Mochi餅 お餅alternative words: Omochi, Rice cake keywords: food related topics: New year , Senbei , Kagami mochi , Ozoni , Wagashi related web sites: http://www.asahi-net.or.jp/~bn9m-smd/ , http://www.asahi-net.or.jp/~nr8c-ab/afjptukiusagi.htm , http://www.sgm.co.jp/conts/club/tei/garage/0001/0001.htm explanation: The history if "mochi" is old as rice culture itself. It consists to strike in a mortar for several minutes steamed mochigome (highly glutinous rice) then spread to a shelf. Soon it will be harden and fit to a conservation. In order to eat it, it will be cut off to small pieces (about 5 cm) and be grilled or boiled in a soup with vegetables (ozoni). The latter is especially tasted during a new year celebration. Mochi is also an essential ingredient of Japanese cakes (wagashi) such as senbei. | |