Japanese Mini Taiyaki

"A treasured tradition of Japanese pastry-making since the turn of the 20th century, taiyaki were originally modeled after red sea bream, long considered a symbol of fortune in Japan. And for those fortunate to have already tried taiyaki, it’s easy to see why: they’re typically made with a rice-and-flour-based dough that produces a mochi-like texture when baked, and are usually available in a variety of flavors and fillings, including rich and sweet red bean, savory-seasoned sausage, or, in the case of Trader Joe’s Japanese Mini Taiyaki, elegantly creamy custard. Brought to us by an esteemed manufacturer in Japan, these bite-sized, perfectly pisciform Taiyaki are as much a feast for the eyes as they are a pleasure on the palate. Every bite starts with the crisp edge of the wonderfully waffle-y exterior, which quickly gives way to the luxurious consistency of the cool custard cream within. While it’s common to find taiyaki in a larger, multi-bite-size, ours are decidedly Mini, making them the ideal size for a quick dessert or sweet snack. They cook quickly in the oven, air fryer, or microwave, pair particularly well with a hot cup of your favorite tea or coffee, and since each package comes with eight Mini Taiyaki, they’re an especially easy choice to serve at the end of a dinner party."