2011 Advent Calendar 4

Finally, I found "Pippin" at Campbell Farmers' Market today.

2011 Advent Calendar 3

Chocolate Soy Panna Cotta, adapted from the recipe of Martha Stewart Living.

I started burden myself with exercise.
Yes, I joined a gym and did "turbo kickboxing" today.
It was hard to follow the movement and mine is not "turbo" but "weird":(

2011 Advent Calendar 2

We have plenty left over of cookies, so I made simple dessert today.
Yogurt Fruit parfait with blackberries, grapes and pomegranates.
The recipe was adapted from Rumi Kojima's.

2011 Advent Calendar 1

I had been writing "Advent Calendar" in my Japanese blog since 2007. Since I am not a constant blogger, it is difficult for me to write a blog everyday even if I write it in Japanese.
I don't know why I am going to expand my challenge, but this year I will write it also in English without my personal English proofreader, my older son, around me.

There is no theme for this Advent Calendar.
I just take a photo I cook and upload it.

I used "Oatmeal, Apricot and White chocolate cookie" recipe of Martha Stewart Living.
I baked them with dried peaches instead of dried apricots.

Needle Mass

Have you heard about Needle Mass (針供養、"Harikuyou" in Japanese)?
On February 8th, People hold a memorial service for their bent or broken needles in Japan.
At the shrine, they push their needles into Tofu（豆腐）or konjac(=devil's tongue, こんにゃく）and pray the improvement of their sewing skill.
In some areas, it is held on December 8th.
The picture was taken by my mother this year.
This is the first time for me to see such a big tofu.

2009 Advent

Fukuyama Rose

I found out about "Kawasaki Rose" on my friend's, Andy's, blog.
It is amazing that this beautiful rose is made by a piece of origami.

I tried to make "Fukuyama Rose", which was arranged by Japanese Highschoolers from the "Kawasaki Rose".



Although you need to spend an hour or so to make this rose, it's worth it.
You could find "how to" here. It's written in Japanese, but the pictures will help you to make it.
Enjoy!