Japanese superfood : Amazake *Non-alcohol
This is Rice mold called “Koji”, one of the important and secret ingredient for making basic Japanese seasonings like Soy sauce, Miso, Sake, Rice vinegar and Mirin.
Japanese beckoning cat “Maneki-neko”
This is a perfect timing to start/prepare for something new!
So I bought the Japanese beckoning cat called “Maneki-neko” for the first time.
Maneki-neko is an ornamental beckoning cat. It is usually made of clay which is often found in restaurants and shops in Japan. (Well, I now have a cat and *real* dogs at home! 
)
It is believed that the cat with right arm up, it brings money. And the cat with left arm up, it is believed that it brings visitors and customers. At the Maneki-neko shop in Yanaka area, I bought the traditional design one. Because I thought traditional design appeals to the guest from abroad and also I felt that this cat has nice face!
I also have another Maneki-neko! I should say Modern style Maneki-neko!! My friend Ericca, who is an illustrator created the special Maneki-neko for YJC. This cat wears the YJC’s original apron! (I am sure many of you have wore this apron in the class! 
)
How cute is that!!! I LOVE them all!!!
Japan’s traditional masterpiece “Kumade”
I got Japanese traditional masterpiece “Kumade” at the famous shrine. During the Edo period, people started decorating Kumade with good luck charms and selling them at shrines, to help “raking in” success, wealth, safety and happiness. This will definitely bring good luck and many Japanese food & culture lovers this year!
This Kumade goes well with two sake barrels from Tatenokawa, the only sake company producing pure premium sake in Japan.
Come to my home/kitchen studio and find where they are in the classroom!
Happy New Year of 2017!
Dear Japanese Food Lovers,
Happy New Year! (Akemashite Omedetou!)
Let’s keep discovering the world of Japanese cooking in 2017!!!
I am looking forward to meeting/communicating many of you through my cooking classes in person and also my YouTube channel!
xoxo,
YUCa
Ramen & Gyoza @ Roppingi
I had friends (and 9 months old baby) visiting from Canada for almost two weeks. So I visited some places with them. One of the memorial area is Roppongi.
When we visited there, the Christmas market was held and the illuminations near the Roppongi Hills were so beautiful.
Read More
YUCa’s Table : vol.136
Breakfast menu:
– Miso soup
– Japanese rice
– Salad
– Sauteed spinach and bacon
– Nikujaga
– Sweetened beans and fish
– Natto
– Orange
– Green tea
YUCa’s Table : vol.135
Lunch menu:
– Spaghetti
– Sweet corn soup
– Grilled Mushroom with cheese
– Salad with mini tomatoes
– Almond pudding with mango
Japanese Rice (with Pot)
Cooking Japanese rice is one of the essential technique in Japanese cooking. However, in Japan, it is common to use a rice cooker. Therefore, I will show you how to cook delicious Japanese rice even if you do not have a rice cooker. The key points are to sharpen rice without water and not to wash it too much.
YUCa’s Table : vol.134
Breakfast menu:
– Miso soup
– Grilled onigiri (rice ball) with mushroom
– Salad with mizuna leaves and sunny lettuce
– Pickled wakame and octopus
– Yogurt with mango sauce
– Barley tea
YUCa’s Table : vol.133
Breakfast menu:
– Miso soup with clums and onion
– Japanese rice mixed with fried tofu and vegetables
– Teriyaki horse mackerel
– Spinach with sesame sauce
– Homemade pickles
– Green tea
