Sweet Sesame Balls

On special occasions or holidays, the Chinese serve sweets as a way to wish good fortune. Starting a new year with some sweetness is certainly a good way to mark a new beginning.
Serves: Serves 5 (2 sesame balls each)

Ingredients
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup water
1/2 cup sweet lotus paste (available at Asian grocery stores; red bean paste can be substituted if sweet lotus paste cannot be found)
1/2 cup sesame seeds
7 cups cooking oil
Powdered sugar
Mint leaves

Group A
1 cup sweet rice flour (available at Asian grocery stores)
1/3 cup cold water
2 tablespoons sugar
1/4 tablespoon baking powder

Preparation

1. Pour flour in mixing bowl. Boil water and mix with flour. Add Group A ingredients to the bowl and mix together.
2. Form 10 balls out of the mixture and pound flat.
3. Place 2 teaspoons of sweet lotus paste in each flattened ball; roll into a ball shape again.
4. Roll balls in sesame seeds.
5. Heat oil to medium-low heat in wok and place balls inside. Deep fry for about four minutes, or until outside is golden brown and balls float on top of oil.
6. Remove balls and set on plate. Garnish with powdered sugar and serve with mint.