The process of making traditional five-nut mooncakes is both traditional and fun. Here is a detailed step-by-step guide:
The materials needed include 280 grams of inverted sugar syrup, 2 grams of alkaline water, 2 grams of clear water for making alkaline solution, 100 grams of peanut oil, 400 grams of all-purpose flour as the base for the crust, a total of 540 grams of assorted nuts to add flavor, 130 grams of white sugar for sweetness, 260 grams of glutinous rice flour to absorb excess oil from nuts, 150 grams of water, and 70 grams of cooking oil for assisting in shaping the filling. Lastly, an egg yolk is needed for coloring.
First, prepare the alkaline solution: Mix alkaline water with a small amount of clear water. Then, blend the flour, inverted sugar syrup, homemade alkaline water, and peanut oil until the dough is smooth. Cover and set aside for at least an hour to allow the dough to soften and become easier to work with.
Meanwhile, lightly toast the glutinous rice flour over low heat until slightly yellow to remove raw flour taste. Ensure the nuts are roasted; this can be achieved by stir-frying over low heat or baking in the oven. Then, crush the nuts and mix with white sugar, roasted glutinous rice flour, water, and cooking oil to create a rich five-nut filling.
Next, proceed to the wrapping stage. Take 20 grams of dough for each crust, and 30 grams of the five-nut filling. Take a small piece of dough, gently flatten it, place the filling on top, use the “tiger mouth” technique to slowly push the dough up until the filling is completely covered. Then, gently shape it to fit into the mooncake mold.
Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius, place the shaped mooncakes in the oven and bake for 5 minutes to set the shape, adjusting the temperature based on the oven. Remove the mooncakes, lightly brush a thin layer of egg yolk on the surface, then return to the oven at 190 degrees Celsius and continue baking for about 15 minutes until the mooncakes have an enticing golden color.
After careful preparation, the fragrant and crispy five-nut mooncakes are complete, preserving the traditional flavor while incorporating personal creativity and emotion, perfect for sharing among family during festive occasions.
