Whispers from Japan

Here is a quick recipe for tea cake with wholesome  petite black soybeans. For the batter, I use whole-wheat pancake mix. You can use a gluten-free mix available off-the-shelf in most markets in … read more

Here is a low-calorie, gluten-free recipe for a pumpkin pie using kabocha squash (Japanese pumpkin) and kudzu root powder instead of flour, which you can make in about 20 minutes. An average kab … read more

In Japan, salmon caught in high-season (from September to November) is called aki-sake (autumn salmon). Here is one of my favorite autumn recipes for baked salmon garnished with  yuzu-kosho (yuzu … read more

Japanese pickled ginger (gari) is very easy to prepare, and deliciously healthy condiment commonly served with sushi and sashimi. Gari is an excellent palate cleanser (much like a sorbet). You do not … read more

There is a chill in the air. Winter will be here in Japan soon. Persimmons are in season: bright red, sweet, juicy, and bursting with flavor. Our local farmers dry them to make a tasty treat called … read more