Cherry Blossom Crescents, #SundaySupper

Hello from the Land of Cherry Blossoms, "cho oishii"(super delicious) food and Hinamatsuri. Japan's Hinamatsuri, Doll's Festival (also known as Girls' Day) takes place on Sunday, 03 March. Prayers for good health and happiness are said for girls. A doll display of the royal court is also set up. (Due to budgetary concerns, many families choose to purchase only the Emperor and Empress dolls.) The connection between good health and happiness came from ancient times when it was thought that misdeeds and misfortunes could be transferred to a doll. After the doll was cast into the river, the recipient of the service was freed from the past. The Hinamatsuri display dolls are too precious to be tossed aside. But in some areas of Japan a less expensive doll is tossed into the river on Girls' Day.

Emperor and Empress dolls and Doll's Day display accoutrement
crafted by my friend, Nozomi Fujii.
Her work is on display at Kurari in Kamakura, Japan.

The Hinamatsuri Festival falls on the same day the glories of cheese and cheesecake are fêted and discussed on Twitter at the #SundaySupper at 7 p.m. ET in the US.  All are invited to participate in the conversation and exchange of recipes. Type in # before SundaySupper in the search bar or click here, and enjoy the party. This week, the talented Angie from Big Bear's Wife hosts. 

Fujiya Confectionery Cheesecake Slices

Aware that I'd have limited access to a kitchen in Tokyo, I baked  Cherry Blossom Crescents for the #SundaySupper before boarding the-best-in-the-world Singapore Airlines. I've received no compensation of money or ticket for my sincere compliment. (Although I'm open to receive such a gift!) My reasons are simple: although in economy class, I was treated like one of the royal court dolls on the traditional Girls' Day display!

Girls' Day dolls on display at the Keio Plaza Hotel in Shinjuku.
The hanging chirimen zaiku ornaments are made from kimono remnants.

Here are two variations of the Ninja Baker's Cherry Blossom Crescents for the ruler of your kitchen. (That's you, right?) 

The Ninja Baker's Cheesy Cherry Blossom Crescents

Ingredients:

• Crescent rolls package from the refrigerator section
• 8 oz organic cream cheese spread, room temperature
• 2 tablespoons kirsch (brandy distilled from cherries)
• 2 teaspoons organic sugar (plus 1 tablespoon for sprinkling on top)
• 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla powder
• 32 dried cherries
• 1 egg, slightly beaten, for egg wash

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Unfurl crescent dough per package directions.
3. Place on parchment lined cookie sheets.
4. Top each with 2 dried cherries.
5. In a mixing bowl combine cream cheese and kirsch until well mixed.
6. Add the 2 teaspoons sugar and vanilla powder.
7. Continue to mix until well combined.
8. Scoop about a ½ tablespoon on top of the cherries in each crescent.
9. Top with a dried cherry.
10. Roll up the crescents.
11. Paint beaten egg onto each roll.
12. Sprinkle with sugar and garnish with a dried cherry.
13. Bake for 15 to 16 minutes or until golden brown.
14. Take a bite and wink at the gorgeous royal in the mirror.

The Ninja Baker's Chocolately Cherry Blossom Crescents

Ingredients:

• Crescent rolls package from the refrigerator section
• 2 to 3 ounces of chocolate (A Godiva milk chocolate bar is divine.)
• 8 oz organic cream cheese spread, room temperature
• 1 tablespoon kirsch (brandy distilled from cherries)
• 3 drops of pink gel food coloring
• 2/3 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla powder
• 8 dried cherries
• 1 egg, slightly beaten, for egg wash

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Unfurl crescent dough per package directions.
3. Place on parchment lined cookie sheets.
4. Top each with chocolate. If using a Godiva chocolate bar, break each square in 2. (It’ll fit better when rolling up the crescent.)
5. Roll up the crescents.
6. Paint the whipped egg onto each roll.
7. Bake for 15 to 16 minutes or until golden brown.
8. In a mixing bowl combine cream cheese, kirsch and drops of food coloring. 
9. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla powder.
10. Continue to mix until well combined.
11. Fill a piping bag with a star tip.
12. Once the crescent rolls are cool, pipe the pink frosting onto each one.
13. Garnish with a dried cherry to create the look of a blossom.
14. Take a bite and say hello to the beautiful doll in the mirror.

More recipes from the royalty of the food blogosphere:

Cheese --

Garlic and Goat by Supper for a Steal
Quick and Easy Homemade Cottage Cheese by The MeltAways
Homemade Velveeta Cheese by Juanitas Cocina
Cheesy Spinach and Artichoke Dip with Parmesan Crisps by BigBearsWife
Irish Cheese Soufflés by girlichef
Paneer Tikka Masala by Kimchi Mom
Tres Fromage by Chattering Kitchen
Creamy Meyer Lemon Pasta with Homemade Ricotta and Broccoli by Girl in the Little Red Kitchen
Ricotta Croquettes by Basic n Delicious
Cheeseburger Soup by Dinners Dishes and Desserts
Cherry Blossom Crescents by The Ninja Baker
Saag Paneer ! Golden Roasted Ricotta In Savory Spinach Sauce by Sues Nutrition Buzz
Sourdough Cheese Crackers by Curious Cuisiniere
Basil Balsamic Strawberries & Whipped Feta Grilled Cheese by Cupcakes and Kale Chips
Lox and Cream Cheese Mini Omelettes by Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
Buffalo Cream Cheese Stuffed Chicken by In The Kitchen With K P
Baked Mozzarella Sticks by Mama's Blissful Bites
Paneer Indian Cottage Cheese Pancake by Masala Herb
Crepes with Strawberry Mascarpone Cream Filling by Sonis Food
Roasted Pears with Pecorino by Happy Baking Days
Pan-Fried Haloumi Cheese Salad by Catholic Foodie
Chevre Torte with Mango and Sweet Pepper Salsa by Noshing with the Nolands

Cakes --

Vegan Chocolate Avocado Cake by Mangoes and Chutney
Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting by Hezzi D’s Books & Cooks
Sour Cream Chocolate Chip Cake by Gourmet Drizzles
Dairyfree Ice Cream Cake by Galactosemia in PDX
KitKat Chocolate Cake by The Urban Mrs
Old Fashioned Caramel Cake by There and Back Again
Strawberry Cream Cheese Coffee Cake by  Cripsy Bits n Burnt Ends
Peanut Butter Banana Bundt Cake with Chocolate Chips by Gotta Get Baked
Flourless Chocolate Bean Cake by Vintage Kitchen
Dense Chocolate Cherry Cake by What Smells So Good?
Tequila Lime Cupcakes by Mama, Mommy, Mom
Almond Polenta Cake by Shockingly Delicious
Salmon Cakes by Family Foodie
Banana Split Bundt Cake with Chocolate Glaze by Neighborfood

& Cheesecakes

Chocolate Raspberry Cream Cheese Tart  by Country Girl In The Village
Kit Kat Cheesecake Brownies by Chocolate Moosey
Reese's Chocolate Peanut Butter Bundt Cake by Daily Dish Recipes
Nutella Cheesecake Brownies by The Foodie Army Wife
Individual Strawberry and White Chocolate Cheesecakes by Small Wallet Big Appetite
Grasshopper Cheesecake Bars by That Skinny Shick Can Bake
Chocolate Covered Cherry Cheesecake by Magnolia Days
Mini Toddler Cherry Cheesecakes by In the Kitchen with Audrey
Mocha Cheesecake by Lovely Pantry
Lime Cheesecake Bites by Peanut Butter and Peppers
No-Bake Banana Sundae Cheesecake by The Messy Baker
Mini Raspberry Cheesecakes with White Chocolate Crusts by Cupcakes and Pearls
Savory Shrimp Cheesecake with Herbs and Garlic by Food Lust People Love
Cheesecake au Baileys by Baker Street
Tiny Turtle Cheesecakes (No Bake) by Cravings of a Lunatic
Peanut Butter and Chocolate Chip Mini Cheesecakes by Cookistry
Chocolate Cheesecake Bites by Mom, What's For Dinner?

Wishing you royal enjoyment of all things sweet, savory and cheesey