I looked it up and found some BUT I don't know where to get lotus seed paste or red bean paste...Is there a substitute bean for the azuki beans? Any help would be APPRECIATED! THANKS!
2008-09-12T21:11:31Z
Thank you all for the great answers. I think I found a chinese bakery in a bigger city near me THANKS :D
2008-09-12T21:12:02Z
Oh and I couldnt pick a best answer sorry because you were all the best !
Angela Q2008-09-12T14:36:07Z
Favorite Answer
They don't generally make them at home, but it certainly is possible. You can even buy special mooncake molds to get the attractive impression and shape.
You can only buy them where there are Chinese bakeries.
I have made red bean paste and black bean paste using regular red beans and black beans.
First, just for your information, essentially all Chinese buy their moon cakes from bakery. In fact, I am a middle-age Chinese and I have never tasted home-made moon cakes in my life.
As for red bean paste, it is commonly available in Chinese groceries, usually in the frozen or refrigerated food section. It is harder to find lotus seed paste except in large cities like Vancouver, Toronto or New York where there are large Asian communities.
My family has never made or even attempted to make our own moon cakes. It has always been bakery bought. It is actually one of the most complicated things to make in the Chinese culture. My mom makes her own dim sum, pot sticker and all sorts of Chinese snacks and traditional festive items but has never and will never attempt to make her own moon cakes. That should let you know how difficult it is!