festival – Mooncakes! With this delicious pastry holding a special place in the hearts of many, you may wonder how this all came about. In this article, we will explore everything about Mooncakes. Let’s get started…
Why Mooncakes?
Being a time-honoured tradition dating back to the Tang Dynasty in China, mooncakes have been a key part of Mid-Autumn Festival for centuries. Full of rich symbolism signifying the full moon, with its round shape representing reunion and completeness, mooncakes emphasise on the importance of family and unity. The fillings found in mooncakes represent different blessings – from happiness, health, wealth to longevity, with lotus seed paste and salted egg yolks being among the most popular fillings.
During Mooncake Festival, exchanging mooncake gifts is a common phenomenon; a gesture of goodwill and an expression of respect and love to those around. The act of giving and receiving mooncakes is a beautiful way to bond with family and treasured ones.
With that said, check out this simple Mooncake Recipe you can try yourself…
Ingredients You’ll Need:
· 200g Lotus Seed Paste or Your Preferred Filling
· 4 Salted Egg Yolks
· 150g Golden Syrup
· 50g Vegetable Oil
· 1/2 Teaspoon of Water
· 250g All-Purpose Flour
· Egg Wash (1 Egg Yolk + 1 Teaspoon of Water)
1) Get the Filling Ready
Cut salted egg yolks into half, brush them with some cooking wine, and steam them for around 5 to 10 minutes until they are slightly crumbly. Roll each portion into a ball thereafter.
2) Prepare the Mooncake Dough
Next, mix golden syrup, vegetable oil, and alkaline water together in a mixing bowl. Slowly add all-purpose flour and mix until a smooth dough forms, then divide them into even portions and roll them into balls.
3) Assemble the Mooncakes
Proceed to flatten the rolled balls into small discs, placing lotus seed paste in the middle. Then, wrap the dough around the filling to ensure it is fully covered.
4) Molding
Dust your mooncake mold with flour, tapping out any access. Place the filled dough into the mold, pressing firmly. Carefully release your molded mooncakes onto a baking tray and brush them with egg wash.
5) Baking
Preheat your oven to 180°C, then bake your mooncakes for 10 minutes. Remove them from the oven and let them cool, followed by brushing another layer of egg wash. Put them in the oven again for another 10-15 minutes till a golden brown is visible.
6) Cooling and it’s Time to Eat!
Let your mooncakes cool completely, and they are all ready to eat or store!
Mooncakes are more than just a delectable dessert, but a symbol of tradition, love, and unity! This year, gather your loved ones to bake or share mooncakes together to add joy and memories under the full moon’s radiant glow.
Shop Noel Gifts newly launched collection of Mid-Autumn Gifts and Hampers with gift delivery within Singapore or send festive wishes abroad with our International Mooncake Gifts and Hamper Collection!
Gear up and make Mid-Autumn Festival a special one for the books this year.