Tuesday, June 03, 2008

kibidango

Do you know the story of "Momotaro" (the Peach boy)? Chances are you do, but for those of you that don't, I've found a brief version here. The millet dumplings that appear in the story are called kibidango (millet cakes). These are made like mochi (rice cakes) but instead of rice they use millet. They were really soft and covered with kinako (powdered soy bean).

The prefecture of Okayama boasts that they are the home of Momotaro--though no one really knows for sure. These were omiyage (a souvenir) from Maui Luna, Okayama is her hometown. (Thanks Maui Luna!)

p.s. Today is Satoshi's birthday. I'm not sure what type of cake to make but hopefully I'll get around to it!

10 comments:

Rowena said...

Awww...I loved the tale of the Peach Boy! But then I always love that sort of stuff. ;-) This is so interesting Kat -- never would have thought millet could be used in such a way.

Wanna see what you're gonna make for Satoshi's birthday cake!

KirkK said...

Hi Kat - Momotaro brings back childhood memories for me. Thanks! And a hearty Happy Birthday to the Hubby as well!

Thistlemoon said...

Happy Birthday Satoshi!
Those look like scrumptious little morsels!

genkitummy said...

i know the story momotaro! i used to read that in japanese school a long time ago. we even had picture books at home!
i forgot about the dumplings. those look yummy!

K and S said...

Thanks Rowena, I guess almost any grain can be a great source of flour.

Thanks Kirkk, JennDZ, GenkiTummy!

Take care everyone.
Kat

Anonymous said...

Does this millet version taste pretty much the same as regular mochi?

K and S said...

Tastes exactly like chichidango mochi, Lori.

Take care.
Kat

K and S said...

thanks Laura!

Take care.
Kat

Deb said...

hi! oh i remember this book so well - and the song too! can't remember all of it, but this is what sticks out:

momotaro-san,
momotaro-san
??da da da da da da dah??
kibidango!

that brings back memories!! thank you:-)

K and S said...

Glad to bring back memories for you Deb :)

Take care.
Kat