Sharjah24: Ice creams are a child’s ever favourite dessert, but what about a little matcha in it? Going by the response to the “Crafting Matcha Monaka: Japanese ice-cream sandwiches” workshop at the 43rd Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF), an ice cream in any form or flavour is relished by children.
The Japanese ice cream workshop made use of matcha or green tea ice cream and monaka, a traditional dessert that encapsulates the beauty and simplicity of Japanese culture. The crisp delicate wafers filled with anko or sweet red bean paste is a popular treat across Japan during tea ceremonies and festivals, explained the trainer Fatima Asprec from Philippines who said she had a passion for rustling up Japanese cuisine. “We provide the ingredients and the children can prepare it and eat it too,” she added.
The session enlisted the full participation of a group of primary school boys on their day out from school. After settling down with aprons and gloves, the children poured the ice cream over a plate of monaka biscuits and had them with gusto. Just as monaka symbolises moments of joy and connection, the culinary experience gave the friends immense happiness.
SIBF 2024, a 12-day cultural extravaganza themed ‘It Starts with a Book’, has in store 1,357 activities for children and adults alike. Organised by the Sharjah Book Authority, the fair is being held at Expo Centre Sharjah from November 6-17 and will present a comprehensive programme of 600 workshops for various age groups, including 465 sessions for adults and children and 135 for early childhood, covering heritage, media, entrepreneurship, technology, environment, arts, life skills, and creative writing.
For an optimal experience, please
