06-27-2011

Why these cookies were being offered as a class in June I will never know, because I'm certain they're almond Christmas cookies.  They sure taste heavy like Christmas.  Anyway, Christmas in July then.  Although I don't think they know what that is in Japan...

06-26-2011

In an attempt to eat healthier, as well as preventing spoilage, I'm trying to combine as many fresh ingredients as possible.  Seems like a no-brainer, right?  Not in Japan, not always.

06-21-2011

Japan loves to cook with liqueur.  I think they believe alcohol is luxurious, which would explain the drinking culture here in Tokyo.  Anyway, this orange custard is flavored with Cointreau and can curl your toes while you're making it if you get too close after heating.

It was also a test of my knife skills.  Have you ever cut a half an orange into twelve slices?  I have and nearly got myself a few times, even with safe knife precautions.  A task for a mandolin?  Are they sharp enough to cut oranges?

6-13-2011

The summer seasonal bread classes are truly exceptional. Some of the rotating menus they choose are awful, but I'm very impressed with the Italian-influenced offerings this time around.

This bread is based on semolina flour and olive oil and has olives and chopped bacon inside, making a very pasta-like feeling. It's also a very soft bread, but still has the crust of a real bread. I will definitely make this again.

6-7-2011

This bread really should be called Spicy Bacon Tomato, because Spicy Tomato doesn't really cover the flavors.  The centers are filled with bacon pieces and ground black pepper for a punch.  Ketchup is mixed into the dough to add the tomato flavor and some color.  They were lovely but I wish the bacon hadn't browned so much.

06-06-2011

Ever since I went to Okinawa I notice little lion dogs like these all over the place.  The Japanese for them is シーサー (shisa) and the name is similar to lion 獅子 (shishi) so sometimes they're called shishi colloquially.  This one is on a column near the entrance to a home that I pass by when I walk to my regular school.

See my shisa photo from January here.

06-04-2011

Nanoblocks are a popular toy and are widely available in Japan.  There are warnings not to give them to young children, but Japan doesn't really follow those.  They are probably popular because they're small and save space, and who didn't love Legos as a kid?

6-1-2011

Does anyone else love blueberries? The blueberry cream filling these is simply divine.  The mint wilts pretty quickly, but the rest is nice.  Frozen blueberries are mixed into the bread dough also.

Fun fact: Mirtillo is Italian for blueberry.

6-30-2010

I made deviled eggs to go with dinner.  My mom always said to put sweet pickles in them.  I use a pastry bag so I don't tear the whites.

6-29-2010

Despite the overall lack of rain this year, it is still rainy season in Tokyo.  Lunchtime snap.

6-28-2010

Spotted on the Yamanote line.  Darth Vader endorses this phone.

6-27-2010

Since I worked all day, here's another photo from the local festival in Asahikawa.  Street performers and beer booths.  They did some cool magic tricks.

6-26-2010

Hokkaido is famous for soup curry, so I had to get some while there.  Taken in Asahikawa.  No, I didn't go to the zoo; chose the local festival and curry over caged animals.

6-25-2010

A closet of hot yakiniku grill pots.  My camera picks up grill flames as pink (look right).  This "closet" is in a restaurant.

6-24-2010

It's hydrangea season in Japan.  The colors here are much more varied than I'm used to; bright pinks, purples and blues.  I didn't think hydrangeas were native to Japan, but apparently they are.  It would make sense considering the variety.

6-23-2010

Rainy day, but at least we have clear plastic umbrellas in Japan.

6-22-2010

Never let it be said people don't leave things in weird places in Japan too.  Found this in someone's front yard on my way to teach a class today.

6-21-2010

If you pay attention you'll see lots of saké casks, particularly near izakaya and Shinto shrines.  Commonly mislabeled rice wine, saké is fermented much like beer, but with a simultaneous double process using mold and yeast.

Also, if you ever travel to Japan you won't want to ask for saké because it's the Japanese word for alcohol...to order saké you would need to order nihonshu (日本酒), or Japanese alcohol.

6-20-2010

Pigeons really are city rats with wings, but in Japan they seem to be much less aggressive than your usual "garden variety" in the US.  These just looked at me strangely as I took their photo.  The second one there was getting annoyed with me, I think.

6-19-2010

Moo Cow and I have been trying for weeks to go to this place called Shanghai Chicken but were constantly foiled by various things (including the restaurant being closed at weird times...).  For our final attempt to get there we successfully got seats at the counter (not even a table, boo!) but it was worth it.  Their "gyoza" were excellent, although not the typical crescent shape...so perhaps I should call them jiaozi after the Chinese name.  Anyway, it was worth all the hassle of going, and I think we're going to attempt to go a few more times.   :o)