How to make sugar mice...

The 14th of March is white day in Japan, this is like Valentine's day but whereas on February 14th the girls give boys chocolates March 14th the boys are supposed to give the girls marshmallows (or according to my Japan guide book, white underwear!). Anyway, I completely forgot about it so, I had a quick look through my farmhouse cookbook to see what we could rustle up and Ebi-kun needed to return gifts to 2 of the girls on the street.

Sugar mice - nothing says romance than a bag full of rodents Ha!

Rodents that are so sweet they will make your teeth fall out - yes, these are 100% unhealthy mice.

What you need:

1 egg white

About 450g icing sugar (powder sugar)

Food colour

Food flavour essence - traditionally peppermint

String cut to approx 8cm

Decoration balls for eyes

Beat the egg white until frothy but not stiff.

Sieve in the icing sugar until it makes a thick mixture, like playdoh, the amount of sugar will depend on the size of the egg.

Add the flavour and knead well.

If you want to make 2 different colours of mice, half the dough and add the colour to each one, you may need a bit more sugar after you have done this. Knead until well combined.

Half the dough and half again and again until you end up with 16 lumps.

We found it easiest to push the string into dough first and then form the shape of the mouse. The bum needs to be rounded and his nose pointy. Pinch sections to make the ears. Use a toothpick or chopstick to make holes for the eyes and add the decoration balls.

Place on a piece of greaseproof paper and leave to dry over night. 

You maybe seeing more of these as Ebi-kun wants to make some black ones for the Halloween party! Lovely.