It’s the first week of fall and for the first time, we’re celebrating the Mid- Autumn Festival with vegan mooncakes.
The Mid-Autumn or Mooncake Festival is celebrated in East Asian countries. It’s held on the 15th day of the 8th month of the Chinese calendar. This year, it falls on September 29th.
Traditionally, Ancient Chinese emperors observed the Mid-Autumn Festival by praying for a healthy harvest, good weather, and peace for the country. Today, Chinese literature associates the moon with the emotion of missing home. Therefore, the Mooncake Festival is now a time for family members (or community and friends) to come together and enjoy each other’s company. During this time, meals are shared and eating mooncakes is the one consistent part of the celebration.
Symbolically, the roundness of the mooncake signifies completeness and reunion. This is why many family and friends give mooncakes to one another, or cut and distribute pieces from a larger mooncake.
Mid-Autumn Specials at Alice and Friends
Asian countries have multiple types of mooncakes that vary depending on their region. Here at Alice and Friends, we wanted to offer Mooncakes with simple vegan ingredients that shared the feeling of ‘being together with family.’
Of course, Chef Ruby tackled the baking process like an art goddess. She patiently combined the ingredients, and rolled and folded the many layers in these pastries. Ultimately, she reached the perfect balance in some of her favorite recipes: the Mooncake and Taro Pastry.
Mooncake Pastry
The Mooncake pastry is a layered ultra-rich bread filled with a dense and mildly sweet red bean paste and mung bean. We have two menu items available. The first can be purchased as a one piece under our Today’s specials menu. The second is a two-piece gift box for those of you who want exchange gifts as a symbol of unity and togetherness.
Taro Pastry
The Taro Pastry is a delightful fusion of a flaky outer layer and a creamy taro filling. Taro has an earthy taste with a little bit of vanilla and a pinch of nuttiness.
We will be announcing the availability of these limited-time specials (and possibly a third pastry) in our social media. Follow us for daily announcements @aliceandfriendsvegan. Above all, we can’t wait to hear your thoughts when you try these pastries. Thank you for celebrating The Mid-Autumn festival with us!