OJCA/OJCC

On Sunday, December 15th, Melody of Japan held its annual winter concert in Freiman Hall at the University of Ottawa’s Music Department.

It was a wonderful concert conducted by director Noriko Hashimoto and accompanied by pianist Kaho Sonohara. Although we cannot show you all the beautiful music, please enjoy the video and photos Nora Nishikawa took.

As vibrant as ever, Mochitsuki 2024 featured incredible performances, a dynamic Used Goods Sale and Market of Japanese goods and products, and of course Mochi, Daifuku, Yakisoba and Sushi.

Have mochi but not sure how to cook them?

No worries, we got you　
Here’s two delicious ways to have your Mochi:

1. Ozoni (Mochi Soup)
A traditional Japanese soup usually eaten during the New Year’s  Each family tends to have their own unique recipe 

What you’ll need:

 Mochi (if frozen, microwave in 30 second intervals till softened)

 Chicken

 Veggies (In video – lotus, carrots, mountain potatoes, daikon, shiitake)

 Soup base (In video – using bonito flakes and kelp, can also be store bought dashi)

Steam and cut the veggies
Make soup base
Put cut up chicken in soup
Bring to boil
Meanwhile, cut the mochi into bite size pieces and broil them in the oven or toast in toaster oven
Once soup is boiling, put in the veggies
When the mochi is puffy and browned, take it out of the oven
Combine the veggies, chicken and mochi in serving bowls
Pour soup into the bowls
Bon a pettit

2. Oshiruko (Red Bean Soup)

A traditional Japanese dessert that is sweet and warm 

What you’ll need:
 Mochi
 Anko (Red Bean Paste – you can buy in store or make them yourself)
 Water

Place Anko (red bean paste) and water in a pot (1:1)
 Add sugar to taste
*Please note store bought Anko may already be pretty sweet
Bring to a soft boil
Meanwhile, broil the mochi in the oven or toast in toaster oven till puffy and browned
Combine the red bean soup and mochi in bowls
Enjoy!!

Stay tuned to Part 2 where we will introduce more ways to eat your Mochi 

For more detailed recipes on how to make Ozoni, Oshiruko, or Anko, we recommend the YouTube channel “Cooking with dog”