Kashiwa mochi

Kashiwa mochi is a classic treat for Children's Day.
This is an authentic recipe using kashiwa mochi flour.
 
Ingredients (makes approx. 10)

Kashiwa Mochi Flour	300g
Water	Approx. 250cc
Sweet red bean paste (coarse or smooth)	300g
Oak leaves	10 leaves

 
Instructions
1. Add water to the kashiwa mochi flour little by little and knead well until it reaches the softness of an earlobe.
2. Line a steamer with a damp steaming cloth, break the dough into bite-sized pieces, place them in the steamer, and steam for about 20 minutes.
・Roll the red bean paste into 30g balls.
・Wash the oak leaves with water and wipe them dry.
3. Once the dough is steamed, transfer it to a bowl along with the steaming cloth, and pound it well using a pestle or similar tool while kneading it with the cloth.
4. Divide the dough into 10 equal portions, flatten each into an oval, and wrap the red bean paste inside.
5. Wrap with an oak leaf to finish.

 
Tips
After steaming, pounding the dough thoroughly as if making mochi will give it a nice, chewy texture.
It is easier to handle the dough if you keep the pestle moistened with water while working.