Mochi and Cherry Blossoms

 The two things I am looking forward to the most....

We are off to Japan for a vacation and I wanted to talk a little about a treat I am sure to enjoy while there. Mochi.  Not familar with the treat? It is iceream wrapped in chewy rice paper.  They can be good or bad but once you've had the good, the bad is just really really bad. I became a fan at Nobu and have since become a critic and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to test and taste many different good varieties in Japan. 

Our trip will take us to Tokyo and Kyoto. Just in time for the blooming cherry blossoms!

  The earliest bloom ever! We hit it right!  

Sayonara!

Imported Food

 Some friends of ours import food from the US to HK. I've mentioned them before here. I was lucky enough to split a crate of imported fruit and veggies last week. On the menu-Jerusalem artichokes, best of the best long stem strawberries and big fat juicy raspberries and broccolini.  We have been eating well. These items don't hit the grocery-they go straight to restaurants-so we are very lucky to get our hand on them!

 I used Jamie Oliver's receipe here for amazing Jerusalem artichokes

HUGE!

The littlest roux can't get enough! 

Lace Cookies out of Season

Lace Cookies are a Christmas treat in my house.  I made them for friends this holiday season and received so many compliments-I mean how could you not like them-butter-sugar...thats about all...anyway-some friends moved into a new apartment and I made an out of season batch for them and it was really fun and well received. Made me feel and my house smell like Christmas all over again. 

Do you ever make things out of season? What's the best?