Tonight's dinner was gratin. Usually in Japan, this dish is made with a white sauce and seafood or chicken. I've never had it with tomato sauce, but since I had some pasta sauce in the freezer, I decided I should try to use it up.The Japanese also have an original version of gratin called doria, this is a gratin made with rice instead of macaroni. I sauteed some shrimp and spinach in oil with some garlic, then put everything into a baking dish and topped it with parmesan cheese and bread crumbs. It baked in the oven for about 20 minutes. (My oven has a "gratin" button, so I just press it and it cooks the dish.) It was a great dish to warm up with.
While wandering in the convenience store, I found a new candy by Morinaga, called "Winter's opera". After checking out their website, I realized it came out last month in Eastern Japan and only came out this month in Western Japan! This candy is very decadent.The box has a hologram type film on it which sparkles when light hits it.
When you open it up, you are introduced to 9 little opera candies. All with gold leaf flecks smiling at you.
The layers: the gold leaf flecks, a slightly bitter chocolate, a coffee flavored creamy chocolate and lastly the crunch of a chocolate and cookie bottom.Enjoy the weekend!
That chocolate is packed in a fancy looking case. Do you try all brands of chocolate whenever they are released?
ReplyDeleteHi Sue,
ReplyDeleteIt was quite fancy. I usually look for dark chocolates to try. I don't like white chocolates, but will try some milk chocolates.
After scorching hot weather last week, today is unbelievably cold - and that gratin looks like it'd be so comforting and warm in my stomach!
ReplyDeleteOoh, that is weird. Isn't it summer there, Ellie? BTW, have the fires stopped? I hope so.
ReplyDeleteGratin is a good way to warm up!
Take care.
Kat
I end up cooking recipes and substituting ingredients- sometimes I suprise myself!It looks as though your tomato sauce worked perfectly! Happy Cooking!
ReplyDeleteYes Jann, this worked out well. I often substitute whatever I have in the refrig. Happy Cooking to you too!
ReplyDeleteTake care.
Kat
Hi Kat,
ReplyDeleteJapanese confectionery companies always come up such interesting candies. I wish there was a store here that stock and sells them when they come out!
ps. That gratin looks very warm and hearty. :)
The gratin was great, Ilingc.
ReplyDeleteToo bad you don't have a store that stocks these treats. I think they could be addictive!
Take care.
Kat