{"title":"Taste of Japan and Sake Live vol.71","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0374\/2207\/1943\/files\/IMG_8182.jpg?v=1775817719\" alt=\"\" width=\"246\" height=\"307\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProducts used in \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/reel\/DW8l0lSjDHV\/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link\u0026amp;igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"Taste of Japan and Sake vol.71\"\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Aptos',sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Yu Gothic'; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: JA; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;\"\u003eSakura Mochi (Kanto style) \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eSakura mochi\u003c\/em\u003e, or “cherry blossom rice cake,” is a seasonal sweet enjoyed in spring. It consists of a soft, pink-coloured rice cake (mochi) filled with sweet red bean paste and wrapped in a pickled cherry blossom leaf.\u003cbr\u003eThe style of sakura mochi differs by region. In the Kansai region, represented by cities such as Osaka and Kyoto, it is made using coarsely crushed glutinous rice, forming a textured rice cake. In contrast, the Kanto region, including Tokyo, uses finely ground glutinous rice flour combined with flour to create a thin, delicate pancake. Soft, fragrant, and subtly sweet, sakura mochi offers a harmonious balance—the gentle saltiness of the pickled cherry leaf complements the sweetness of the mochi and red bean paste.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIngredients\u003cbr\u003e•    8g Shiratamako (glutinous rice flour)\u003cbr\u003e•    40g Plain flour\u003cbr\u003e•    28g Sugar\u003cbr\u003e•    60ml Water\u003cbr\u003e•    Natural red food colouring or 1 tsp beetroot juice\u003cbr\u003e•    80g Tinned yude azuki (sweet red bean paste)\u003cbr\u003e•    4 Pickled cherry leaves (sakura leaves)\u003cbr\u003e•    Vegetable oil (for cooking)\u003cbr\u003ePreparation\u003cbr\u003e1. Prepare the filling\u003cbr\u003eTinned yude azuki, or sweet red bean paste, can be a little soft, so we first need to firm it up.\u003cbr\u003eTransfer the red bean paste into a saucepan and cook over medium heat for a few minutes, stirring continuously with a spatula. As the moisture evaporates, the paste will thicken and become easier to shape.\u003cbr\u003eOnce it reaches a soft but holdable consistency, remove from the heat and allow it to cool slightly.\u003cbr\u003eDivide the paste into four equal portions, about twenty grams each, and gently roll them into smooth balls. Set aside.\u003cbr\u003e2. Prepare the cherry leaves\u003cbr\u003eGently rinse the salted cherry leaves under cold water to remove excess salt.\u003cbr\u003ePat dry with kitchen paper and leave aside.\u003cbr\u003e3. Make natural colouring (optional)\u003cbr\u003eIf using beetroot:\u003cbr\u003e•    Take a small piece of cooked beetroot\u003cbr\u003e•    Mix with 1 tablespoon of water and lightly mash\u003cbr\u003e•    Strain to extract a pink-red liquid\u003cbr\u003eMeasure 1 teaspoon of this juice for the batter.\u003cbr\u003e4. Prepare the batter\u003cbr\u003e1.    In a bowl, sift the plain flour and mix with sugar.\u003cbr\u003e2.    In a separate bowl, combine water with beetroot juice or a tiny amount of red food colouring to create a pale pink liquid.\u003cbr\u003e3.    Add the shiratamako to (2) and mix until smooth.\u003cbr\u003e4.    Gradually add (3) to the flour mixture and whisk until you have a thin, lump-free batter.\u003cbr\u003e5. Cook the pancakes\u003cbr\u003e1.    Heat a non-stick frying pan over low heat and lightly oil it.\u003cbr\u003e2.    Pour about 1\/4 of the batter into the pan and spread into a thin oval (approx. 10 cm long).\u003cbr\u003e3.    Cook gently for about 1-2 minute, until set.\u003cbr\u003e4.    Flip carefully and cook the other side for 10–15 seconds only.\u003cbr\u003eTransfer to a plate and repeat (you should have 4 usable pancakes).\u003cbr\u003e6. Assemble\u003cbr\u003e1.    Place a pancake smooth-side down, ensuring the more attractive side will face outward.\u003cbr\u003e2.    Position one red bean ball slightly below the centre of the pancake.\u003cbr\u003e3.    Fold the pancake gently in half to enclose the filling, forming a soft half-moon shape.\u003cbr\u003e4.    Wrap with a cherry leaf, vein side facing inward, allowing the leaf to naturally contour the mochi.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"604911","title":"Johakuto White Soft Sugar 1kg","description":"\u003ch3\u003eSpoon Johakuto 1kg\u003c\/h3\u003e","brand":"MITSUI","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":33887476482183,"sku":"604911","price":5.98,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0374\/2207\/1943\/files\/604911.png?v=1682695553"},{"product_id":"604910","title":"Sanonto Brown Soft Sugar 1kg","description":"\u003ch3\u003eSpoon Sanonto 1kg\u003c\/h3\u003e","brand":"MITSUI","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":33887476646023,"sku":"604910","price":6.28,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0374\/2207\/1943\/files\/604910.png?v=1682695417"},{"product_id":"m-30066","title":"Yude Azuki Sweet Red Beans 200g","description":"\u003cstrong\u003eBoiled Azuki Red Beans\u003c\/strong\u003e","brand":"IMURAYA","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":33887487393927,"sku":"M-30066","price":3.98,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0374\/2207\/1943\/products\/photo_73.png?v=1677853524"},{"product_id":"94450","title":"Banshu Gishi Shiratama-ko Glutinous Rice Flour 200g","description":"\u003ch3\u003eBanshu Gishi-Shiratama-ko 200g\u003c\/h3\u003eRice Flour. This item is to make rice cakes.","brand":"MAEHARA","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":33887488376967,"sku":"94450","price":6.98,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0374\/2207\/1943\/products\/seasonings_7.png?v=1681479737"},{"product_id":"s001042","title":"White Crystal Sugar 1kg","description":"\u003ch3\u003eSpoon Shiro Zarame 1kg\u003c\/h3\u003e","brand":"MITSUI","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":34230171435143,"sku":"S001042","price":5.98,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0374\/2207\/1943\/files\/S001042.png?v=1682696365"},{"product_id":"koimaru-kurosato-brown-sugar-300g","title":"Koimaru Kurosato Brown Sugar 300g","description":"","brand":"MIYAZAKI","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40466295128199,"sku":"I-30474","price":3.58,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0374\/2207\/1943\/files\/1_e21e1695-af9f-4303-9cc7-48ff88a08340.png?v=1682604253"},{"product_id":"onikuro-brown-sugar-300g","title":"Onikuro Brown Sugar 500g","description":"","brand":"MIYAZAKI","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40466295193735,"sku":"I-30473","price":5.18,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0374\/2207\/1943\/files\/5.png?v=1682604229"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0374\/2207\/1943\/collections\/Matcha_sesame_panna_cotta_1_eff8d273-8af6-48d3-bfcb-1076cae5f0d4.jpg?v=1775818014","url":"https:\/\/natural-natural.shop\/collections\/taste-of-japan-and-sake-live-vol-70-copy.oembed","provider":"natural natural Online Shop","version":"1.0","type":"link"}