Until recently, I wasn’t sure why I was using so much garlic in my cooking. I love garlic and use it in pretty much everything I cook. I was at a hardening store the other day and noticed they only had Japanese garlic cloves to grow and decided to make a short research on Japanese … [Read more…]
You have friends who wants to visit Japan with limited to no Japanese Language skills? Look it up! Inspired by my friends and family visiting with no Japanese skills, I have designed this Japanese Cheatshirt! (click here to see/buy) With everything you need to order in Japanese by simply pointing at your shirt, with an … [Read more…]
It is often mentioned how we find here in Japan snacks with unique flavors like green tea and Natto, but what is not mentioned as much is the large variety of original brands and shapes available here. I will be honest, the first time I entered a grocery store in Ube, I was shocked by … [Read more…]
Today is bento day at the kindergarten and everyone, including my daughter, is expected to bring a delicious meal from home. I was honestly hoping school would provide all the meals (sometimes their do) but apparently, one schedule one bento day a week. After receiving a list of detailed instructions about the content of my … [Read more…]
I was lucky enough yesterday to receive Okara, or tofu pulp, for free during the matsuri from a local tofu maker. Okara is a by-product from the tofu making process and is basically soy fibers. It is often used in vegetarian cuisine here in Japan and in Asian. I personally had never tried Okara before … [Read more…]
Since my neighbor shares a lot of recipes, I thought I would share with you the ones I have been making lately. Here’s the recipe for Soboro bowl (そぼろ丼 -Soboro Don) I received from my neighbor. Ingredients: For the chicken: 1lbs of ground chicken 4 Tbs Of gluten free soy sauce (or regular if you … [Read more…]
After the Plum wine festival, the sake festival was not following much far behind. Last weekend, we had the opportunity to enjoy another tasting of interesting wines, this time with different sake from all around Yamaguchi prefecture. Hosted again at the community center in Tokiwa park, it was presenting 70 different wines, not only sake, … [Read more…]
Vegetables are a must on a diet. I suggest carrot cake, zucchini bread, and pumpkin pie. ~ Jim Davis When I arrived at the grocery store a few days ago, an employee was putting on display a huge box full of brocolis next to the discount rack and welcomed me with a great smile. ”Enjoy” … [Read more…]
Good Morning, This week is essential for living gluten-free here in Japan. From うんこ漢字ドリル book #2, page 54 This week Kanji is: wheat, barley, oat Kun: むぎ (mugi) On: バク (baku) We find it in : Barley Tea (served instead of water in many restaurants) : 麦茶（むぎちゃ, Mugicha) Straw hat: 麦わら帽子（むぎわらぼうし, mugiwaraboushi) Beer (although ビール is … [Read more…]
Like you know, I have been using my balcony as a spot to grow greens and beans. This is what my “garden” looks like at this time of the year. My greens have survived the snow and cold and are now thriving under the sun and 12 degrees temperature. I will soon have enough to … [Read more…]
