Frequently Asked Questions
What are Taro and Coconut Snow Skin Mooncakes?
Taro and Coconut Snow Skin Mooncakes are a modern, no-bake version of traditional mooncakes featuring a soft, chewy exterior and a sweet filling made from taro, purple yam, and coconut milk.
What does the round shape of the mooncake symbolize?
In Chinese culture, the round shape of mooncakes symbolizes unity and togetherness, traditionally shared during the Mid-Autumn Festival.
How do snow skin mooncakes differ from traditional ones?
Unlike traditional mooncakes which are baked with a pastry crust, snow skin mooncakes are no-bake and feature a wrapper made from steamed glutinous rice flour that remains soft and chewy.
What flours are used to make the snowy mooncake wrapper?
The wrapper is crafted from a unique blend of glutinous rice flour, rice flour, and tapioca starch.
How long does the wrapper batter need to be steamed?
The batter should be steamed over medium-high heat for approximately 30 to 40 minutes, or until the mixture becomes translucent.
Why is it necessary to refrigerate the snow skin dough before assembly?
Refrigeration for at least 2 hours is essential because working with hot dough can be overly sticky and difficult to handle.
What ingredients are in the taro coconut filling?
The filling consists of steamed taro root, purple yam, granulated sugar, unsweetened coconut milk, and cooked sago pearls.
How long should I steam the taro and purple yam?
The taro and purple yam should be steamed for about 30 minutes, or until they can be easily pierced with a fork.
What is the ratio of dough to filling for a 50-gram mooncake?
For a 50-gram mold, use approximately 15 grams of snow skin dough and 35 grams of taro coconut filling.
How do I prevent the mooncake dough from sticking to the mold?
Dust the formed ball and the mooncake mold lightly with toasted rice flour to prevent sticking during the pressing process.
What is the purpose of adding purple yam to the filling?
The purple yam adds a vibrant color and complements the taro to create a rich, sweet texture in the filling.
Can I add food coloring to the mooncake wrapper?
Yes, you can divide the batter and add food coloring to achieve your preferred aesthetic before steaming.
How should I treat the dough after steaming it?
Once steamed, stir the batter vigorously for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and springy, then knead it in plastic wrap until it is shiny.
What texture do the sago pearls add to the filling?
Gently folding in cooked sago pearls adds a unique and pleasant texture to the creamy taro and coconut mixture.
How many calories are in one of these mooncakes?
Each mooncake contains approximately 180 calories.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, these mooncakes are tagged as vegetarian-friendly.
How should these mooncakes be served?
The mooncakes can be served either chilled or at room temperature.
What is the fat content per mooncake?
Each mooncake contains about 7.75 grams of fat.
How many grams of carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 24.25 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein is in one mooncake?
One mooncake contains 1 gram of protein.
What kind of coconut milk should be used?
The recipe calls for unsweetened full-fat coconut milk for both the wrapper and the filling.
How many ingredients are needed for this recipe?
The recipe requires a total of 14 ingredients.
Can I use different types of fillings?
Yes, the recipe notes that the possibilities for fillings for snow skin mooncakes are endless.
How thick should the dough be rolled?
The dough should be rolled into a thin circle approximately 1/8 inch thick.
What type of oil is used in the dough?
Vegetable oil is used in the snowy mooncake wrapper mixture.
What is the best way to mash the taro filling?
You can mash the steamed taro and purple yam using a large spoon or spatula until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
What equipment is needed to shape the mooncakes?
You will need a mooncake press or mold, typically a 50-gram size for the measurements provided.
Is kosher salt used in this recipe?
Yes, 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt is included in the ingredient list.
How do you seal the mooncake?
Place the filling in the center of the dough and carefully fold the edges of the dough over the filling to seal it completely into a ball.
Is icing sugar necessary for the wrapper?
Yes, 6 tablespoons of icing sugar are used to provide the necessary sweetness for the mooncake wrapper.