Discoveries from around the archipelago
(The entry by Courtney this week made me chuckle, as we are currently traveling to Tokyo with packets and packets of furikake in tow for my daughter's daily rice portions! She loves it ... now you can too!) I use to wonder how Japanese could just eat steamed rice …then I discovered furikake! Furikake to Japanese... Continue Reading →
I'm excited for this week's post by Courtney on edamame, as this is one food I consistently order out but never make in my own kitchen. I've got some good ideas now! This delicious treat is one of my absolute favorite appetizers in Japan! I love edamame and to be honest, no one does it... Continue Reading →
Courtney serves up some tofu this week, one of the staple's in my own household. Tofu, or bean curd, is made from soy. Soy milk is curdled and then pressed into blocks similar to how cheese is produced from cow’s milk. Originating in China, tofu arrived in Japan in the eighth century. Tofu can range... Continue Reading →
Thanks to Courtney for this month's post on one of my favorite indulgences here in Japan. I wish she lived next door to me so she could make wagashi at my whim! 😉 Last week, I received a gorgeous gift from a dear friend in Japan. She sent me the book Wagashi by Hajime Nakamura.... Continue Reading →
I can’t believe I’ve been writing this monthly segment for a year! But more importantly, I can’t believe it’s taken me this long to write about matcha, or Japanese green tea. Matcha is a staple in my kitchen. I enjoy a cup in the morning or use it for baking. Matcha is a bitter green tea that turns into a... Continue Reading →
This week, Courtney cooks up one of my favorite vegetables in Japan! My first extended stay in Japan was when we moved to Iwakuni. I had gained some foodie education in Spain and was excited to explore the Japanese food culture in depth. Iwakuni was known for its renkon, or lotus root. In fact we... Continue Reading →
(A huge thanks to Courtney for this latest installment - she and I both share a love of yuzu!) Yuzu, yuzu, yuzu! I have been so excited about this blog post since I start this series almost a year ago. I absolutely love yuzu and it’s one of the few reasons I would look forward... Continue Reading →
A well-timed post from Courtney on the Christmas cakes that are everywhere right now! Ok, I realize that strawberries aren’t exactly special, or even native, to Japanese cuisine. But when winter arrives, I can’t help but think of those perfect strawberries laid out beautifully in their containers. And with strawberries, comes the arrival of Japanese... Continue Reading →
Thanks to Courtney for finally giving me some inspiration on what to do with the persimmons I was given! Another favorite fall fruit in Japan is kaki, or persimmons. The sweet, lightly spiced pulp of persimmons is perfect for fall-time baking or enjoying fresh. However you must be careful which type of persimmon you are about... Continue Reading →
(A fall-themed food post from Courtney, who recently left us here in the Land of the Rising Sun but hopefully won't be leaving the blog just yet!) Since my last blog post, I made the transition back to the States. It was definitely a bittersweet journey after several years overseas and four years in Japan.... Continue Reading →
