I used to think that daifuku is nearly impossible to make at home. I have seen a few videos on how to make this little morsel traditional way, I have also seen the modern way of making it with a special electric daifuku maker, which I don't think I would ever bought this gadget, as I have no idea what else it can do other then crushing the rice into a sticky, shiny glutinous mass. When I browsed for the recipe, I was so surprised that it can actually be done in almost no time at all. All you need is microwave, and in less then 10 minutes you will be able to enjoy the simple taste of Japanese snacks.

Daifuku

Recipe adapted from a pretty girl name, Lolo :)

makes 10 - 12

1 cup Michiko flour

2½ tbs sugar (or use 1/4 cup as her recipe ask for)

2/3 cup watertiny drop red food coloring, optional

10 - 12 teaspoons ready made azuki bean paste (available at the Japanese store)

1/2 cup cornstarch

Prepare the filling: take about 1 tsp azuki bean paste and form a ball, repeat until you have about 10 to 12 balls.

Sprinkle the cornstarch in  a clean kitchen counter top.

In a heat proof bowl, add michiko flour, sugar, water, and red food coloring, if using. Mix well. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap, and microwave for about 2 minutes. Remove from microwave, carefully lift the plastic wrap and give the dough a quick stir. Wrap and return to microwave for finish cooking, about  2 minutes. Cautious ... the bowl is hot!!!!!

Empty the content directly onto cornstarch. Flour your hands, working quickly pat the dough to flatten it a little. Cut into 10 to 12 portions. Fill each portion with azuki bean, and enclose the filling (see the video). Repeat with the rest of the dough. Arrange daifuku on a serving dish and serve at once.