FASCA-SD Moon Cake Making Festival

Group picture taken after making yummy mooncakes. OCAC Council Member Steve Hsieh (row 4, left 1), FASCA mentors Marian Liu (row 3, right 4), Peggy Han (row 3, right 3), and Irene Wang (row 3, right 2)

San Diego, CA – September 13, 2025 — The San Diego Chapter of the Formosa Association of Student Cultural Ambassadors (FASCA-SD) members came together at one member’s house to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival by making Taiwanese steamed mooncakes and traditional egg yolk pastries from scratch.

The event began with an informative presentation about the holiday’s history and significance, including how it’s specifically celebrated in Taiwan. Members learned that in Taiwan, the festival feels more casual and family-oriented than in other places. It’s about gathering with loved ones and sharing food, just like the round mooncake itself, which symbolizes unity and togetherness. After watching a step-by-step video on how to make the treats, members were eager to try it for themselves.

To start the cooking process, members split into groups to tackle two different recipes: Taiwanese egg yolk pastry (蛋黃酥) and steamed mooncakes (冰皮月餅). Some worked on fillings with red bean and salted egg yolk, carefully wrapping the dry yolks in the sweet red bean paste. Others mixed wheat flour with butter to make a dough, wrapping it around the filling. To top it off, they brushed the tops with a nice egg wash and sprinkled on sesame seeds before baking to a golden finish. Meanwhile, another group worked on the steamed version, stretching dough over red bean paste, dusting them with powder, and stamping them with flower designs. Savory meat and green bean mooncakes were also made, marked with three little red dots. Though the process was time-consuming and required patience, it fostered a sense of teamwork and togetherness.

When everything was finished, participants packed boxes with two baked egg yolk pastries and two steamed mooncakes, sealing them with FASCA stickers. Parents arrived to pick up their purchased boxes, supporting the students’ efforts while also getting to taste their hand-made treats. None of this would have come together without the help of the four project leaders, Caroline, Celine, Ethan and Kyle, who carefully planned out the recipes, shifts, and materials. Thanks to their hard work and preparation, the event flowed smoothly, with all members having the right tools and clear instructions at hand.

“It was a really detailed process, but I’m glad I did it. I’ve always wanted to learn how to make mooncakes, so now I feel connected to my Taiwanese culture and happy to give back through this experience,” one member shared.

The event not only brought members closer together but also raised funds for FASCA’s future cultural and service projects. All in all, it was a meaningful way to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival through food, family spirit, and community.

Course Captain, Even Chen, gave a presentation about Mid-Autumn Festival.

Everyone worked hard preparing mooncakes at their own stations.

The members made the Taiwanese egg yolk pastries, steam mooncakes, and mung bean and meat pastries.

Reported by: Sophia Wu, FASCA San Diego PR Co-Captain

About FASCA-SD:

The Formosa Association of Student Cultural Ambassadors – San Diego empowers Taiwanese American youth to develop leadership skills, promote cultural exchange, and serve their local communities through education and outreach initiatives.

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