Mooncakes are another one of those Chinese delicacies that is associated with legends and history. Mooncakes are enjoyed as a special dessert during mid autumn for the Chinese. The exact date of this festival falls on the 15th day of the eighth month of the Chinese lunar calendar when the moon is said to be at its roundest. Children of all ages will take this opportunity to carry their multicolored lanterns in the gardens.
One of the stories relates to the mooncakes being used to hide secret messages to overthrow the Mongolian rulers in China sometime in the year 1351. Another legend associated the eating of mooncakes as a celebration in memory of the Lady Chang Er.
In any event, mooncakes have been enjoyed for many generations and it is during the Mid-Autumn festival that you will find many interesting and beautiful packaging available for mooncakes to be given away as gifts.
Traditionally, mooncakes are made with a sweet lotus seed filling and baked to become golden brown. Today, there are many exotic types of sweet and savory filings made of different pastries. The fillings may include egg yolks, lotus seeds, red bean, durian and even chocolate. These days, mooncakes come in multicolored pastries and some are not baked and have to be kept in the refrigerator.
Note: Some mooncakes may contain lard and therefore would be non-halal.
