6.10.11

Mizu Yokan

The photo is my homemade Mizu Yokan (水羊羹) with Hello Kitty form.

Yōkan is a thick jellied sweet dessert made of red bean (azuki) paste, agar, and sugar. This red bean (azuki) paste is called "Anko (餡子). One of the most popular among Japanese sweets which evolved in 18 century. And it is one of the staple gift item in Japan.

There are two main types of Yokan, Neri yōkan and Mizu yōkan. "Mizu" means "water". It is made with more water than Yokan. Mizu yōkan is often eaten in Japanese summer.

Of course, good combination with Japanese green tea.

Kyaraben (character bento) workshop

Kyaraben, a shortened form of character bento, is a very popular bento style in Japan which features food decorated to look like Anime or Kawaii characters. At the workshop you learn how to make authentic Kyaraben and the result you can take home. More info http://tokyodoll.web.fc2.com/workshop/bentoworkshop.html