Anmitsu: A Classic Japanese Dessert Recipe

Anmitsu is a classic japanese dessert that is often enjoyed in the warmer months of spring and summer. It is a delightful combination of different textures including firm kanten jelly, sweet fruits, and a coarse sweet red bean paste called anko (contributing the "An" In the name of this dish). As for the fruit, almost any combination of your favorite fruits are sure to please the palate, but common canned fruits include sliced peaches and mandarin oranges, or even fruit cocktail. Fresh fruit could include kiwi, strawberries, oranges, berries, melon, grapes (especially when sliced in half), and/or pineapple. The jelly that is used in anmitsu is a vegan jelly known in japanese cuisine as kanten. In english, it is known as agar, also called agar agar. It is made from red algae and is sold in dehydrated form.