Chinese Moon Festival The Moon Festival is celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th month of the Chinese lunar calendar. On the night before the Moon Festival begins, children spend the day creating colourful and pretty lanterns. The Children don’t just create a pretty lantern; the lantern is shaped as either rabbits, fish, dragons, butterflies or other animals. Holding a horse lantern is really special because it is believed that the moon travels as one with the horse.
The lanterns are used to light the path for the elders and parents ready to gaze at the moon on this special occasion. Moon cakes are prepared the day before so they are ready to share out with family and friends as the moon is shining bright on the night of the moon festival.
Moon Cake Recipe Ingredients:
1/2 cup salted butter 1/4 cup sugar 2 egg yolks 1 cup all-purpose flour 1 can red bean paste or 1 cup jam 1/2-cup non-fat dried milk powder 1/4 cup finely chopped walnuts 1 can (17-1/2 ounces) lotus seed paste
Steps: 1. Mix the lotus seed paste and walnuts together in a bowl, set aside.
2. Sift flour, milk powder, baking powder, and salt together into a bowl. Then put it in a large electric mixer, beat eggs on medium speed until light and lemon coloured. Add sugar, beat for 10 minutes or until mixture falls in a thick ribbon. Add melted shortening, mix lightly. With a spatula, fold in flour mixture. Turn dough out on a lightly floured board. Knead for 1 minute or until smooth and satiny. Divide dough in half, roll each half into a thick long strip. Cut each strips into 12 equal pieces.
3. To shape each moon cake, roll a piece of dough into a ball. Roll out on a lightly floured board to make a 4-inch circle about 1/8-inch thick. Place 1 tablespoon of lotus seed paste mixture into the centre of the dough circle. Fold in sides of the dough to completely enclose filling. Press edges to seal. Lightly flour inside of the moon cake press with 2-1/2 inch diameter cups. Place moon cake, seam side up, in mould. Flatten dough and set it into the mould. Tap on the bottom of the mould to remove the moon cake. Place cake on ungreased baking sheet. Repeat to shape remaining cakes. Brush the top of the cake with egg yolk.
4. Bake in oven preheated at 375 degree F oven for 30 minutes or until golden brown. Transfer to a rack and let cool. Chloe