Mochi(Sweet Glutinous Japanese Rice Cakes) - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 c. mochiko (rice flour)
1/4 tsp. salt
1 Tbsp. sugar (optional)
1/2 c. water
katakuriko (potato starch) or cornstarch

Preparation

Stir together rice, flour, salt and sugar. Stir in 1/2 cup water to form soft dough.
Lightly knead about 30 seconds on a surface dusted with katakuriko. Bring 4 cups water to a boil in deep pot. Spread a piece of dampened unbleached muslin or several layers of cheesecloth over a steamer tray. Spread dough evenly over dampened cloth, about 1/2-inch thick.