hanami dango

since i've started this final project of mine, i've been going through recipes in books, magazines, online, newspapers and many more. like my previous entry, i meant to make a cooking show starring the little chefs, non other than my nieces and nephews. i'll always make sure that i choose the easiest and simplest one for them and for me as well. 

this is my own little project, making a famous japanese dessert, dango. if you watched the program 'hana yori dango', you'll have a clear view of what dango is. when i was in japan a few years back, dango is one of my favourite food. it's delicious. so, when i found a simple recipe in 'Food & Travel'  march 2013 edition magazine, i want to try to do it myself. so earlier today, i bought all the ingredients needed for my cooking show program.

Hanami Dango

80g kusamochi (non-glutinous rice flour, tepung beras)

80g mochi flour (glutinous rice flour, tepung pulut)

80g potato starch

225g sugar

250ml water

a dash of red food colouring

1 tsp matcha (green tea) powder

1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)

10 x 15cm skewers for serving

1. Put together kusamochi, mochi flour, potato starch, sugar and water in a bowl. Mix until smooth and divide it into three (same amount) portions.
2. For the white dango, heat one portion on low, constantly stirring until it form a solid mass. Set aside.
3. As for the green dango, repeat step 1 but this time add the matcha powder. Repeat step 2.
4. For the pink dango, add the vanilla extract and food coloring while doing step 1 and again repeat step 2.
5. After all the dough has cooled, knead each portion seperately and roll into small size balls and thread .it onto the skewers
6. Bring water to a boil in a steamer basket. Place the skewers on a lightly oiled plate, 1.5cm apart. Steam on high heat for 10-12 minutes until firm and springy. Cool before eating,

in my case, i forgot to buy the red food coloring and i have to improvise by using strawberry jam and orange juice. overall, i managed to made the dango eventhough it's a little bit to sweet for my taste. next time i'm making it, i'm gonna cut it short on the sugar!