桜もち (Sakura Mochi)

Delicate pink rice cakes with a sweet red bean filling.

Ingredients

• 1 cup glutinous rice flour
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup red bean paste
• 8 pickled cherry leaves
• 3/4 cup water
• 1 drop pink food coloring

Method

1. Mix rice flour, sugar, and water into a smooth batter.
2. Add pink food coloring to the batter and steam for 20 minutes.
3. Divide the cooked mochi into 8 portions, flattening each.
4. Place a spoonful of red bean paste and wrap with a cherry leaf.

Chef's tips

• Use cling film to make neat mochi
• Use quality pickled leaves for best aroma