Monday, December 31, 2007

toshikoshi soba

(photo taken at Katsuoji, Minoo)

In Hawaii, we used to eat toshikoshi soba as part of our New Year's Eve dinner. I was surprised to find out that in Japan, they eat it just before midnight. Toshikoshi soba literally means "year crossing noodles". When making the toshikoshi soba, the noodles are left extra long to symbolize long life and prosperity.

Most people recall events that occurred during the year and prepare for the coming year while slurping their toshikoshi soba.

Here's my toshikoshi soba, which I had for lunch.

Cook your soba (buckwheat noodles) according to the directions on the package.

The soup: Serves 2
4 tablespoons mirin (sweet rice wine)
4 tablespoons sake (rice wine)
300cc dashi (kombu & katsuo (kelp and bonito) soup stock)(about 1.5 cups)
40cc shoyu (soy sauce) (about 1/4 cup)
5g katsuo bushi (bonito flakes)

The toppings:
naruto maki (a type of kamaboko (fish paste) which resembles a whirlpool)
chopped green onions

We want to thank you for taking the time throughout the year to write a comment, send an e-mail and for reading our adventures.

Despite some low points, the bulk of the year was fun and exciting. We made some new friends and had new adventures.

We hope 2008 will be a delicious year for you, filled with new experiences, new adventures, good health and prosperity.

(a little photo round-up of the year)

Let's see what the Year of Rat will bring...Happy New Year everyone!

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

Happy New Year Kat! Thanks for sharing your adventures and ono food! Hope you have a wonderful year!

-myra

Unknown said...

Happy New Year!! Thanks for your great blog posts! Our Hawaii New Year's Eve is still a few hours away... I think it will be a very smokey one! =)

K and S said...

Happy New Year Myra and Rick. The smoky part of New Years is the only thing I don't miss :)

Take care you two.
Kat

OkiHwn said...

Hau'oli Makahiki Hou Kat!

Monique said...

Happy New Year! I wish you and Satoshi a great year ahead. Thank you for sharing all your stories from Japan, I always learn so much. Happy blogging in 2008!

K and S said...

Same to you Nate!

Thanks Monique, I am always learning about different places from your travels!

Take care you two.
Kat

Martin J Frid said...

Have a wonderful, safe 2008. Looking forward to your culinary inspiration. Take care and be happy.

We are what we eat...

K and S said...

Thanks Martin!

All the best to you in 2008, take care.
Kat

reid said...

Kat,

Happy New Year to both you and Satoshi!

K and S said...

Thanks Reid!

All the best to you this year too!

Take care.
kat