Foodie Friday: Taro Mochi Bun

The first time I ever saw a taro plant was in Hawaii. I think I re-read the sign twice to check the name placard. I didn’t realize that the plant had such huge, broad leaves! I guess I mainly thought of taro as that nutty but sweet root vegetable. In my life, I’ve heard ube and taro get swapped around a lot. But they’re different root vegetables. Ube is much sweeter and richer. While they both have dull brown exteriors, ube often has purple flesh. This vibrant color adds much pizzazz to … [Read more...]

Omu-Rice

Several years ago, I visited Japan. We went to some amazing sights, including the iconic Kinkaku-ji or Golden Pavilion in Kyoto: I also highly recommend the Ghibli Museum in Tokyo, especially for fans of Miyazaki: Per my usual travel aspirations, I explored the food around me. The variety of mochi was excellent—even in the train station! I also really enjoyed the fresh, locally-sourced food found in the obanzai dishes of Kyoto. Plus, I admired the ubiquitous bento … [Read more...]

Foodie Friday: Mochi Donuts

Well, I’ve blogged about these treats (filled with cream) before. If you don’t like a cakey interior, you might want to grab a mochi doughnut. It has more of a chewy texture to enjoy. Mochi donuts (with strawberry and cookies & cream flavors) Other pluses? Won’t miss a bite (without the crumbly, cake nature, you’ll be able to gobble up the whole thing)Offers unique flavors (distinct glazes like pandan, guava, and green tea pair well with the mochi flour)Easy to share (fresh ones … [Read more...]

Foodie Friday: Mochi Donut

Checking out... Mochi donuts: mini donuts made with mochi and filled with cream I know what you're thinking...How can mochi be made into a donut? Well, these cute treats can be found at Mochi Cream bakeries. Instead of the usual outer dough layer, the donuts feature a covering made from glutinous rice. They must add something to harden the texture, though, to give it shape. Maybe a type of glaze? Inside, there is a flavored cream layer, similar to that found in a cream puff. Of course, … [Read more...]

Foodie Friday First: Mochi Sesame Ball

Mochi sesame ball: a sesame ball made mochi-like You would think this would be a big hit with me. I've blogged before about how I enjoy both mochi and sesame balls. I picked up this treat at the local bakery, but it didn't pass with flying colors. The big disappointment was the texture of the mochi. It didn't have the chewy consistency. Instead, it was harder and drier. I'm also used to the bright pop of white sesame seeds, and it didn't deliver on that either. Verdict: A thumbs-down … [Read more...]

Foodie Friday: Taiwanese Meatball

Taiwanese meatball (ba wan): steamed gelatinous dumpling My husband loves these meatballs, but I still think they're an acquired taste. They have a savory filling (usually of pork, bamboo, and mushrooms) that's wrapped in a steamed outer shell. Unlike the firm texture of wonton skins, the outer covering yields a gooey texture (because it's made from sweet potato and rice flour). Think: mochi, but with a saltier inside. The meatballs are quite big, larger than their Italian counterparts, … [Read more...]