Sakura Mochi for Japanese Girls' Day

Today, 3/3 is Girls' Day or Hinamatsuri in Japan. Super cool for about 50% of the population, no?

Of course, I'm all about the food. Hee hee. Actually, girls are supposed to have elaborate dolls (with stands) of the Emperor, Empress, Court and lots of other peeps. See here.

My mom grew up in post-war Okinawa and they didn't have money. So she didn't have a doll display. And I didn't get one growing up here in Los Angeles. Which, it turns out, I am soooooo thankful for because I am completely scared of dolls.

I think dolls come and try to attack you in the middle of the night...AND steal socks from the dryer. Every year, someone puts up an antique doll display in the library and I run past it all month.

So, for Girls Day, we are bypassing the dolls and heading for the sweets. Sakura Mochi!

This type of Sakura Mochi consists of sweetened red beans, sweetened rice, and covered with a sakura (cherry blossom tree) leaf. The leaf is pickled and is very similar to a grape leaf. This mochi is the perfect combo of sweet and salty. Yum!

Usually, I pick up fresh Sakura Mochi at a local Japanese confectionery, but this year I wasn't able to so I had to pick up this variety (made in Japan and shipped over frozen). If you happen upon a Japanese confectionery store, pick up the pretty in pink sakura mochi!

And don't worry about the boys...their day is 5/5!