My Birthday Celebration

We celebrated my birthday  I mean Jason's Birthday a few weeks ago.  His birthday celebration involved steak, a massage and a movie.  The best part about setting up a celebration like that, is you get to enjoy all of it!

I'll leave it small, because... well... its feet.

I ended up with a pedicure!  Jason had also rented a couple of movies for the weekend.  However, as the parents of 4 we watch one when we can fit it in.  So the night before his Birthday celebration we watched an action movie, we weren't sure how late we would be getting back the night I was taking him out.  Well we got back early enough to watch a movie, so we watched Breaking Dawn Part II.  So, probably not his ideal night - but I enjoyed it!!

Happy Birthday!  You are one amazing husband and father.  Thank you for all you do for us.  I hope we helped you relax, even if it was only for an hour and an half.  Love  You.

Ichigo Daifuku - a tutorial

This is my friend and her two Japanese neighbors who taught us how to make mochi.  They were so sweet and their English is amazing, left me wishing my Japanese was better!

My latest Japanese favorite wagashi (Japanese confection made of mochi, azuki bean paste, and fruit) is Ichigo Daifuku.  This is a strawberry stuffed mochi, and it is so yummy.

The first time I had Mochi (Rice Cake) I didn't really love it, it has a strange texture and flavor.  Too much of a good thing, maybe.  A rice cake is about the size of you palm and made entirely of mochi and might be flavored.  Mochi has the consistency of a dough.  However, when stuffed with sweet beans and strawberry it is super yummy.

There are lots of tutorials available on how to make Mochi, this is how I was taught.  A friend arranged for her neighbors to teach a couple of us Mochi addicts how to make Ichigo Daifuku.  We made about 30 that day.  We made the mochi in 2 batches because if it cools you can't shape it or get it to stick around the strawberry.

Ingredients:  Makes 6 (I think a few more, these were a little big)
Shiratamako (glutinous rice flour)  100g
Sugar  20g
Water  150cc
Strawberry  6+
Anko (sweet red bean paste)  30g/each  *****I think 15g/each is better*****
Katakuriko (potato starch) or Corn Starch for dusting


On the left is a bag of Shiratamako.  On the right is a bag of Anko,  you can also get it in a can.  I was told that the Anko in a can is wetter and harder to work with for mochi.

Directions:
1.  Preparation:
Remove stem from strawberries.  Wrap strawberry with Anko and round to make ball (you want the tip of the strawberry to peak through).  Have some water in a bowl to use for your hands to keep things from being so sticky.  If your hands are a bit damp the Anko doesn't stick to you as much.

2.  Measure out dry ingredients. Put Shiratamako and Sugar in a heat resistant bowl and mix.

3.  Pour water into the bowl, gradually.  Mix until smooth.

4.  Loosely cover with saran wrap.  Put the bowl in the microwave and heat for 2 minutes and stir the dough.  Heat the dough in microwave until the dough becomes clear (2 min - 1 min each time).  Stir the mochi quickly.  If you dip your spatula in water the mochi will not stick to it as much.

This is the early stage of cooking, you can see how white the dough is.

This is when the dough is done, you can see that is clearish compared to the previous picture.  It does not turn completely clear.

5.  Dust a flat pan, plate or table with some Katakuriko.

6.  Remove the hot mochi from the bowl to the dusted surface.  The mochi is hot and sticky so be careful!!  Dust the top of the mochi.

7.  Dust hands with more Katakuriko and divide the mochi into 6 or more pieces.  You can use a pastry scraper, they work great.

8.  Make 6 flat and round mochi.  Grab a piece and pat it out.   Be sure to not get it too thin, especially in the center.  

9.  Wrap anko/strawberry in the mochi.  Place the point of the strawberry down.  Pinch closed and use Katakuriko to keep the mochi from sticking to you and to the container you are going to store it in.  When you have it all wrapped up you kind of roll the mochi in your hands to smooth the outside and shape it nice.

Notes:
I have made mochi several times now and I will tell you that volume measurements don't work as well. You can also use Mochiko flour - the recipe is a little different as is the flavor and texture.  The differences are subtle, so most people wouldn't know the difference unless they have them side by side. Use good strawberries!  You want to see a bit of pink peaking through the top of Ichigo Daifuku.

Has Japan Changed My Taste Buds?

I am beginning to wonder if my short 3 years in Japan has changed my taste buds.  A fact that my 3 sisters kept reminding me of during their visit a few weeks ago.

I like mochi, enough to figure out how I am going to have fresh mochi in the states.  A tutorial on ichigo daifuku is in the works.

The fact that I am starting to enjoy mochi (at first I was not a huge fan) does not in itself cause me to wonder.  It is the fact that the past few weeks, I have been wishing for more of these.

These are sugared beans.  They are the size of large Lima beans.  A friend found them in mainland and brought some for me to enjoy.  We joked that this was the ultimate hippie food.  Could you imagine a cupcake topped with one of these?  They were that big - a cupcake topper.  But, I did enjoy eating them.    Anything with sugar for me!!

Hinamatsuri (Girl's Day)

We participated a little more in Hinamatsuri this year than usual.  I found a wooden doll display I was willing to purchase.  I actually think it is wooden food, a cake with the doll decorations - but it works for us.  

   
I also bought sweet Arare.  This is essentially puffed rice cereal, and some of it is colored.  This is a traditional cracker eaten on Hinamatsuri. 

The history of this event goes all the way back to 794. In those days, the death rate of women giving birth was so high, people started to put dolls beside their pillow to take their place. This became the origin of “Hina nagashi”, which the “Hina Dolls” were sent down to river or the sea taking bad spirits with them. Nowadays, “Hina Dolls” are more like guardians for children covering all the troubles for them. By the way the dolls are set to imitate a wedding in the time of Heian era (794-).(Okinawa2Go!Project)

This is the day to wish girls’ well-being in Japan. As for Okinawa, there is local traditional event called “Hamaui” on March 3rd in the lunar calendar. Girls go to the beach and soak their hands and feet in the saltwater to purify themselves to drive away the ill luck and pray for their well-being. Both traditional events are fun for girls. (Okinawa2Go!Project)

You can read more about Hinamatsuri here and here.

Underwater Basket Weaving

This one I made for my Mother for Christmas (yup, our yard in December)

Well, not really underwater.  I have taken up basket weaving.  It is a craft that I learned while here in Okinawa.  We joke that we don't usually see a Japanese woman under the age of 50 using the baskets, but those of us that have started weaving are totally hooked.  It is something different for most of us.  So far all of the bags I have made have been about the same size.  I usually figure they will be used as a church bag.  It can hold scriptures, lesson binder, I-pad, and a few other things.

One for my Mother-In-Law

One for my Sister

I am currently trying to decide on a bag for another sister and doing 5 Easter baskets for the 5 monkeys.

Boys and Valentines

This year Grahm asked to give a special Valentine to a classmate.  If he had asked me I would have vetoed that immediately without giving it any thought.  He is only in second grade.  I guess that is why kids have 2 parents.  When the question was asked they were grocery shopping and Jason allowed him to bring home a heart shaped box of chocolates.  I was not over joyed at the thought of my second grader giving special Valentines out or how I would feel if that was my daughter.  Then the questions silently came into my mind, what is the right age?  When should a boy start to learn the art of wooing a girl?
With my varied experiences in dating, I would answer the last one - that my second grader should have started years ago.  So, if you have a second grade daughter receiving special valentines please don't freak out or be upset.  Let the boys learn how to do it right.

After that, I set out to do what I could to encourage my 5th grader to give one out as well.  He warmed up to the idea and the next time we were at the store he wanted to pick out a heart shaped box of chocolates.  Now, that I was on board I decided that he need tips on how to pick the right chocolates and not end up giving yucky crap.  Hopefully, I will have boys that will know how to gift well!

Speaking of good gifters, Jason has recently purchased some great pieces of furniture for me.  However, he thought he still need to do something great for me.  He ordered pizza (the gift of no cooking with my tired back and legs!) and he gave me 12 Ichigo Daifuku.  This is my absolute new favorite.  It can make a bad day great.  And he brought home 007!  Awesome Valentine.

Modern Aged Kiddos

Today as I was winding up doing some mindless time wasting Internet surfing- a.k.a - facebook, pinterest and e-mail, my 5 year old starts telling me what to google.  She wants me to google Monster High Doll Princess, to see if there any princesses.

 Its a different world!

5/6 people know a google..... That's pretty good... If your a kid and you know it... Raise your hand,... 1 OUT OF 1!!!  (Kid History - Babysitting Episode)

Elephants for Nursery?

So, lately I have been debating about using elephants in the baby's bedroom.  I still have about 6 months before he will have a room, but trying to decide what to do.

I like the circus, but circus elephants make me sad.  I don't think Dumbo is a happy movie.  I also think elephants have a tendency to look very sad.  They can look powerful and majestic, too.  I just can't decide.  If any ones has any ideas on baby boy rooms, let me know.  My colors are Grey and white with a pop of something - to be decided.

Here are some fun pictures of elephant items from pinterest.

                 

Source: lauraleeburch.com via Micah on Pinterest

Source: marthastewart.com via Micah on Pinterest

Source: svpply.com via Micah on Pinterest

Source: plasticashop.com via Micah on Pinterest

 

Source: dishfunctionaldesigns.blogspot.ca via Micah on Pinterest

Source: etsy.com via Micah on Pinterest

Source: grandpins.com via Micah on Pinterest

Source: etsy.com via Micah on Pinterest

Random Photos

If you are having trouble eating with your chopsticks, use them as a fashion accessory.  The more you have the better!

Grahm drew this picture of us to illustrate how I am always so mean.  I am saying no and he is saying sorry with tears.  

This is an awesome Lego ring that he made me one day.  I loved it, just wish I had a place to keep all of their Lego creations.   Next house, next house...

I caught my girls snuggling their Dad one afternoon.  I think nap time was over, but just getting started for Jason.  I don't think he got a nap.

Kindess 2013

Many of you may have seen this graphic.  I found it on pinterest (if you follow me on pinterest then you saw lots of kindness quotes getting pinned).

Our family goal for 2013 is to get a whole lot better at being kind, especially within the 4 walls of our own home.  We have noticed a serious lack of kindness going on at home, it starts at the top and trickles to the bottom.  We hope to spend 2013 really focusing on using kind words and serving one another.

I found some free printables for a Kind Kids Club.  The packet includes some coloring pages and room for defining what being kind means and how to be kind.  It also includes cards to print off with acts of kindness on them and some blank ones.  I printed a bunch of blank ones off and every Monday they get a new card with a way to be kind written on it.  They have a week to accomplish their kind act.  For kind acts I included things like: say thank you, give a hug, make someones bed, do a chore for someone else, do a chore without being asked, write a letter of appreciation, etc...

I grabbed the Scatter Kindness graphic and used my vinyl cutter to make a sign to stick on the wall to help us remember.  I hope 2013 is much kinder.