So do you think I have to go to Japan to try an authentic dorayaki? I had never heard of them before I started reading Durian Sukegawa's novel, Sweet Bean Paste. It is my monthly prompt book and I am not even sure where I heard about this book or what made me order it. Likely I was just browsing (I do a lot of book browsing, which probably won't surprise you), and the cover and description of the story piqued my curiosity. I like books related to food or set in bakeries or restaurants and then this is a translated work (which I am trying to read more of this year). After the fact I realized it had been adapted to film, and so a perfect choice for this month's reading.
According to the wikipedia a Dorayaki is "a type of Japanese confection, a red-bean pancake which consists of two small pancake-like patties made from castella (Japanese sponge cake) wrapped around a filling of sweet Azuki red bean paste." It actually sounds pretty yummy to me, but I think the chances of me finding one in Omaha are pretty slim. (I would be happy to fly to Japan, however, and try the real thing . . . only in my dreams and books, right?).
My teaser is a description of the characters making dorayaki.
"They sandwiched the still-warm bean paste between fluffy, freshly grilled pancakes. For anyone who liked dorayaki, this was a moment of happy anticipation. Sentaro gave a nod of thanks in Tokue's direction, and then brought the dorayaki to his lips."
"The aroma seemed to leap up at him, as if it were alive, racing through his nose to the back of his head. Unlike the ready-made bean paste, this was the smell of fresh, living beans. It had depth. It had life. A mellow, sweet taste unfurled inside Sentaro's mouth."
Better stop there or it will really make me hungry! The film came out just a few years ago and you can see the trailer here. I plan on watching it as soon as I finish reading. Happy anticipation (even if I only get to watch and not eat . . .).