Mizuyokan
1 stick agar agar
700g (about 1 1/2 lbs) smooth sweet bean paste (koshian) (this I have seen dried
in Chinese stores, may find canned in Japanese grocery stores but don't get the
kind that has whole beans in it... a "from scratch" recipe follows)
1/4 tsp salt
8 cherry tree leaves
Wash agar agar well, wring out moisture then break into little pieces. (I have
seen powders too!). Soak 30 minutes ore more in 4 cups water. Then heat on
medium heat until melted.
Add the bean paste gradually. Heat until all blaneded and little bubbles appear
on the surface. Simmer on low 1 - 2 more minutes.
Remove from heat, add salt. Float saucepan in a bowl of cold water, and mix
continuously until cooled to about skin temperature.
Rinse out a square pan (there is a special metal pan that lifts out in 2 pieces,
but any shallow pan will work) with cold water. Pour in the mixture and
refrigerate til firm. (It should be about 2" thick max).
Cut into pieces when firm and wrap with cherry tree leaves