Why is Japan going crazy over an egg? (Gudetama Macarons)
July 26, 2015
Japan is amazing in so many aspects. But when it comes to making cute things, they are truly unbeatable. As long as they consist of atoms, you can trust the Japanese to make every object imaginable on this earth kawaii.
So it's not surprising that the latest cute thing that Japan is going crazy over is... An egg. Specifically, the egg is called Gudetama (ぐでたま).
Gudetama is Sanrio's latest creation - the most adorable, unmotivated and laziest egg ever. He is a wobbly egg who doesn't seem to want to do anything but laze around all day (the term in Singlish is 'nua'.)
So what makes Gudetama so likeable?
1. He is a reflection of our laziest self.
While his lack of motivation is frowned upon by social standards, this very quality is also what makes him endearing as he appeals to the inner bummer in all of us. Don't you wish you could be an egg too, and just leave your human life behind for a short time?
When you're too lazy to leave the toast to get the remote...
2. He loves to sleep just as much as you do.
Suffering from the Monday blues? Can't get out of bed? Gudetama understands you, 100%. Most of the time, he's just curled up under his bacon blanket.
Good morning... not.
3. His laid back attitude is relaxing
Gudetama is nonchalant to even the eminent threat of being eaten. While this might seem defeatist, his laid back style is actually pretty relaxing and is a refreshing change to all the anxiety we face in life.
4. Eggs are awesomely delicious
Be it fried, soft-boiled, poached, or even served raw, one thing is for sure - Gudetama looks delicious and ebodies the epitome of laziness and bumming around. I feel guilty for saying this, but I do wish I can eat Gudetama.
Gudetama is so popular, that they even have a specialty Gudetama cafe in Japan. Source: Rocketnews
You can even purchase Gudetama merchandise!! *heart eyes emoji*
Thus, Gudetama is my latest obsession. I'm so obsessed that I even baked Gudetama macarons. While I was shooting these images, I can imagine him saying, "Just let me sleep."
Tomorrow can wait.
GUDETAMA MACARONS by Sumopocky
Servings: Approximately 8 macarons
Time: 1.5 hour active time + baking time
Ingredients:
[For Macaron Shells]
Meringue: 35g of Egg whites + 45g of Castor sugar
40g of Ground almonds
40g of Powdered/icing sugar
Black food colouring
Yellow food colouring
Black food colouring
Yellow food colouring
[For Dark Chocolate Ganache]
50g of Dark Chocolate50ml of Heavy cream
Directions:
[For Macaron Shells]
3. Begin macaronage process with a spatula until the wet and dry ingredients just start to combine. Read here on how to macaronage.
- Black: Scoop out 1 tbsp and add black food coloring. Mix well and transfer to piping bag with a small tip.
- Yellow: Scoop out 2 tbsp and add yellow food coloring. Mix well and transfer to piping bag with a small tip.
- White: To the remaining the batter, complete the macaronage and transfer to a piping bag with a medium tip.
5. Pipe batter on parchment paper. With the white batter, pipe out circles and tap baking tray to remove bubbles. Let it dry for about 10 minutes and pipe on yolk with yellow batter. Draw on Gudetama's face with black batter.
6. Let the shells dry for approximately 15 minutes in an air-conditioned room. You should be able to touch it gently with the tip of your finger without it sticking.
7. Bake in a preheated oven at 150°C for approximately 10 - 13 minutes. Let it cool.
[For Dark Chocolate Ganache]
1. Bring heavy cream to a simmer.
2. Pour heavy cream over chocolate. Let it sit for 1 minute and stir with a whisk till all the chocolate has melted. Let it cool.
3. Transfer the filling to a piping bag and pipe between macaron shells.
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