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Halloween is now a booming business in Japan. Like Christmas, the sweets shops concoct cute treats for the holiday. The holiday is strictly commercial. Halloween costume parties (and Christmas parties) are ever popular. Still, it’s just a reason to celebrate and have a good time.
There is no trick or treating on Halloween. Growing up in Tokyo, my friends and I would trick or treat in “gaijin” (foreign) compounds. The lucky... Read Full Article105 |
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Under the Tuscan Sun, 20th Anniversary Edition, Lemony Honey Lavender Glazed Japanese Yuzu Cake
Anniversaries bring reflection and hopefully celebration. Reading Frances Mayes' 20th birthday edition of Under the Tuscan Sun delivered both reflection and celebration to this reader. Long before Under the Tuscan Sun was a blockbuster movie; I picked up the first edition of the book. Journeying with Mayes the first time was wonderful. ... Read Full Article106 |
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Yuzu is the elixir sought after by Japanese cuisine maestros. Like lemon, the Japanese citrus, brightens any savory or sweet. Just in case you’ve not been introduced, yuzu is the citrus cousin of lemon and lime. Yuzu produces a bigger pucker. Containers of yuzu juice line the pantries of home cooks to gourmet chefs in Japan. Yuzu liqueur is pretty spectacular, too. Think Limoncello. Just better. To quote the husband: “It’s just... Read Full Article107 |
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日本語での説明はスクロール・ダウンすればご覧頂けます。
Like a phantom leaving quiet clues and chills, autumn is once again a reality. Halloween, the celebration of ghosts and goblins is near. After departing platform 9¾ the magical train of time is heading for Harry Potter’s Hogwarts-esque world of Halloween tricks and treats.
Do you believe in magic? I do. Numerous complaints have been filed by friends stating “gluten-free products are not tasty!... Read Full Article108 |
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If you are a parent, you are the best authority on the subject of children and vegetables. But if you do need back pocket recipes for “one of those days”…You can make your children eat their vegetables in a cupcake!
You are probably aware that chocolate is a fantastic trickster. And chocolate cupcakes are the perfect hiding place for pumpkin. (Zucchini and spinach in brownies work well too.) The Great Pumpkin season is upon... Read Full Article109 |
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Craving a sweet Japanese adventure? Your wish is granted!
Scroll down to the #JapanCandyBox giveaway for your chance to win a candy box from Japan.
You are still a winner if you don't win the giveaway.
Japan Candy Box has a monthly subscription service with free shipping.
(Less than a weekly fancy Starbucks!)
I was gifted with the Japan Candy Box featured in the video below.
The creative and cute packaging were... Read Full Article110 |
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Truth be told Japan and Korea have not always been the best of friends. But postwar generations have paved a way to forgiveness. Fascinations with the foods and songs of each other’s cultures have flourished with time. (Many Japanese also confess to addictions to Korean TV dramas.) As Shakespeare says, “What wound did ever heal but by degrees.”
Travel, besides time, also adds perspective and appreciation. So do imports.... Read Full Article111 |
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What follows is a synopsis of my Hollywood Blockbuster.
What’s the story about?
Miso Salted Caramel Ice Cream Sandwiches.
Movie Titles for Your Consideration:
Please advise which title you’d pick.
Or create your own.
1. Mission Possible: Miso Salted Caramel Ice Cream Sandwiches
2. The Ninja Baker’s Kitchen of Peculiar Happenings
3. UnFrozen: A Tale of Temperamental Ice Cream and Broken Machines
Great movies... Read Full Article112 |
