Latest Blog Posts

Latest Blog Posts

Vegan Apple Biscoff Cinnamon Rolls, #TwelveLoaves

The apple is one VIP in the fruit family. Eve tempted Adam with an apple. Sir Isaac Newton’s wonderment about falling apples allegedly led to theories about gravity. And the Apple logo is now associated with high-tech computers and iPhones! Poet Patrick Blanche even wrote a Japanese-style haiku poem about the firm-skinned juicy-fleshed apple.   One apple, alone In the abandoned orchard Reddens for winter. ~Patrick Blanche... Read More

Vegan Mini Chocolate Cream Cakes, #SundaySupper

Have you ever tripped and found yourself sprawled out on the sidewalk? I’m not speaking metaphorically. I woke up anxious about my massive to-do list. I  pushed the feelings aside. Women are masters of multi-tasking, right? Starbucks in hand, I was determined to check off the items. Life had other plans. Preoccupied with “priorities” while scanning Santa Monica storefronts, the jagged sidewalk escaped my attention. Splat... Read More

Best of Japan in Boulder, CO

Nestled in the mountain town of Boulder, Colorado nature generously gifts you with awe-inspiring beauty. Surprisingly, this born and bred Tokyoite also found an abundance of the nurturing comforts of Japan. Mountains are majestic but sometimes they can be treacherous beauties. Before launching into the details and delights of Japan in Boulder, I’d like to ask you to say a prayer, send healing energy to those who lost loved ones in... Read More

Misty, the Garden Pixie's Gluten-Free Strawberry Cookies Bento Adventure, #WishFarms

Misty, The Garden Pixie wishes sweet health for kids of all ages. Always looking for yummy ways to properly nourish Wish Farms fans and their families; Misty flew from Florida to the home of her friend, the Ninja Baker. After catching up on a bit of chitchat, Misty asked the Ninja Baker if she had any ideas for a great way to deliver healthy and delicious lunches. The Ninja Baker’s reply? “Pack a Japanese bento lunch box with lots... Read More

Peanut Butter Ginger Apple Cookies, #SundaySupper

Did you see the classic film, E.T.?  Quick synopsis – without a spoiler: An alien, E.T., is adopted by siblings, Elliot, Michael and Gertie (played by Drew Barrymore.) Their autumn experiences with E.T. teach them about love and turning on “Heartlight.” (The title song of the film.) I'm in awe of Boulder, Colorado's autumn splendor. Autumn is a time when green leaves transform into magnificent hues. (... Read More

Banana Nut Pocky Cupcakes, #TheCakeSliceBakers

Banana bread is one of the first distinctly American baked goods I remember as a child. I was eager to emulate my glamorous stepmother, Barbara, so I was eager to adopt the same likes and tastes. An especially easy task when something as scrumptious as Barbara's banana bread is served. My stepmother, Barbara, swept into my life on my sixth birthday party.  The birthday balloons, the cake, and probably my dress were pink. (Note the... Read More

Vegan Green Tea Cupcakes and Vegan Chocolate Frosting

Colorado’s Rocky Mountains were where I learned English. I remember sitting in a confused daze in my grandmother's kitchen as my blonde-haired, blue-eyed cousin spouted gibberish.  Even though I spoke English a few years later, I found myself dreading summertime trips to the Centennial State. This city girl from Tokyo was not particularly fond of the Meadow Mountains Girl Scout Camp in the boonies. I also didn... Read More

Acorn Squash Ramen, #SundaySupper

Squirrels scamper around Boulder, Colorado. They dart in and around and up trees. I even saw one squirrel nibbling a nut. Or maybe it was an acorn. Sly ninja moves to capture close-ups of the cuties on film are no match for the masters of escape. Perhaps the squirrels are skittish because they’re hoarding food.  Are you looking for an acorn Mr. Squirrel? Fall temps are fully evident in Boulder. "Tis the season for the... Read More

Asian Pear Bread, #TwelveLoaves

A golden skin covers the pale white Asian nashi pear. Dripping succulence and deliciousness, this Japanese apple-pear signals the start of autumn in Japan. In the olden days, the road from the American School in Japan to Tamabochimae train station was lined with mom-and-pop shops. One sold fruit and vegetables. Another sold candy and Japanese rice crackers. Soba shops also lined the path to the train station.  The golden Asian... Read More

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