On autumn evenings, the moon takes center stage, appearing larger than it does the rest of the year. In Chinese cultures, in fact, mid-September is the time of the Moon Festival, when families celebrate by going on moonlit picnics, eating moon cakes or telling fables about the lady who lives in the moon. Your family can follow their lead by heading outdoors on the night of the full moon, September 16 this year, for an evening spent under its silvery light.
First, bring along some Chinese-style moon cakes (see the recipe below or buy them at Chinese food stores) and other round foods, such as grapes, melons, oranges or hard-boiled eggs. While feasting, look to the heavens and take turns describing what you see in the moon's surface.
After eating, have a moon ceremony. To prepare, cut birthday candles in half and melt the bottom of each candle with a match. Attach each one inside an empty walnut shell half. Light the walnut boat-candles and float them on a pond (or in a large bowl). After the moon comes up, have everyone make a wish, then blow out the candles together--the smoke will carry your wishes skyward.
Finish up the evening by singing every song you know about the moon (or just howling at it), then head home for a bedtime reading of--what else?--GOODNIGHT MOON.
FALL MOON CAKES
Traditional Chinese moon cakes are round like their namesake and are usually filled with red bean paste, lotus seed paste or coconut. This nonfilled version is crunchy and sweet, and a little more familiar to American kids' palates.
1 cup butter
2/3 cup sugar
1 egg
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. vanilla extract
Vanilla frosting
Grated coconut (optional)
Cream the butter and sugar. Stir in the egg, add the flour, salt and vanilla extract, then let chill for a few hours. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Roll out the dough to 1/4-inch thickness and cut out circles with a 3-inch cookie cutter. Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until just brown. Frost when cooled and sprinkle grated coconut on top, if desired. Makes 4 to 5 dozen cookies.
