Saturday, December 20, 2008

gifts

The other day, Tamakikat sent me a box of goodies and everything she included was a product of Kyoto.

There was chigomochi from Wakasaya, chocolate marron from Hayashi Manshodo & kuromame (black bean) tea from Kaneido.

The chigomochi was very soft and was dusted with a "glass-like" sugar. It wasn't sweet but was delicious.

The chocolate marron are freeze-dried chestnuts covered in chocolate. The texture reminded me of Whoppers...these are addicting.

And the kuromame tea is great for the environment. These roasted black beans are quite hard and can be eaten as is, but you put a tablespoon or two into hot water and wait 2 minutes. A deep purple-blackish liquid is formed, this is the "tea". Drink the tea and then sprinkle the reconstituted beans with some salt and eat....no mess or garbage to throw out.

Out of all these gifts, the best gift from Tamakikat is her friendship, thanks Tamakikat for a great year of foodie adventures and conversations!

7 comments:

2kamuela47 said...

What a wonderful gift! Take care.

Anonymous said...

Cool gifts! Next time can we get a photo of you and Tamakikat together?!? Just would be nice to see you both.

KirkK said...

mmmm Chigomochi....sweet stuff on a stick!

Phoebe said...

The beans are quite interesting! Can be drunk as tea and eaten as well. Magnificent

Deb in Hawaii said...

Ooh--it all sounds yummy but the black bean tea really intrigues me! Its fun to have good foodie friends!

K and S said...

Thanks everyone for the great comments :)

Take care.
Kat

Anonymous said...

Wow, what a great gift! I learned a lot of things Japanese from your blog which is why I'd like to invite you to take some time to drop by at Foodista and share some of your wonderful info on Japanese food with us. We have launched an online food and cooking encyclopedia ala wikipedia.Don't forget to register first so we know who to thank the recipe for. Thanks! See you there!