1 Large Square Moon Cake Oriental Pastry (made with Bean or Lotus Seed Paste Filling, Baked) contains 677 calories. Moon cakes are a popular traditional Chinese dessert that are often eaten during the Mid-Autumn Festival or used as gifts during the holiday season.
Moon cakes are typically made with a thin crust and a sweet filling, which may include bean or lotus seed paste, as well as egg yolk or sometimes even meat. They are known for their rich flavor and eye-catching designs.
In this article, we'll take a closer look at what makes large square moon cake oriental pastry so unique and explore various ways to enjoy them.
What is a Large Square Moon Cake Oriental Pastry?
A large square moon cake oriental pastry is a type of moon cake that is typically larger in size and square in shape. It is often decorated with intricate patterns and designs and filled with a sweet bean or lotus seed paste. The pastry is typically made using a mix of wheat flour, sugar, egg yolk, and vegetable oil, and sometimes includes additional ingredients like fruit or nuts to enhance the flavor. It is usually baked to give it a golden-brown color and a crunchy texture.
What are the Ingredients of a Large Square Moon Cake Oriental Pastry?
The main ingredients of a large square moon cake oriental pastry are wheat flour, sugar, vegetable oil, egg yolk, and a sweet filling, which can include bean or lotus seed paste. Additional ingredients, such as fruit or nuts, may also be added to enhance the flavor. Some variations of the pastry may also include ingredients like red bean paste, green bean paste, sesame paste, or jujube paste. Egg yolk is often used as a decorative element on the surface of the pastry and to add richness to the filling.
How Many Calories Does a Large Square Moon Cake Oriental Pastry Have?
A large square moon cake oriental pastry typically contains around 677 calories, making it a high-calorie dessert option. If you are watching your calorie intake, it is recommended to enjoy this pastry in moderation. The exact number of calories may vary depending on the size and filling of the pastry, as well as the recipe used to make it.
What Makes Large Square Moon Cake Oriental Pastry a Popular Chinese Dessert?
Large square moon cake oriental pastry is a popular Chinese dessert due to its rich flavor and cultural significance. It is often enjoyed during the Mid-Autumn Festival, a traditional holiday that celebrates the full moon and family reunions. Moon cakes are believed to have originated during the Tang dynasty and have since become an integral part of Chinese culture. They are often exchanged as gifts during the holiday season, symbolizing good luck, happiness, and unity.
What are the Different Variations of Large Square Moon Cake Oriental Pastry?
There are various types of large square moon cake oriental pastries, each with its own unique filling and style. Some popular variations include:
- Bean paste moon cake: filled with sweet bean paste
- Lotus seed paste moon cake: filled with sweet lotus seed paste
- Five kernel moon cake: filled with a mixture of five types of nuts
- Egg yolk moon cake: filled with bean or lotus seed paste and a whole salted egg yolk
- Ice skin moon cake: a variation made with a soft and chewy rice flour crust and filled with sweet bean paste
What is the History of Large Square Moon Cake Oriental Pastry?
Moon cakes have a long and rich history in Chinese culture, dating back to the Tang dynasty. They were initially used as a way to commemorate the fall harvest, but have since become associated with the Mid-Autumn Festival and other traditional holidays. During the Ming dynasty, moon cakes were used as a secret way to spread anti-government messages and smuggle messages between rebels. As a result, they were banned by the ruling government for a period of time.
How to Make a Large Square Moon Cake Oriental Pastry at Home?
To make a large square moon cake oriental pastry at home, you will need the following ingredients:
- 400g wheat flour
- 220g lotus seed paste
- 220g red bean paste
- 50g sugar
- 100ml vegetable oil
- 3 egg yolks
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
For detailed instructions on how to make the pastry, please refer to a reliable moon cake recipe source.
What to Serve with Large Square Moon Cake Oriental Pastry?
Large square moon cake oriental pastry can be enjoyed on their own as a sweet and indulgent dessert, or paired with tea or other beverages to balance out the rich flavors. In China, it is common to serve moon cakes alongside other traditional snacks like taro cakes, roasted chestnuts, and sweet potatoes. Some families may also prepare more elaborate feasts to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival.
How to Store Large Square Moon Cake Oriental Pastry?
To keep your large square moon cake oriental pastry fresh, it is recommended to store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last for up to a week this way. If you need to extend their shelf life, you can also store them in the refrigerator or freezer. However, be aware that this may affect the texture and flavor of the pastry.
Where to Buy Large Square Moon Cake Oriental Pastry?
Large square moon cake oriental pastries can be found at many Chinese bakeries and specialty dessert shops, especially during the Mid-Autumn Festival season. If you prefer to shop online, there are also many retailers that offer moon cakes for delivery, including Asian grocery stores and specialty food websites.
As legend has it, the moon cakes were used to smuggle secret messages between rebels during the Ming dynasty. They were also used to commemorate the fall harvest and pay tribute to the moon, which played a significant role in ancient Chinese culture.
5 FAQ about Large Square Moon Cake Oriental Pastry
1. What ingredients are included in a large square moon cake?
A large square moon cake is typically made using pastry dough and filled with either bean or lotus seed paste. Other ingredients may include sugar, salt, and water. Some variations may also include nuts, fruits, or egg yolks.
2. How many calories are in a large square moon cake?
A typical large square moon cake contains around 677 calories. This can vary depending on the ingredients used, size of the moon cake, and preparation method.
3. What is the significance of moon cakes?
Moon cakes are traditionally eaten during the Mid-Autumn Festival in China, which is a symbol of reunion and harvest. They are often given as gifts to friends and family members as a way of expressing love and gratitude.
4. Are large square moon cakes healthy?
While moon cakes are a traditional treat, they are not generally considered to be healthy due to their high calorie and sugar content. However, they can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
5. How should large square moon cakes be stored?
Large square moon cakes should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature. They can also be frozen for longer-term storage. It is important to keep them away from direct sunlight and moisture to prevent spoilage.