Discoveries from around the archipelago
I have long had a fascination with wagashi, Japan's traditional confectionary, though it took me several years to actually get the acquired taste for them. I never had more than a passing desire to make them, however, until I saw that Ayuko of Buddha Bellies Cooking School Tokyo was offering a hands-on tutorial of the sweets... 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 →
(Big thanks to Courtney, for making me crave anpan here in the US! And I still have another week before I fly home! 😦 ) I’ll admit; I wasn’t a fan of anko, or red bean paste, when I arrived to Japan. I just couldn’t get over the fact that it kind of looked like... Continue Reading →
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 →
Happy Spring! Here's another great post from fellow Japan resident and foodie friend Courtney. Spring has finally arrived in Japan signaling the end to a particularly brutal winter this year. As if trying to persuade spring to come earlier, everyone waits anxiously for sakura, whether it’s the actual cherry blossoms blooming or the arrival of sakura-flavored... Continue Reading →
A true tea ceremony is not for the faint of heart. Or rather, for the weak of knee. Traditional tea ceremonies (ie those not performed for tourists) can last up to four or five hours, depending on if a meal is served or not. Thankfully, all of my experiences have been brief. But an hour’s... Continue Reading →
The tea has been poured, the porcelain admired. Then the hostess at your tea ceremony lays before you the perfect edible replica of a plum blossom. More than just a casual snack, this portion is a work of art. Welcome to the world of wagashi. Wagashi are traditional Japanese confections, elegant pastries so to speak,... Continue Reading →
