Habutae Mochi
2-1/4 cups mochiko
1-1/3 cups water minus 1 tsp.
Mix lightly (as for biscuits). Place on dampened cloth and steam in steamer for 10 minutes.
SYRUP FOR MOCHI:
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup water
Red or green food coloring
1 can Koshi An
Boil sugar and water on low flame without stirring until sugar is dissolved. Add food coloring after syrup is removed from heat. Put steamed mochi in a solid container and pound with a wooden spoon. While pounding, add the syrup a little at a time blending well. Place mochi on board coated with katakuriko; break off about 1 Tbsp. and roll into a ball. Coat each piece with koshi an.
Yield: 15 balls.
