Celebrate the Moon Festival with Food, Family, & Togetherness
SEPTEMBER 2024 — The Moon Festival, a festival celebrated in many Asian communities, is filled with rich traditions, delicious food, and cherished family moments. This year, we invite everyone to join in the festivities and experience the joy of togetherness under the full moon.
Foods to Enjoy During the Moon Festival
Mooncakes: Mooncakes are the star of the Moon Festival. These round pastries, symbolizing unity and completeness, come in various flavors, from traditional lotus seed paste with salted egg yolk to modern fillings like chocolate and matcha. Mooncakes are often shared among family and friends, embodying the spirit of the festival. Below is a simple recipe to make your own mooncakes at home.
Easy Mooncake Recipe
Ingredients:
1⅔ cups all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons caster sugar
½ teaspoon salt
1 stick unsalted butter
2 large eggs (divided)
1 egg yolk
8 salted egg yolks
10 ounces lotus paste
1 tablespoon white sesame seeds
Directions:
Prepare the Dough: Mix flour, cornstarch, sugar, salt, and butter in a large bowl. Rub the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture is sandy. Add 1 egg and 1 egg yolk. Knead until smooth. If too flaky, add water a teaspoon at a time. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Prepare the Salted Egg Yolks: Steam or bake the salted egg yolks at 320°F (160°C) for 10 minutes. Let them cool to room temperature.
Prepare the Lotus Paste Balls: Divide lotus paste into 35g pieces and roll each into a ball. Flatten each ball into a 3-inch disc, place a salted egg yolk in the center, and wrap it completely. Roll to smoothen. Repeat for all yolks.
Assemble the Mooncakes: Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C) and line a baking tray. Divide the dough into 50g pieces and roll each into a ball. Flatten each dough ball into a 4-inch disc and wrap it around the lotus paste ball. Smooth the ball and place it on the baking tray.
Bake the Mooncakes: Beat the remaining egg and brush the tops of the mooncakes with egg wash. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
Cool and Store: Let the mooncakes cool to room temperature before eating. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature or up to a week in the fridge.
**Note: if you want a traditional design on your mooncake, you can buy a mooncake pattern mold. After you assemble the mooncake, place it in the mold to give it the chosen design before cooking.
Other Festive Foods: In addition to mooncakes, families enjoy a variety of foods that celebrate the harvest and symbolize good fortune. Popular dishes include:
Roast duck
Taro
Pomelo
Tsukimi Dango
Soup Dumplings
Purpose of Celebrating the Moon Festival:
The Moon Festival, also known as the Mid-Autumn Festival, is a cherished time for family reunions and celebrating togetherness. It’s an opportunity to gather with loved ones, enjoy a meal, and appreciate the beauty of the full moon, which symbolizes unity and harmony. The festival pays homage to cultural legends, such as the story of Chang’e (嫦娥), the Moon Goddess, who ascended to the moon and is worshiped for her grace and kindness.
Traditionally, families come together to share mooncakes, symbolizing the completeness and unity of family. Children and adults alike enjoy lighting and carrying lanterns, a custom that adds a magical glow to the night. Many people also take part in dragon and lion dances, which are believed to bring good luck and drive away bad luck.
Additionally, the festival is a time for various other activities such as guessing lantern riddles, a popular game that challenges wit and wisdom, and burning incense to honor the deities and ancestors. Families can also read “Our Moon Festival” by Yobe Qiu to understand the meaning of the festival being celebrated in the unique ways the Japanese, Vietnamese, and Chinese communities celebrate the Moon Festival. The story illustrates different families and their traditions as they observe Zhong Qiu Jie, Tết Trung Thu, and Tsukimi!
Whether you’re sharing mooncakes, enjoying a festive dinner, or simply admiring the moon, the Moon Festival is a time to connect with family and embrace the joy of togetherness. Join us in celebrating this beautiful tradition and making memories that will last a lifetime.
Connect with Yobe Qiu on Facebook and Instagram @byyobeqiu and visit her website byyobeqiu.com
To set up an interview, a school visit, or for more information regarding Lee’s story about creating the push carts, contact her at hello@byyobeqiu.com