Archive of Past Blog Entries

Fig and White Chocolate Matcha Donuts

This is a sponsored post. All opinions are my own. Life is a mystery. The atrocities and the miracles leave me awe-struck. I marvel too how lore infused in foodstuffs have endured centuries. Why do some foods continue to carry symbolic meaning through time? Parables in the Bible are rife with figs. Lessons in spiritual maturation are reflected upon in stories of trees barren of figs to those burgeoning with ripe fruit. The Song... Read Full Article233

Glazed Almond Butter Cake, #The Cake Slice Bakers

The Cake Slice Bakers are a group of bakers from around the world. Currently, the challenge is to bake one of four preselected Carole Walter's Great Cakes recipes.  Glazed Almond Butter Cake was this Ninja Baker's winning choice. This month's Glazed Almond Butter Cake for the Cake Slice Bakers takes the cake! A featherlight buttery crumb is topped by a sticky melted brown sugar, butter and almond glaze... Read Full Article234

Low Calorie Japanese Noodle Salad

“Imagine all the people living life in peace.” So sang legendary ex-Beatle John Lennon. Turn on the TV for the world report and you see strong imagination skills are needed! Ready for some good news? (Me, too!) Borders blend and different cultures exist harmoniously in the humblest home cook’s kitchen to the haute designer ateliers of celebrity chefs. American bacon and low-calorie Japanese shirataki noodles... Read Full Article235

Chocolate Matcha Cupcakes and Japanese Plum Wine Cake, #DixieQuicktakes

This post is sponsored by Dixie Quicktakes. All opinions are my own. Building a bridge of understanding between the East (with an emphasis on Japan) and the West (mainly the US) via the avenue of food brings me great joy. There is wisdom in the adage, “Write about what you love.”  I delight in baking and sharing goodies with non-GMO ingredients and imported Japanese products. Quality is key to yummy outcomes.... Read Full Article236

No-Bake Raspberry and Japanese Yuzu Citrus Bars, #SundaySupper

Summer signals the start of freedom: School vacations, celebrations of independence in the US and France. Thanks to a #SundaySupper Twitter chat, you’ll also be able escape a hot kitchen while temperatures soar. A treasure trove of tips and no-bake recipes will be shared. Scroll down and you’ll see details on how to attend the Summer Chillin’ #SundaySupper hosted by one of the smartest bloggers on the web, Alaiyo Kiasi of... Read Full Article237

Blueberry and Japanese Yuzu Citrus Muffins, #TwelveLoaves

Funny how specific foods summon memories. Do you have any special associations with blueberries? Plump blueberries always bring to mind for me summer fun in Massachusetts. After another school year was over, I’d fly out of Haneda or Narita and head for my mother’s home in Cambridge for a month. (My parents divorced when I was 5. I lived with my Dad and stepmom in Tokyo.)  Summertime Pleasures: Blueberry muffins accented... Read Full Article238

Cherry Chip Blossom Cupcakes, #SundaySupper

With the flowering of Japanese cherry blossoms (sakura) in Japan, poetry, songs, picnics and sweets flood the marketplace. The Sakura, Sakura (cherry blossom) lullaby is the infant’s introduction to music. As Megadeth rock band ’s former guitarist Marty Friedman will confirm, mothers and grannies are not the only ones singing about cherry blossoms. On a recent Japanese TV show (?????????????? Hard to Say Things,... Read Full Article239

Top 3 Dream Kitchen Appliances, PartSelect KitchenAid Artisan Series Mixer Contest

Are you a dreamer or a pragmatist? To quote popular TV psychologist, Dr. Phil, “How is it working for you?” I’m genuinely curious.  I’d love to learn how happiness and success slipped into your life. What's your birthday cupcake candle wish? Since my 20s, I’ve collected photos, created collages and made lists of my ideal mate, dream job and home….It works. Here are 3 examples... Read Full Article240

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