"Equinsu ocha. Equinsu ocha." "Let me guess, White Devil, White Devil?"

Sometimes you do things that go against all your morals and beliefs. Today was one of those days. There are many things I hate: polka dots, mayonnaise, Owen Wilson, but one that is also at the top of the list is shortening aka Crisco.

Just looking at that white paste actually makes me gag. It's so overly processed and so not good for you. Granted they've changed it to not contain transfats, but don't believe the hype, I avoid the stuff when at all possible. Don't even scroll down to 'non-cooking uses'. UGH - nasty. The only time I ever break down and use it is for pie crusts. You gotta give it to the white vomit paste, it gives you one goddam flaky crust, no doubt.

I've been going through my pantry and trying to clear out what's there by coming up with new usable recipes. I always have a can of an - sweetened red azuki beans in there, so instead of mochi, where I usually use it, I decided to make a little cookie to go around it. This recipe has been around for a while, but I wanted to make it a little more...tasty? Than what I've had before.

Due to the (gag) shortening, they came out like little flaky pies of tasty goodness. Of course the cookie to sweet bean ratio is key. Now if you don't care for sweet azuki bean, I know some people reading may not be asian and are like "WTF BEANS?? DISGUSTING." (it's pretty good actually) So you can always use strawberry jam as a substitute, I still say, give beans a chance.

And so it with a heavy heart - literally cause that shit will stop you dead - that I give you this really tasty recipe. Sure you can leave out the shortening, but it WILL make a difference. sigh. I am weeping now.

An cookie recipe, HERE.