Azuki BeaN's Manju

Hello Friends!  Hope you had a nice Easter Sunday!  Chef Azuki had a nice time with her little BeaN creating a special treat for us all.   Try this special dessert!

Azuki BeaN Manju

Ingredients:
1 cup butter (softened)
1/2 cup sugar
2 1/2 C flour
1/8 tsp almond extract
8 oz Azuki BeaN paste ("tsubushian") or 1/2 can ("an") or you can make your own.
1 egg (beaten)

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees
2.  Lightly spray a baking pan or cookie sheet with non stick cooking spray
3.  In a bowl, cream butter and sugar with an electric mixer, then slowly add flour and
     then almond extract
4.  Take a small amount of dough and form 2 inch balls, then flatten
5.  Place 1-2 tsp of "an" in the center
6.  Fold the dough over and pinch into an oval shape.
7.  Place the seam side down on the baking sheet ( smooth side up)
8.  Brush the tops with egg
9.  Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown

What a treat!  Delicious with tea! Love that almond flavor!  We will post our recipe for homemade "an" soon.  Our little BeaNs were home for Spring Break so we've been busy Mamas!  They go back to school tomorrow.

BeaNspirations:
Family time is a special time to create magic!