Where is Santa?

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Did hell lot of baking this holiday. I will be posting the pictures of them soon in my next post. Yesterday was Christmas but it's never too late to still say MERRY CHRISTMAS! Today will just be a short post about my baking on Anpan あんパン (Japanese Sweet Red Buns):

Its very simple to make! Here's the recipe:

soft bread buns filled with sweet red bean paste | yield: 8 small buns
3 1/2 tablespoons caster sugar
1 1/2 tablespoon milk powder
2 teaspoons instant yeast
1 1/2 tablespoons egg, beaten
100ml water, warm
2 tablespoons butter, softened
350g anko (red bean paste/azuki bean paste)
Egg mixed with a bit of water, for egg wash
Sesame seeds, for sprinkling

1. In a large bowl, combine bread flour, sugar, milk powder and yeast. Mix well, set aside.
2. In a separate bowl, combine egg and warm water. Mix thoroughly, then gradually mix into dry ingredients.
3. Knead until everything comes together and becomes less sticky (about 5 minutes), then knead the softened butter into the dough.
4. Continue to knead the dough for another 15 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
5. Form dough into a ball and place in a large bowl. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and leave in a warm place to proof for 1 hour, or until double in size.
6. Punch down dough and divide into 8 equal pieces. Shape each piece into even-sized balls and place them on a baking tray lined with non-stick baking paper. Cover loosely and leave to proof for another 20 minutes. Meanwhile, roll the anko into small, even balls (about the size of a golf ball).
7. When the dough has risen, flatten each piece into rounds roughly larger than your palm. Place a ball of anko in the centre of each round, and wrap the dough around it. Make sure the buns are sealed well, then lightly roll each bun into a ball and place on baking tray seam side down.
8. Proof for a further 40 minutes.
9. Preheat oven to 170ºC. While waiting, brush the tops of each bun with egg wash and sprinkle with some sesame seeds.
10. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the buns are a nice golden colour.
11. Remove from oven and transfer to a wire rack to cool. Best eaten warm.

Adapted from : full recipe and pictures (angieisagirl)

Do make them because they are so deli! Anpan are the best when home-made rather then bought outside and they can be eaten anytime. It will better if you like red beans.

By the way, Merry Christmas guys! Remember to give back and enjoy, cheers!