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 →
Washoku Wednesday: Matcha (Japanese Green Tea)
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 →
Experience: Camellia Tea House (Kyoto)
Awhile ago, I participated in a wonderful tea ceremony at En Tea House in Kyoto. My instructor for the class was Atsuko and after my return to Kyoto, she and I kept in touch. I was thrilled to see earlier this winter that she had fulfilled her goal of opening her own tea room and now... Continue Reading →
5 Faves: Kit Kat Flavors
I'm not a huge candy eater, but I do have a soft spot in my heart for Kit Kats. (For Mounds bars too, for that matter, but coconut is a practically nonexistent flavor here in Japan.) Kit Kats were always my favorite find in the Halloween candy bucket and the perfect "share-able" dessert since they... Continue Reading →
Crash Course: Tea
Though Starbucks has indeed invaded the Japanese archipelago, this country has traditionally run on tea. Since its importation from China sometime in the 9th century, tea has become the drink of choice, the gatorade of the samurai class and the Miller Lite of the masses. Certain prefectures in Japan are known for their tea production,... Continue Reading →