How do you prepare mochi that is dried and hard as a rock. I cannot read Japanese and only know how to prepare fresh mochi.

Hi Jackie,

It’s common to add Mochi that is rock hard to any soup, preferably sweet bean “zenzai” or fish based broth o-zoni. After a few minutes in the soup, it will return to its delightfully glutinous and chewy texture.

If it’s been left outside uncovered, though, which is often the case for New Year ornaments, make sure to wipe the mochi off before adding it to your soup, as it may have a layer of dust unsavoury for the palate!

Enjoy the New Year!!

Just curious if you know the correct way to prepare Okinawa Soba. I just moved back to the U.S. and I would love to make it at home.

Or even Soki Soba.
THANKS SO MUCH!!

Hi Autumn,

Unfortunately, I have yet to really explore the joys of Okinawan cuisine. If you give me a bit of time, I’ll try to dig up some recipes for you that are as authentic as possible. I’ll have to refer to friends and family, though, because I actually have never tried Okinawa noodles before! the only Okinawan food I have ever tried was chanpuru. sorry about this!

I’ve been watching Iron Chef and am amazed when they pull out a contraption that squeezes out noodles at one end which the chefs cook straight in a pot of boiling water. Do you have any idea what the name of this is and where I can get one?

Thank you! Cool site!

I am looking for an odd japanese cooking tool. It sits inside the sink and is a basket for trimmings. Its plastic and has a net that hangs inside. I can’t find it anywhere. Do you know what it is called and where I can find it online?

Thanks!

I’ve just started japenese cooking and am having a hard time finding most of the ingredients, like dashi no moto, and yellow miso. Could you tell me a good place to find these. Thank you

Hi Jessica,

It’s hard to tell you where you can find those things unless you tell me what city you are in. Of course you can buy these items online, but then you miss out on the shopping experience! You know, being able to pick the items up and look at them up close.