On the same day that we all went to Cinnamon, Foodeater and I stopped at an Asian market in her neighborhood. You see, I have a huge Asian market/indoor mini-mall less than a mile from my house and I've been too intimidated to go in. Foodeater, being an expert Asian market shopper, volunteered to take me to a smaller market so I wouldn't be intimidated anymore. In case you weren't already aware, Foodeater rocks! We got all sorts of cool stuff and most of it was extremely inexpensive. I bought some sweets, including the delicious mochi pictured above (they had red bean filling, sesame filling, and peanut butter filling, from left to right), some chewy palm seed candies that were like unflavored gummy bears, and soft blocks of paste made up of beans, coconut milk, and sugar. Of course, I bought other wonderful things, like Genmaicha brown rice tea, which has a wonderful smoky brown rice flavor, canned jackfruit, and hot sauce.
Hopefully, I'll buck up and go to the big Asian supermarket soon now that I have my first experience under my belt. :)
14 comments:
That Asian market sounds fabulous!! I've only been to one, while in NYC, a few years ago - you can really find some unique ingredients!
I love how inexpensive Asian markets are. Brett and I went to one in Illinois, we got sushi rolling mats, chopsticks, wasabi, etc, and it was less than $20. You just can't really ask questions, you have to know what you are looking for - the language barrier presents a challenge at times.
You try going to MARUKAI in LITTLE TOKYO.
It has tons of stuff and its small.
It's located at Weller Court.
They have everything your looking for.
Oh I love Japanese sweets, these sound so good!
Glad you liked the mochi! I'll have to take you out for some of the delicious fresh ones out in Little Tokyo some day. I loved all the little canned sauces I bought when I was there with you and need to go back for more. I also ended up eating that entire package of palm seeds all by myself... damn those are good! I can't wait until you finally step foot into the monster-sized Asian market near your house... it'll blow yer mind!
I bought that exact same mochi!! http://bulletsoflove.blogspot.com/2008/02/homecoming-blues-and-spices.html
And I love asian markets, they're so much fun - it sounds like you got a lot of treasure!
Thank goodness I"m not the only one with a fear of huge asian markets! Maybe you or foodeater could come down to Houston and help me? :-)
Congrats on your maiden voyage into the Asian market! I love these markets, there is so much to check out, so much of it is veg-friendly, and so much of it is cheap! I spend hours in the one closest to me.
oh the first trip to the Asian supermarket. I suggest taking a friend because it will be the most comical, embarassing, awkward and scary "retail" experience you will ever have.
I am so glad that that helpful foodeater dragged you out of your comfort zone to enjoy mochi and all the wonders of the asian supermarket. I look forward to our future food adventures this summer!
I've never been to an Asian market, but after reading your post I must find one now!
Thanks for the link. That recipe looks a lot like what I made - it's yummy! I either didn't use enough water though, or I boiled it way too long (oops). After I thinned it down with more hot water it was perfect!
I agree - anytime is a good time for oatmeal!
Delicious mochi! The most miraculous of snacks..
I love Japanese mochi cakes, aka daifuku. I made mochi dough the other day and made my own daifuku with red bean paste inside. But I added orange rind and crystalized ginger. It's actually way easier than to make than I would have thought. I got my inspiration from Kittee at Cake Maker to the Stars. She made some great blue and pink daifuku with strawberries in it.
BTW, thanks for the link to my blog :o) I've linked to yours on mine...
Nicole
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