Ichigo Daifuku - Strawberry Mochi

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups mochiko sweet rice flour (rice flour)
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 1/2 cups water
• 12 small strawberries, washed, dried, stems removed

• 1 (18 ounce) can sweetened red bean paste (Tsubushian)

Directions

1. 1

   Mix the sugar and water together in a large saucepan and bring to the boil.

2. 2

   Remove from heat and add mochiko.

3. 3

   Stir until smooth, then turn the heat down and return pot to burner.

4. 4

   Heat for 2 more minutes, stirring often.

5. 5

   Let cool for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

6. 6

   When cool, take the mochi and make it into walnut sized balls then flatten them.

7. 7

   Cover strawberries all over with a thin layer of the bean paste.

8. 8

   Place a strawberry in the center of each mochi and bring edges together, pinching to close. Note: use mochiko on hands and mochi pieces to prevent sticking.

9. 9

   The ichigo daifuku are now ready, serve as desired.