I am from Okayama, Japan. Okayama is famous for its production of fruit, especially ‘White Peach’. Different types of White peaches are available in Melbourne where I live. Different, but they still smell and taste like Okayama’s ‘White Peach’ that I miss. *Note: White Peaches are the best for this dessert, but you can use …
‘Umeshu’ is a Japanese liqueur made by steeping unripe Ume fruits (similar to apricot) in strong alcohol, such as Shōchū, with Sugar. It has quite high alcohol content. Believe or not, I was allowed to drink it when I was a child. It was mixed with plenty of icy cold water, though. This jelly is …
For those who love sweet Azuki (Red Bean) paste, which is a very popular ingredient for many sweets, I introduce a traditional Japanese sweet, ‘Zenzai’. In the region I grew up, ‘Zenzai’ is a sweet Azuki soup, often served with toasted Mochi (Rice Cake). Its smooth version made with ‘Koshi-an’ is called ‘Shiruko’, and I …
Not very keen on Tofu? Please know that Tofu is soy milk. ‘Silken Tofu’ is made by coagulating thick soy milk. It can be used for cooking just like cow’s milk and cream. See my ‘Tofu Cream’ recipe. Once you tasted these delicious chocolate truffles without prejudice, you would love them. Naturally, they can be …
Do you want to eat something sweet, warm and comforting? Try this super easy pudding that can be made instantly. Much nicer than Rice Pudding, which I do not wish to eat. To be able to make this yummy pudding, I always stock a bag of Semolina in my pantry. Makes 2 Servings Ingredients 300ml …
Once you know the ‘Basic Plain Cupcakes’ recipe, you can create a variety of cupcakes by adding extra ingredients. Today I added Matcha Powder to make these delicious Matcha flavoured cupcakes. The cream is ‘White Chocolate Cream’ with Matcha Powder added. Makes 12 Cupcakes Ingredients 125g Butter *softened1/2 cup Caster Sugar2 Eggs1 & 1/2 cups Self-Raising …
By adding extra ingredients to my ‘Basic Plain Cupcakes’, you can create a variety of cupcakes. Today I added White Chocolate and Fresh Blueberries that are in season now. ‘White Chocolate & Blueberry’ is one of my favourite flavours. Makes 12 Cupcakes Ingredients 125g Butter *softened1/2 cup Caster Sugar2 Eggs1 & 1/2 cups Self-Raising Flour1/2 …
‘Oyaki’ is a sort of dumpling similar to ‘Gyoza’ made from wheat flour (or buckwheat flour) dough wrapped around a stuffing that is most commonly vegetables, then cooked on a pan. This time, I made Sweet ‘Oyaki’. The filling for Sweet ‘Oyaki’ can be mashed Pumpkin or Sweet Potato, dried fruit and nuts, or sweetened …
When I was a child, my family’s breakfast was ‘Toast & Hot Drink’, not ‘Miso Soup & Rice’. When we were out of bread, my mother made steamed buns for us. Sometimes she made pancakes, but it seemed steamed buns were the easiest to make for her. She often made ‘Raisin Buns’. I make them …
I love ‘Rugelach’, a Jewish pastry. ‘Rugelach’ pastry is slightly sour because dough contains Cream Cheese (OR Sour Cream). The filling can be anything I like, so I used my favourite Sweetened Chestnut Cream this time, wondering if Chestnut flavour goes well with Cream Cheese flavoured pastry. Of course it does!!! Makes 16 Rolls Ingredients …
Sweetened Black Sesame paste is a popular filling for Asian dessert dumplings. You can make it quite easily by adding finely ground Black Sesame Seeds to sweet Azuki (Red Bean) paste that is commonly available from most Asian grocery stores. I like the Black Sesame & Azuki mix version better than Black Sesame only version. …
Black Sesame flavoured desserts are popular in Japan. They are grey coloured and might spoil your appetite, but Black Sesame desserts are nutritious and delicious. If you like the flavour of nuts, you would like Black Sesame flavour. This ‘Black Sesame Ice Cream’ is easy to make at home. Makes 1 to 2 Servings Ingredients …