Sweet Bean Paste - February

Affiliate Disclaimer - There are affiliate links on this page, which means I may receive payment at no charge to you for purchases made through any links on this page.

This February, we're delighted to present our next Life She Loves Book Club pick: "Sweet Bean Paste" by Durian Sukegawa. This touching narrative goes beyond the confines of a mere story; it's a heartfelt journey into the delicate layers of human connection, redemption, and the art of making dorayaki - a sweet treat that symbolizes much more than just a filling snack.

In "Sweet Bean Paste," we encounter Sentaro, a man burdened by his past and resigned to his unfulfilling job of making dorayaki in a small shop in Tokyo. His life takes an unexpected turn with the arrival of Tokue, an elderly woman with a magical touch for making the perfect sweet bean paste. What begins as a reluctant partnership blossoms into a life-changing friendship, revealing the hidden pasts and shared sorrows that bind them.

This novel is not just a celebration of the resilience of the human spirit; it's also an ode to the transformative power of food. Through the simple act of making sweet bean paste, Sukegawa invites us to taste the sweetness and bitterness of life, reminding us of the importance of savoring every moment.

As we dive into the pages of "Sweet Bean Paste," let's also embark on a culinary exploration. Try your hand at making your own dorayaki and share your creations with us. Let's use this opportunity to reflect on our own journeys, the people who have shaped them, and how the act of cooking can connect us to our deepest selves and to each other.

Grab your copy of "Sweet Bean Paste," and let's prepare for a month of meaningful reflection, delicious exploration, and the celebration of new beginnings. Here's to a February filled with the discovery of beauty in the simple things and the sweet taste of life, as we savor every page of Durian Sukegawa's exquisite tale.

Happy reading and happy cooking - may this book bring a touch of sweetness to your life!

You can buy Sweet Bean Paste here, for your own Dorayaki.

Dorayaki Recipe

This classic dorayaki recipe brings a taste of Japan to your kitchen. Two fluffy pancakes filled with sweet red bean paste, perfect for breakfast or a snack.

Ingredients

• 2 eggs
• 100g (1/2 cup) sugar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 160g (1 and 1/3 cup) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 120ml (1/2 cup) water
• 1 can sweet red bean paste (anko)
• Oil, for cooking

Instructions

1. Whisk together eggs, sugar, and honey until frothy.
2. Sift in the flour and baking soda, then mix until smooth.
3. Stir in water and let the batter sit for 15 minutes.
4. Heat a non-stick pan over medium-low heat and lightly oil it.
5. Pour a small amount of batter into the pan to form a 4-inch pancake. Cook until bubbles form, then flip and cook until golden.
6. Repeat with the remaining batter, adding more oil to the pan as needed.
7. Let pancakes cool, then spread a layer of red bean paste on one pancake and top with another pancake, pressing gently.
8. Serve and enjoy your homemade dorayaki!