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Imagine a samurai slashing his sword through a pancake. Seems comical, right? Except for this Ninja Baker's hyperbole about sword play, something similar to today's savory okonomiyaki pancakes were served to warriors of the Edo (Feudal) period.
Similar to a pizza, you can pick whatever toppings you like
for your okonomiyaki pancake.
Two styles of okonomiyaki vie for affection on the Japanese culinary... Read Full Article249 |
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The Cake Slice Bakers are a group of bakers from around the world. We vote on a recipe and then bake the sweet from the same cookbook every month. Our current book is Carole Walter's Great Cakes. This month the rules changed. The cookbook remains the same but bakers choose one out of four great cakes. The Ninja Baker's selection is Manhattan Cheesecake! (A mighty fine choice if I do say so myself.)
Magic,... Read Full Article250 |
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This post is sponsored by the Idaho Potato Commission. All opinions are my own.
Thanks to a Dutch trade ship (piloted by an Englishman) that sailed into Southern Japan in 1598, potatoes were introduced to the Japanese diet by the 1600s. (Formal potato cultivation commenced in the 1800s.) Swiftly fast forward across the centuries, potatoes are essential to Japanese cuisine. Popularity winners include Japanese style curry, potato stuffed... Read Full Article251 |
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Happy Mother’s Day! I’m blessed with two. Both are inspirations. My birth mother is a two-time Wimbledon semifinalist. Despite the obstacles of limited finances, Mom’s mighty confidence and unwavering determination resulted in multiple tennis trophies and first place titles. My stepmother, Barbara’s artistic sensibilities continue to influence my appreciation of breathtaking compositions of poetry, flowers, food and... Read Full Article252 |
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Soft-skinned and seedless, easy to peel and a pleasure to eat, Japanese Mandarin oranges are generally referred to as mikan. Like wines the differences in seasons and subtleties are honored. Natsu (summer) mikan, fuyu (winter) mikan and haru (spring) mikan are some of the names for Mandarin oranges. The Satsuma mikan was the first Mandarin exported to the U.S. The Chinese characters / Japanese kanji for mikan (??) mean honey citrus... Read Full Article253 |
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American peanut butter symbolizes comfort for me. I always spied a jar in my grandmother, Nona’s pantry on summer visits to Colorado. At age five I learned English from my cousin Sarah in Colorado. I remember Nona hovering with a plate of peanut butter topped graham crackers.
An Elementary & Delicious Equation:
Peanut butter + Sugar + Eggs + Cherry Chips = Scrumptious Cookies!
Later, Dick, Jane, Spot... Read Full Article254 |
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America's chocolate covered bacon concoction is an indication of intense chocolate love. But the U.S. does not come close to matching Japan’s love affair with the cacao bean.
In Japan, chocolate fans enjoy chocolate with:
Azuki red beans
Chestnuts
Green tea / Matcha
Mocha
Sour plum soda
Sweet potato
Soy beans (Edamame)
Shrimp chips coated in chocolate.
An array... Read Full Article255 |
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Once upon a sunshiny Easter day in Tokyo this fledgling Ninja Baker was invited to an Easter egg hunt for the first (and last) time. The party was held at the home of a rich American man whose garden luxuriously stretched in all directions. (On an island such as Japan, property is a premium.)
The Ninja Baker...waiting for her Easter basket.
Parents were asked to help hide the Easter eggs. My father was put in charge of... Read Full Article256 |
