1-3/4 cups shortening
1 stick (1/2 cup) butter or margarine
5 cups flour
1 teaspoon salt (optional)
3/4 cup milk
1 small can evaporated milk
1 can tsubushi an (coarsely ground red bean paste)

In a mixing bowl, combine shortening, butter or margarine, flour and salt. Mix with a pastry blender or by hand. Stir in milk and 2 tablespoons of the evaporated milk. Combine well.

Pull off pieces of dough and flatten in palm of hand. Place 1 teaspoon tsubushi an in middle. Fold dough around to enclose. Flatten. Place on ungreased cookie sheet. Repeat, making remainder of manju. Brush tops with evaporated milk. Bake in a preheated 425-degree oven for 20 minutes.

Makes approximately 30 small pieces.