Japanese
Ume Somen with Edamame and Shrimps
We love noodles at our house. We eat them for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Do not be surprised that noodles are eaten for breakfast as they often are in many parts of Asia. Fewer things beat a warm soupy bowl of noodles on a cold morning. It is a bowl of comfort and one that [...]
Siblings can be so similar and yet so different. This is true also of maki (sushi rolls). You have met Futomaki, the fat younger brother. Today, you will get to meet the thinner elder brother, Hosomaki. They both have the same nori (seaweed) wrapping on the outside and a layer of vinegared rice on the [...]
In the last decade, sushi has successfully penetrated American food culture. It has appeared in potlucks, picnics, buffets, and all manner of social gatherings. It has also taken its place in the deli section of many grocery stores in providing a gluten-free and healthy option. In short, sushi has come of age in America.
Single flavored kasutera, check! Double-flavored marbled kasutera, check! I did not make this one but it is out there. And now I present to you the triple-flavored Neapolitan Kasutera! Achoo…talk about a persistent bug! This one shows no sign of abating. Have no fear though as this bug should not harm you unless you over-indulge. [...]
Continue reading about Neapolitan Kasutera (Neapolitan Castella)
Would you believe there is such a thing as a “kasutera bug”? It seems to have gone viral again in the food blogosphere. I was told it made an appearance some years back where there was a frenzy of “kasuteritis”. Symptoms varied from deep despondence over sunken sponges to giddying heights over light and fluffy [...]
Continue reading about Matcha Kasutera 抹茶カステラ (Green Tea Castella)
Kasutera カステラ or Castella is a popular Japanese sponge cake. It is said to have been named after the Castilla Monarchy in Spain but brought into Japan by the Portuguese merchants through Nagasaki in the 16th century. Imagine the consternation of the first European traders arriving on those shores to realize that there was not [...]
Hot pots and nabemono are especially good during the colder months. The cooking can be done and kept warm at the table on portable stoves or in electric pots. I like to serve them in the weekends when dinner can be enjoyed at a more leisurely pace. The ones I have shared so far are [...]
Continue reading about Hōtō Nabe (Flat Noodles Miso Hot Pot)
