On September 17, 2023, in a well-lit culinary classroom at the South Coast Chinese Cultural Center, a harmonious blend of traditions, laughter, and aromas filled the air. It was the Snow Skin Mooncake workshop, an endeavor by the Family Services Program (FSP) to bring together community members - from young children to respected seniors - in a celebration of Mid-Autumn festivities.
The Mid-Autumn Festival, deeply rooted in Chinese tradition, is often symbolized by the delicious mooncakes that grace tables across households. Each mooncake tells a story, a rich tapestry of history, folklore, and artistry. With varieties spanning from the classic Cantonese and the flaky Suzhou, Teochew and the soft Snow Skin, the diversity of mooncakes mirrors the diverse stories of Chinese communities worldwide.
The workshop, spearheaded by the FSP, was not just about culinary artistry. In the aftermath of a global pandemic, it was a symbol of resilience, unity, and hope. The FSP, having recognized the unique challenges faced by Chinese American families, from mental health to navigating immigration complexities, had introduced several initiatives. This mooncake-making session was one of them - an opportunity to promote mental well-being through cultural engagement.
Participants at the workshop were provided with all the necessary ingredients to craft the delicate 'bing pi' or Snow Skin mooncakes. As hands kneaded dough and filled them with red bean paste, black sesame paste, and lotus paste, stories of yore about the Mid-Autumn Festival were shared.
For the seniors, this workshop was a trip down memory lane, reminiscent of days when they made mooncakes under the guidance of their elders. For the younger generation, it was a lesson in tradition, patience, and craftsmanship. Each individual, regardless of their age, left the workshop with a sense of accomplishment, a bag of self-made mooncakes, and a heart full of cherished memories.
Today, as the world outside rushes past in its constant state of flux, inside the walls of the Cultural Center, traditions are preserved, stories are shared, and delicious mooncakes are savored. The Snow Skin Mooncake workshop was not just a lesson in culinary art; it was a testament to the enduring spirit of community, tradition, and togetherness.
In this unique event, participants learned how to make mouthwatering snowskin mooncakes by working side by side with our knowledgeable instructors. In the Mid-Autumn Festival, these delectable appetizers have a unique place. In addition to being delicious, they have a significant cultural value. Every stage of production—from kneading the dough to expertly presenting the mooncakes—involves participants directly, and each one makes you feel proud and happy.
Making snowskin mooncakes by hand has let us become a part of the vibrant Mid-Autumn Festival atmosphere. Participants received a greater knowledge of the special symbolic value of mooncakes in Chinese culture as they were fully immersed in the tales and traditions of this traditional holiday. The occasion includes not only the preparation of delectable food but also a chance for cultural exchange and family reunion.
One of the participants who gave comments said, "This exercise not only taught me how to bake delectable snowskin mooncakes, but also made me respect traditional Chinese culture more. I was able to actively take part in the process and experience a sense of community. the significance of coziness and unity.
Another participant remarked: "The instructors are highly knowledgeable and welcoming, and their instructions gave us a lot of confidence when baking mooncakes. For our family, attending this event together and having fun is a once-in-a-lifetime chance.
Not only are exquisite snowskin mooncakes made at this occasion, but it also serves as a chance for cultural exchange and family reunion. We hope to arrange more occasions like this in the future so that attendees can gain significant cultural insights and remarkable experiences.
2023年9月17日，在南海岸中華文化中心明亮的烹飪教室中，傳統、歡笑和香氣交織出節慶喜洋洋的氣氛。這是冰皮月餅工作坊，一場由家庭服務項目（FSP）策劃的活動，旨在將社區成員——從小孩到長輩——聚在一起，共慶中秋節。
備受華人重視的中秋節，往往以出現在各家各戶餐桌上的美味月餅為象徵。每個月餅都蘊含一個故事，是歷史、民間故事和工藝的豐富組合。從經典的廣式、香酥的蘇式、潮州和柔軟的冰皮，月餅的多樣性反映了全球華人社區多彩多姿的故事。
FSP主導的這次工作坊不僅僅是為了推廣烹飪藝術。在經歷了全球性的疫情之後，冰皮月餅工作坊也象徵著華人慶祝中秋節不變的傳統。FSP有鑑於美國華裔家庭所面臨的獨特挑戰，而推出了多項計劃。這次製作月餅的活動就是其中之一，旨在通過文化參與促進心理健康。
工作坊提供了參與者製作冰皮月餅所需的全部材料。大家用力揉著麵團，在麵皮中包入紅豆、芝蔴及蓮蓉餡，也分享個人的中秋節故事。
對退休的人來說，這個工作坊有如一趟回憶之旅，讓他們想起小時候在長輩指導下製作月餅的日子。年輕一代也在工作坊中學習到傳統、耐心和手藝。每個人，不論年齡，都帶著自己製作的月餅和滿滿的成就感回家。
今天，當外面的世界在不斷變化中急速前行時，我們在文化中心裡延續著傳統習俗，互相分享故事，並嚐到現作的月餅。冰皮月餅工作坊不僅是一堂烹飪藝術課；它更見證了一份對社區、鄰里和傳統不變的支持。
在這場獨特的活動中，參與者與我們經驗豐富的導師攜手合作，學習了製作美味的冰皮月餅的藝術。這些精緻的點心在中秋節中扮演著特殊的角色，不僅美味可口，還蘊含著濃厚的文化意義。您親自參與了每一個製作步驟，從揉麵團到巧妙包裝月餅，每個步驟都為參與者帶來成就感和喜悅。
這次親手製作冰皮月餅的經驗，我們融入了中秋節的濃厚氛圍之中。參與者沉浸在這個傳統節日的故事和文化中，深入了解月餅在中國文化中的獨特象徵意義。活動不僅是美食的製作，更是文化的交流和家庭的團聚時刻。
我們聆聽了參與者的反饋，其中一位參與者分享道：“這次活動不僅教會了我如何製作美味的冰皮月餅，還讓我更加珍惜中國傳統文化。我能夠親自參與這個過程，感受到了家庭的溫暖和團聚的重要性。”
另一位參與者表示：“導師們非常專業且友善，他們的指導使我們在製作月餅時感到非常自信。這個活動是一個難得的機會，讓我們一家人共同參與，共享愉快的時光。”
這個活動不僅是一個美味的冰皮月餅製作體驗，更是一個文化的交流和家庭的團聚時刻。我們期待未來舉辦更多這樣的活動，為參與者帶來難忘的體驗和深刻的文化感悟。