Tomorrow is Teacher’s Day, a perfect occasion to show gratitude and respect to educators. One meaningful way to celebrate is by making Egg Yolk Pastries—a gift that is light in cost but heavy in sentiment, honoring the age-old tradition of valuing teachers.
Teacher’s Day was originally meant to encourage teachers and promote respect for education. However, in recent times, it has sometimes become a financial burden for parents. The truth is, whether a child performs well academically or not, the effort of the child matters more than any material gift for the teacher.
As the holiday approaches, it’s an excellent opportunity to teach children that respect for teachers does not require expensive presents. A small card or a simple snack from a child can carry more meaning than a lavish gift.
This year, involve your child in making Egg Yolk Pastries, a traditional Chinese treat. It’s a fun activity, a lesson in respect, and a heartfelt gift all in one.
Ingredients for Egg Yolk Pastries
Water-Oil Dough:
- 240g all-purpose flour
- 60g lard
- 40g sugar
- 100g warm water
Oil Dough:
- 140g cake flour (low-gluten)
- 80g lard
Filling:
- Red bean paste (to taste)
- Salted duck egg yolks
Steps
1、Prepare the doughs: In a bowl, mix flour, lard, and warm water to form a slightly soft dough (water-oil dough). Separately, mix cake flour and lard to form the oil dough. Let both rest.
2、Divide the doughs: Cut both the water-oil dough and the oil dough into equal small portions.
3、Wrap the oil dough: Encase each piece of oil dough with water-oil dough, sealing the edges to form a smooth ball.
4、Layering: Roll each ball with a rolling pin, fold, rest 5 minutes, then roll and fold again 2–3 times for distinct layers.
5、Prepare the egg yolks: Remove egg whites from salted duck eggs, lightly brush yolks with rice wine, and bake for 2 minutes. Wrap each egg yolk with red bean paste, then enclose in the prepared layered dough.
6、Baking: Brush the pastry surface with egg wash and sprinkle with black sesame seeds. Bake at 180°C (356°F) for 20–25 minutes until fully cooked.
7、Serving: The finished egg yolks should be layered, slightly oozing, with a perfect balance of salty and sweet. Homemade pastries taste far superior to store-bought versions, making them a thoughtful Teacher’s Day gift.
Why This Gift Matters
By making Egg Yolk Pastries, children learn that respect and gratitude for teachers are expressed through thoughtfulness and effort, not price tags. This simple DIY gift embodies care, tradition, and the spirit of light in cost, heavy in sentiment.
Celebrate Teacher’s Day differently this year: bake, gift, and create a memorable moment that honors the educators who guide the next generation.
