| Chinese Moon Cakes ~ Moon Cakes are filled with various fillings. In the Philippines Moon Cakes are very popular and are called "Hopia". There are many fillings that can be used. Filipino Hopia calls for the sweet yellow mung bean, and in some cases the addition of red chile peppers to make a Spicy Hopia. Filling: 1-1/3 pound red bean paste. (Purchase Sweetened Red Bean Paste from an Asian grocer) Dough #1 Group 1 2 cups flour 2/3 cups water 4 tbsp shortening 1/2 tbsp sugar 1/3 tsp salt Dough #2 Group 2 1 cup flour 5 tbsp corn oil Group 3 1 egg yolk 1 tbsp water 1. If canned red bean paste is unsweetened (check label), add sugar to taste. Divide the filling into 20 portions and shape into balls. 2. Dough #1: Mix ingredients in group 1; make a dough and knead until smooth. Roll into a long baton-like shape. Divide into 20 pieces. Dough #2: Mix ingredients in group 2; make a dough and knead until smooth. Roll into a baton-like shape. Divide into 20 pieces. 3. Flatten the pieces of dough 1 to a circle. Put a piece of dough 2 (do not flatten) in the center of dough 1. Flatten the dough lightly with the palm of hand. Use a rolling pin to roll each piece into a rectangle 4-inches long and 2-inches wide. Beginning at the 2-inch edge, roll up each piece into a baton-like shape. Place the dough in front of you lengthwise then roll it out again to 4-inch long and 1-inch wide. From the the 1-inch edge, roll up the dough into a ball. Lightly flatten the dough with the palm of your hand. Use a rolling pin to roll into a 3-inch circle. 4. Place some filling in the center of the circle. Gather the edges of the dough to completely enclose the filling. Pinch the edges to securely to seal and ensure ball will not open. Lightly press the filled dough ball with your hands to form a 2-inch slightly rounded and flattened shape (somewhat like small hockey puck). 5. Place the moon cakes on a cookie sheet brush with group 3 then bake for 25 minutes in a pre-heated 350 degree oven. Remove and serve. Tip of the Toque....Allow dough to relax for about 20-30 minutes after each rolling session. 20 Moon Cakes |
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