Like seasonal beverages on a Starbucks menu signify the start of the holidays, the appearance of Mooncakes signify the start of Mid-Autumn or Mooncake Festival.

Typical mooncakes are round pastries, measuring about 10 cm in diameter and 3–4 cm thick. Most mooncakes consist of a thick, tender pastry skin enveloping a sweet, dense filling, and may contain one or more whole salted egg yolks in their center as the symbol of the full moon. Mooncakes are usually eaten in small wedges accompanied by tea.

Traditional mooncakes have an imprint on top consisting of the Chinese characters for “longevity” or “harmony”, as well as the name of the bakery and the filling inside. Imprints of the moon, Lady chang-o(known as goddess of the moon), flowers, vines, or a rabbit (symbol of the moon) may surround the characters for additional decoration.

As per tradition, mooncakes are given as a token of appreciation and a way to tighten relationships. They are gifted from the younger generation to parents and grandparents, companies to their clients and corporations to their staff.

Click the link below for the recipe!

https://www.finedininglovers.com/recipes/dessert/chinese-food-mooncake-recipe/