|
Event Description
Mochitsuki
What a wonderful way to end the year!
On Sunday, December 18, we had a total of 42 members, guests, and kids attend our mochitsuki at the Poughkeepsie Galleria Community Room. Food is always brings people together and we were happy to see such an enthusiastic turnout for our final event!
Although we’ve been holding this mochi tasting event for many years, this was the first time we were able to do a mochitsuki (mochi pounding) using a traditional wooden usu (mortar) and kine (mallet). These were purchased by MHJCA after receiving a generous donation this year.
Kenny, our Board Chair, kicked things off with energetic swings of the mallet while Midori-san bravely took on the role of turning the mochi in between hits. Several other members and guests then also took turns pounding the mochi until it was soft and ready to eat.
At the tasting table, everyone was able to get a plate of the fresh mochi and try a variety of toppings and condiments, which included natto (fermented soybeans), grated daikon radish, kimchi, soy sauce, sweetened soy sauce, nori, anko (sweet red bean paste), and kinako (soybean powder).
We also had kirimochi (cut and dried mochi) available for those who placed orders.
Because of its popularity, these had to be reserved so that we could prepare the right amount. Mochi is a nostalgic food for many at the time of year and we ended up selling 44 packs!
Of course, this would not have been possible without a lot of hard work and preparation behind the scenes.
A big thank you to:
Rich Cerruto, who built the wooden base for the usu.
Midori-san for bringing in and prepping the usu, kine and additional items.
Junko-san for supplying the grated daikon and extra mochi flour.
Masashi-san for taking photos.
Taeko-san and Midori-san’s friends for helping to serve the toppings.
And notably, a special thank you to Atsuko-san, who spent the entire week making and packing the kirimochi to fulfill the orders, in addition to supplying the mochi rice, mochi makers, and all of the toppings.
Wishing everyone a very happy New Year! We’ll see you in 2023!
MHJCA
|
