Moon cake –Get ready to embark on a delightful journey as we dive into the world of scrumptious moon cakes! These round, scrumptious treats aren’t just for the Moon Festival; they’re a year-round indulgence that can turn your snack time into a majestic feast. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to impress your taste buds!
Moon Cakes
Ah, moon cakes! The delectable pastries filled with sweet surprises that leave our taste buds dancing under the stars. They boast a crisp outer crust, often adorned with intricate designs that are so pretty you might just feel guilty about eating them. Well, not too guilty—because who can resist the allure of these little celestial wonders?
Before we dive into the kitchen escapade of making these heavenly treats, let’s gather the magical ingredients you’ll need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup golden syrup (this stuff is like liquid gold, trust me!)
- 1/4 cup lard or vegetable oil
- 1/2 teaspoon alkaline water
- 1 cup red bean paste (sweet and oh-so-good!)
- 1/4 cup salted egg yolks (because why not add some savory magic?)
- 1/2 cup mixed nuts (for that crunchy surprise!)
- Sesame seeds for decoration
Now that we have our treasures ready, it’s time to transform them into edible art! Here’s how we do it:
- In a large bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, golden syrup, lard (or oil), and alkaline water until it forms a nice dough. It’s like creating your own mini moon! Just make sure not to eat it raw—unless you’re really feeling adventurous.
- Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for about 30 minutes. You want it to relax, just like you after that long day at work.
- Meanwhile, divide the red bean paste into small balls and tuck in a salted egg yolk inside for that delightful surprise. It’s the treasure inside the moon cake!
- Once rested, divide your dough into equal portions. Flatten each piece and wrap it around the filling. Make sure it’s all snug like a burrito!
- Press the filled dough into moon cake molds to give them those charming designs—ah, the beauty of culinary arts!
- Place the molded cakes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush them lightly with an egg wash (it’s like giving them a little spa day!).
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until they turn golden brown and absolutely irresistible!
Once baked, let them cool down and watch the magic happen as the flavors meld together. Now you’re the proud owner of a batch of moon cakes that could make even the moon jealous!
Enjoy your moon cakes with a cup of tea, or share them with friends and family—and watch their faces light up like a full moon on a clear night!