flavors of Japan

I just found these at the grocery store near

my house and about did a back flip! The only other

place I've seen them was on a visit to a craft village

in Morioka last fall. Kinako Bou is kinako powder,

mochi, sugar (etc.) swirled into a twist of sweet,

kinako-y goodness!)

Imoyoukan (sweet potato, brown sugar and gelatin)

I have yet to get the balance just right, like the guy

at my favorite dango shop can!

Sweet potato and bacon in an onigiri? Yes! I saw this picture while looking for

more sweet potato recipes and it made my jaw drop!!! Doesn't it look amazingly

oishii (delicious)?

Here's another favorite. Sakura mochi! The salted leaf

around the outside is from a cherry tree. The mochi is sweet,

as, of course, is the bean paste on the inside.

Kabocha is so delicious by itself, or with a little sugar and

soy sauce. Hmmm...there's been a theme in all of these....SWEET! :)