During my eight years in Taiwan, I learned to adore Chinese food in all its permutations. One sweet snack I loved in particular would start showing up in the local pastry shops as Chinese New Year rolled around.
Double Ninth Festival in China is a favorite holiday, not only because it honors the elderly, but also because of its delicious combination of sweet cakes and chrysanthemum tea.
The harvest moon is a time of great celebration in China. The holiday is held during the eighth full moon of the lunar year (Sept. 30 in 2012). Traditional foods are an important part of this major Chinese celebration.