Today you will learn how to make Mochi, but before we get started, let me give you a little background behind this delicious treat.

Mochi, pronounced [Mo-CHI] is an irresistible treat that can be used in many ways, whether it's Strawberry Daifuku Mochi, Mochi ice cream, etc. Mochi is a Japanese rice cake that is made from mochigome (aka Glutinous rice) which is most of the time sweet. It has a chewy, sticky texture that is naturally white. Mochi has become quite popular here in the US, especially in areas like Hawaii and California. I first had mochi this year and had to make this recipe so other people can try it and hopefully enjoy it!

The mochi we will be making today is a sweet rice cake filled with a red bean or Nutella paste. This sweet treat is actually quite simple to make but for most, quite hard to shape due to it's stickiness... so prepare yourself.

Let's get started!

Step 1: Gather Your Ingrediants and Materials

For this, you will be needing...

-1 box of Mochiko flour (you can find this at your local Asian super market or international store)

-3 cups of water

-1 cup of sugar (you can add half a cup if you don't want it too sweet)

- And Starch or flour (for dusting

Materials you will be needing...
- Microwaveable bowl

-Mixing utensil (spoon)

-Parchment paper

-Measuring cup

-Dough blender

Step 2: Combine Flour, Sugar and Water

-Combine your flour, sugar and water into your microwaveable bowl.
(Make sure to mix well)

Step 3: Microwave for 10 Minutes

Microwave for 10 minutes on high power.
(Stir the mochi between every 2 minute mark. It may take longer depending on your microwave)
Mix until your start to see and feel a sticky (almost rubbery) texture... until you are able to form a ball without it being too sticky.

Step 4: Start Shaping Your Mochi

Before you do any of this, let the mochi cool down for 5 minutes.
Sprinkle some corn starch or flour (not too much and not too little) on your parchment paper that way the mochi won’t be too sticky when you’re trying to shape it. On top of the parchment paper, roll out your mochi dough with your dough blender as thick or thin as you want it (not too thin to where it will fall apart as soon as you add the filling). Then, cut them into small circles.

Step 5: Add Your Fillings

If you’re not too familiar with red bean paste, Nutella would be a great option (although it may be too sweet for some). Once your mochi is cut into small circles (or as big as you want them) add your paste on top of the cut out mochi (estimate how much you want). (You can also add strawberry or banana into your mochi and paste). If you do, cut the fruits into pieces where you can fit both the paste and fruit into the mochi. And finally, fold the mochi from side to side, and front to back until you form a little ball... it doesn’t have to be perfect but make sure the mochi closes so the filling won’t fall out.