Anmitsu

Makes 3-4 Servings

Cooking + Prep Time:  35 minutes

Ingredients:

For kanten jelly

• 1 & 2/3 cups of water, filtered
• 1 tsp. of powdered agar agar
• 1-2 tbsp. sugar, white, +/- as desired

For syrup

• 1/4 cup of water, filtered
• 2/3 cup of sugar, white

Optional:  1 tbsp. of lemon juice, fresh if available

To serve

• Your favorite fruits, like sliced oranges or peaches, cherries or grapes, sliced apple or kiwi, or sliced strawberries, etc.
• 1/3 cup of sweet bean paste (anko)

Instructions:

1. In large-sized bowl, soak agar agar powder in 1 & 2/3 cups of filtered water for about an hour, till it softens.

2. Remove kanten jelly and reserve soaking water. Squeeze soft jelly and remove moisture, then tear it in small pieces

3. Place kanten jelly pieces and soaking water in medium-sized pan. Bring to boil while stirring constantly. Reduce heat level to low. Stir while simmering till kanten dissolves.

4. Add sugar. Stir thoroughly. Pour liquid in container. Place in refrigerator till firm.

5. To prepare syrup, mix 1/4 cup filtered water with sugar in pan. Heat till sugar has dissolved. Add lemon juice as desired. Then, set syrup aside and allow it to cool.

6. To serve, cut the kanten jelly in cubes. Spoon cubes and your chosen fruits into three or four individual bowls.

7. Next, pour the syrup over these ingredients. Top with the sweet bean paste and serve.