Celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival: A Family Reunion with Mooncakes
The Mid-Autumn Festival, a cherished occasion for families throughout China, symbolizes unity and sharing, just like the moon’s full, bright face illuminating the night sky. This is the time of year when families gather—even if they cannot travel far—and share the rich flavors of traditional mooncakes and festive delicacies from every region of our vast nation.
As a Yunnan native, I am proud to dive into the heart of this celebration by crafting mooncakes that not only delight the palate but tell a story. Each mooncake represents a specific region, symbolizing its unique culture and flavors. They remind us that although we may be miles apart, our hearts are connected through these culinary treasures.
The Essence of Mooncakes
Mooncakes are not merely tasty treats; they are tokens of love, joy, and family bonding. Traditionally, they are filled with lotus seed paste, red bean paste, or even salted egg yolks, each bite a harmonious blend of sweetness and texture. As you prepare these exquisite confections, think of the cherished memories they hold and the joy they will bring to your family.
Mooncake Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup golden syrup
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 teaspoon alkaline water (lye water)
For the Filling:
- 1 cup lotus seed paste (or red bean paste)
- Optional: 4 salted egg yolks (cut in half)
Instructions:
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Make the Dough: In a bowl, mix the golden syrup, vegetable oil, and alkaline water. Gradually add the flour until a smooth dough forms. Cover with a damp cloth and let it rest for about 1 hour.
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Prepare the Filling: If using salted egg yolks, gently mix them into the lotus seed paste to create a rich, savory filling.
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Shape the Mooncakes: Divide the dough into equal portions, about 40 grams each. For the filling, take about 20 grams of lotus seed paste (with or without egg yolk) and mold it into a ball. Wrap the dough around the filling, gently sealing it.
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Mold the Mooncakes: Using a mooncake mold, press each filled dough ball to create beautiful designs. This is where your creativity can shine!
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Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake mooncakes for about 15 minutes, then let them cool. Brush with an egg wash and return to the oven for another 15 minutes until golden brown.
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Enjoy: Allow them to cool completely. The flavors will deepen over the next day, making the mooncakes even more delightful. Serve them with a cup of tea, and share laughter and stories with your loved ones.
A Journey Through Flavor
As you lay your mooncakes on the table, surrounded by an array of regional specialties, take a moment to appreciate the cultures and stories represented. Every bite of mooncake is a bridge to the places they come from, offering a taste of history and tradition.
This Mid-Autumn Festival, let’s honor our heritage with these mooncake recipes and share delightful moments with our families at home. May your reunion be filled with laughter, joy, and a feast of flavors that reflect the bounty of our beloved China.
Wishing you a wonderful Mid-Autumn Festival, filled with peace and good health. Let’s celebrate together!
Watch the video by 滇西小哥 Dianxi Xiaoge
Video “On this Mid-Autumn Festival, let’s bring China’s mooncakes together for a grand reunion. 【滇西小哥】” was uploaded on 09/24/2025 to Youtube Channel 滇西小哥 Dianxi Xiaoge