Elegant Japanese Sweets (Jo-Namagashi) for Spring

1. 1

   Place the ingredients marked with a into a microwave-safe bowl.

2. 2

   Dilute the red food coloring with the water in a separate bowl.

3. 3

   Add the colored water into the bowl with the dry ingredients a little bit at a time, mixing well so that no lumps form.

4. 4

   Cover with plastic wrap and microwave for two minutes.

5. 5

   Remove and stir well, then cover and microwave for one more minute.

6. 6

   This will produce a springy dough.

7. 7

   Roll the dough out on a surface dusted with the katakuriko while it is still warm.

8. 8

   It should be about 2-3mm thick.

9. 9

   Using a round cookie cutter or a cup, cut out a circle of dough.

10. 10

    I used one that was 8cm in diameter.

11. 11

    Place about 5g of shiro-an, rolled into a 2cm ball, in the middle of the circle.

12. 12

    Create the petals by bringing the sides together.

13. 13

    Here's how to form the first petal.

14. 14

    Forming the second petal.

15. 15

    Forming the third petal... Now it's starting to look like a flower!

16. 16

    When you've brought the fourth and fifth petals together, pinch the middle part together firmly enough that it all stays together.

17. 17

    Use your finger to open up each petal, making them nice and round.

18. 18

    If you use kitchen scissors to cut a notch into the end of each petal, it will look even more like a cherry blossom.

19. 19

    Place a bit of shiro-an mixed with yellow food coloring in the middle of each flower to make the stamens.

20. 20

    Now they're ready to serve.

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.