Pastel Moon

Background

Pastel Moon is a delightful and visually striking dessert that originates from the fusion of traditional Asian mooncakes with contemporary Western desserts. This pastry is usually famous during the Mid-Autumn Festival, where mooncakes embody cultural significance, symbolizing reunion and happiness. Our modern take, the Pastel Moon, incorporates alternating layers of colorful pastes and delicate crusts, creating a mosaic reminiscent of a vibrant moonlit night. The dessert is both a visual and gastronomic treat, signifying an embrace of traditional values and modern aesthetics.

Ingredients

• Flour
• Sugar
• Unsalted Butter
• Egg
• Almond Extract
• Red Bean Paste
• Lotus Seed Paste
• Matcha Powder
• Cocoa Powder
• Baking Powder
• Milk
• Cream
• Food Coloring

Preparation

Begin by preparing the workspace and gathering all necessary tools, including mixing bowls, a rolling pin, and mooncake molds. This procedural step ensures seamless execution of subsequent tasks.

For the Pastry Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine 250g of flour, 100g of sugar, and a pinch of baking powder. Mix well.
2. Add 150g of chilled unsalted butter, cut into cubes. Use your fingers to rub the butter into the dry ingredients until it resembles coarse crumbs.
3. In a small bowl, whisk 1 egg and a teaspoon of almond extract together. Stir this into the flour mixture until a dough forms.
4. Divide the dough into four equal portions, incorporating a different food coloring for each to create pastel hues. Wrap each in plastic and chill for 30 minutes.

Preparing the Filling

1. Divide 100g of red bean paste into three portions and do the same for 100g of lotus seed paste.
2. To one portion of each paste, add a tablespoon of matcha powder. Blend thoroughly to create matcha-flavored fillings.
3. To another, add a tablespoon of cocoa powder, creating a chocolate-infused paste.

Complete Cooking Process

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. On a floured surface, roll out one portion of colored dough to about 1/8 inch thick.
3. Using a circular cutter, stamp out several rounds.
4. Place a matching filling ball in the center of each round and wrap the dough to encase the filling, forming a perfect sphere.
5. Repeat the process with each dough and filling combination, thus creating varying pastel moon cakes.
6. Press each ball into a prepared mold, gently patting them into form, then release them onto a baking sheet.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until lightly browned. Use a cooking timer to ensure accurate timing.
8. Cool on wire racks before serving.

How to Enjoy

The Pastel Moon is best savored at a leisurely pace, allowing its intricate flavors to emerge with each bite. Pair these delightful morsels with a pot of oolong tea or jasmine tea, enriching the tasting experience. Share this unique dessert with family and friends during festival gatherings to honor the spirit of unity and tradition.