Satsuma Imo (Sweet Potato) Caramel

Classic Japanese Candy: Sweet Potato Caramel. I have been a fan of bontan ame candy for some time and have written about it twice on KyotoFoodie. The company that makes it also makes another unique soft candy product made with the produce of Kyoto: sweet potato. I knew about this sweet potato caramel but had never been able to find…
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Wagashi: ‘Sagano’ Chrysanthemum Theme Namagashi

Autumn is upon us in Kyoto and one of my favorite wagashi makers looks to the rural Western Hills of Kyoto’s Sagano district for inspiration for a delicate and handmade chrysanthemum shaped namagashi. Kyoto Autumn Theme Wagashi 嵯峨野生菓子 While I haven’t seen any chrysanthemums in bloom yet this year, mine are just budding, the theme of culinary delights in Kyoto…
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Bontan Ame – Traditional Japanese Gyuhi-Mochi and Pectin Soft Candy

Our regular readers may recall last year that we introduced Bontan Ame, a classic soft Japanese mochi-like candy made in the southern island of Kyushu with a regional citrus called bontan. I don’t eat much candy but in recent months I have become bontan ame crazed! I eat a box of it nearly everyday. Fortunately bontan ame is not terribly…
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Wagashi: Shiruko (Red Azuki Bean ‘Soup’)

Wagashi: Kyoto Daimonji Theme Shiruko Red Azuki Bean Porridge 汁粉 Wagashi: Kyoto Daimonji Theme Shiruko Red Azuki Bean 'Soup' 大文字 汁粉
Shiruko is a hot, sweet soup-like dessert flavored with azuki beans and mochi that is very popular in Japan. It can be found on the menus of traditional style tea houses. I was given an elegant set of 5 shiruko in packages on the theme of the Daimonji. Daimonji is…
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Junk Food in Japan: Mochi Mochi ‘Mushi Pan’ Steamed Bread

While it might be hard to believe, and I am not ashamed, some junk food in Japan really captivates me. This quasi-junk food, mochi mochi mushi pan, or steamed bread has got me. I haven’t been able to get over it for a year now so I thought that I ought to introduce it on KyotoFoodie. It is quite interesting…
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