Color of the day: Orange Incense of the day: Coriander Incense of the day: Coriander This New Moon in Aquarius also begins the Chinese Year of the Dog. Like Aquarians, dogs are the most humanitarian of the signs. Dogs are both idealistic and imaginative. Compassionate companions, they are loyal, honest, and brave. Since the Chinese New Year is a time for new beginnings and sets the tone for the year ahead, embrace the Year of the Dog by sharing a New Year's treat of moon cakes with friends. While traditional cakes are embossed with intricate designs, the following recipe is a fun and easy substitute. Easy Moon Cakes 1/2 cup salted butter 1/4 cup sugar 2 egg yolks 1 cup all-purpose flour 1 cup jam or red bean paste Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Stir together the butter, sugar, and one of the egg yolks. Mix in the flour, and form the dough into a large ball. Wrap it in plastic and refrigerate for half an hour. Beat the second egg yolk in a bowl, and set it aside. Unwrap the chilled dough and form it into small balls. Make a hole with your thumb in the center of each ball. With a teaspoon, fill each ball with a small amount of jam and close it shut again. Dip each ball into the beaten yolk and place on a greased cookie sheet. Bake for twenty minutes or until edges are slightly brown. |