Moon festival 2021

Today is the moon festival in Japan. Apparently many people were looking forward to this annual event more than usual, possibly to be festive more than usual and enjoy the day thoroughly.

Lots of text have been exchanged to talk about today’s weather forecast. Apparently it will be cloudy today, so the visibility of the moon may not be good. Some of my friend went out to see the moon last night, held a little party at home. Some of them cooked sweet dumpling with their kids, which looked fun.

The reason why dumplings are chosen for the sweets of the day is simple : Dumplings look like full moon !

At home, my family was festive more than usual. We did went out last night to see the bright moon. My parent went out today, and bought some sweets which may be too much for the three of us. 

They said some of the stores were offering Silver grass, a typical decoration of this day. Sadly the silver grasses at the stores were too mature, flowers were all open and fluffy seeds were almost falling. My parents gave up bringing the decoration.

We used to cook some dumplings (dango in Japanese) for the day. We somehow managed to keep the old recipe at home. In case if someone interested, here’s the one.

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Sticky rice powder : 125g  (use Dango powder if available)

Water : 140cc

Canned sweet azuki beans : 1 tin

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Put the sticky rice powder in a bowl

Add water and mix well, knead it until it becomes soft dough.

Divide the dough into small pieces. Roll them into small balls.

Pour some water in a deep pan, and bring to boil.

Put the rolled balls into boiling water.

Boil until the balls float.

Drench the hot water, and rinse the balls under cold water

Put the balls on a plate, make a pyramid with the balls.

Pour sweet azuki beans

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Enjoy! Happy Otsukimi !