Welcome to our series sharing Food Holidays: April 9th, 2022. I don’t know about you, but Charlie and I love Cookies. I am sure we’ve tried Chinese Almond Cookies but since I am not sure of that we can back some in Charlie’s Homeschool Cooking Class this week. Would you like to join us for cooking baking?
National Chinese Almond Cookie Day
Five things to know about Chinese Almond Cookies
- In Mandarin Chinese, these are more literally called “Almond Cakes.”
- The Chinese Almond Cookie is Native to Southern and Southeast China.
- There is no record of these Cookies before the 1900’s.
- The Chinese commonly prepared Almond Miilk and Almond Tea.
- An American variation exists using Pecans.
Fun Fact:
Typical to Southern and Southeastern China, Almond Cookies are usually enjoyed around Chinese New Year, and are given as gifts to friends.
In some Chinese restaurants, these Cookies are served to cleanse the palate after several courses, rather than being regarded as a dessert.
Yuan-Shan Chi declared these cookies “as Chinese as Blueberry Pie.”
Almonds and good luck beckon National Chinese Almond Cookie Day celebrations on April 9th. The golden Cookie, sometimes with special designs and, other times, plain, delivers scrumptiousness in its crunch and Almond flavors. These Cookies are also known as Chinese Almond Moon Cakes. The Cookies are traditionally made during Chinese New Year as they are believed to bring good luck to households. You can get special designs on your Moon Cakes by pressing the Dough into a mold. But not having any designs on your Cookies does not make them any less special. While it is unclear when exactly Chinese Almond Cookies were brought to the American shores, there are no mentions of the Cookies before the 1800s or the 1900s.
HISTORY OF NATIONAL CHINESE ALMOND COOKIE DAY
Chinese Almond Cookies do not appear to have a set origin date or place. Sources say that they have been adapted from the Chinese Walnut Cookies, which were invented in the 16th Century during the Ming Dynasty. At first, the Walnut Cookies were considered a royal dish, however, as the years went by and the recipe was released to the public, the cookies were so popular and loved by everyone that they became quite common. People adored the Cookie so much that they considered it the National Cookie.
Chinese Almond Cookies, which are Native to Southern- and Southeastern China, were introduced in the U.S. after the first wave of Chinese immigrants came to the Country. Thus, like Fortune Cookies and other popular Chinese dishes, Chinese Almond Cookies also became much desired by the masses. The Cookie is made with a mixture of Almond and Mung Powder. the Cookie also has an Almond sliver in the middle, and it is believed that good luck comes from this piece.
Today, said Cookies can be found in many Chinese restaurants and Hotels. Due to its plain subtly sweet taste, the Cookie is served as a palate cleanser after a meal of rich spices and flavors. The Cookies can be found being sold in food stalls in Macao and Hong Kong. There are also several flavors of Almond Cookies, some with Cultural twists. The Chinese Almond Cookie has a Turkish cousin called ‘acıbadem kurabiyesi,’ meaning bitter Almond Cookie.
HOW TO CELEBRATE NATIONAL CHINESE ALMOND COOKIE DAY
- =Dig into the Chinese delicacy and savor its flavors to the fullest! There is not only a treat in it for you, but it also means supporting your local Chinese bakeries and restaurants when trying a Chinese Almond Cookie.
- Get into the mix by bringing out your chef’s hat and apron. Chinese Almond Cookie recipe is quite simple and easy to follow. Giving you a chance to brush up on your cooking skills while giving you the chance to taste a home-made cookie.
- China possesses a rich Cultural history and heritage. There are many myths and legends associated with China. Thus, it comes as no surprise that something as simple as an Almond Cookie will also have mystical elements attached to it.
5 FACTS ABOUT COOKIES
- =Cookies were accidentally invented by Persians in the Seventh Century when bakers were testing oven temperatures by dropping small amounts of Cake Batter into them.
- The word, ‘Cookie,’ is derived from the Dutch’s ‘koekjes,’ which means ‘little Cakes.’
- English women used to eat Gingerbread Cookies to find good husbands.
- The Cookie Monster from Sesame Street actually ate Rice Cakes painted like Cookies because using real Cookies would have damaged his plushy mouth.
- We celebrate National Sugar Cookie Day on July 9th every year.
WHY PEOPLE LOVE NATIONAL CHINESE ALMOND COOKIE DAY
- National Chinese Almond Cookie Day is a celebration of China’s diverse history. China is a vast Country with many mystical legends. China’s history spans the whole of Asia and the Country’s food items are windows to bygone eras. The Chinese Almond Cookie is just one example and by celebrating the day dedicated to it, we are opening diverse doors to new Cultures and traditions.
- From the lands of the U.S. to Turkish shores and Middle Eastern Countries, the Almond Cookie has quite an impressive amount of traveling stamps on its recipe passport. The Chinese Almond Cookie has Cultural variations from all over the world.
- Thanks to globalization, we are able to enjoy the tastes of other Countries and their stories. Coming all the way from China with its Culture infused into the recipe, the Cookie has brought joy to people from different Countries and Continents.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
