Noodles and Rice

Kashiwamochi

by Tom on May 3rd, 2008

The 5th May in Japan is a holiday to celebrate Boy’s Festival.  It is all about healthy growing boys and there are a lot of symbols ranging from beautiful flowing carp streamers (koinobori) to samurai replicas.  Of course being Japan, there is traditional food as well.  My favourite Boy’s day food is Kashiwamochi.

It is simply a flattened ball of mochi (rice cake) filled with An (sweet red bean paste) all wrapped up in an oak leaf.  Although the oak leaf isn’t to eat it makes such a difference to the taste and aroma, it is something to be experienced.  It ends up still sweet but also with this mysterious but delicious oak flavour.  Unfortunately my boy is still too young to eat it without choking but maybe next year.  Until then I will have to eat it for him 

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POSTED IN: Desserts : Asian Cuisine, Events, Japanese, Rice Dishes, Traditions