Dare to Create. Founder at Hōjicha Co.
Back at Byodo-in Omotesando Road for Matcha by the River
Some people can hop on a plane at a moments notice, not me. I wouldn’t want to miss out on the joy of planning a trip and the anticipation that builds up. Admittedly, I used to over do it. Since I wanted to explore, and not just sit at a spa, I’d try and squeeze as many places and activities into one trip as possible. Then I realized that in my attempt to experience everything, I wasn’t fully experiencing anything. It was time to relax, and maybe even schedule some spa time.
Once I stopped tr...
Asking for feedback isn’t a sign of weakness
The CEO of a multi-million dollar public company asked a new entrepreneur for feedback on their software. The entrepreneur was excited to share their honest thoughts and suggested a fix to one of the features. The fix was implemented that same week.
Meanwhile, a smaller competitor was hiring employees in an attempt to expand. They reached out to candidates with the promise of a job...
Bread Making Tips
Since my last post about bread making, I’ve learnt several more lessons (some painful). Baking bread is definitely a science, and my style of improvisation doesn’t always work out. But if I can do it, anyone can.
Hojicha Nice Cream
The way in which a frozen banana magically transforms into super creamy soft serve ice cream never ceases to amaze. Best of all, this healthy alternative tastes just as good with the right combination of ingredients. Hojicha nice cream delights with its deep, bold, and roasty flavor. While reminiscent of coffee, hojicha is naturally decaffeinated meaning you can prepare this recipe ahead (to avoid waking your neighbours with the noisy appliances) and enjoy it as late as you’d like.
Plant-Based Cheese Tea
Cheese and tea sound like an unlikely combination, and yet it’s becoming a hugely popular drink in bubble tea shops across the world. It may be because the creamy cheese foam tastes less like a slice of cheddar and more like a dreamy cheesecake floating atop your cup of tea. Before you write this trend off entirely, give it a try and we promise you’ll be pleasantly surprised.
Hawaiian Acai Bowl
Instead of taking the subway from Umeda Sky Building, I decided to walk back to the hotel. This way I could explore different neighbourhoods in Osaka, and make it to my room before dark. The walk would take about 40 minutes, and I wondered if that was too long of a wait for dinner. Exploring would be more enjoyable if I wasn’t worried about getting hungry and then having to find food without wifi.
The nearest place with vegan options was Mauloa Acai and Cafe.
Chocolate-Coated Marshmallow and Hojicha Treats
You may know these are Mallomars or maybe you know them as Krembo. Either way, read on to learn how to bake this universally loved treat.
First, you’ll bake the round hojicha cookie base using freshly ground hojicha powder. While the hojicha cookie tastes great on its own, it tastes even better topped with a mountain of marshmallow fluff. The heavenly pink cloud is made from aquafaba meringue and delicious natural food coloring from raspberries. Finally, the whole thing is dipped in decadent ...
Hojicha Infused Custard
Hojicha infused custard is rich, creamy, and has the unmistakable aroma and flavor of roasted green tea. This optimal taste and smooth texture is achieved by infusing loose leaf hojicha directly in non-dairy milk.
Hojicha Chia Seed Pudding
Hojicha Chia Seed Pudding is the perfect make ahead treat for busy mornings. Simply combine four ingredients the night before, and all you’ll need to do when you wake up is grab a spoon. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle some toasted coconut on top for tasty crunch. Thanks to the nutritious chia seeds, you’ll be full for hours.
Freshly ground hojicha powder
While you may prefer the smooth taste of steeped loose leaf hojicha for your daily cup of tea, freshly ground hojicha powder is a must-have baking staple!
Hojicha Shortbread Cookies
There are gifts you buy, and gifts you bake. These Hojicha Shortbread Cookies make for the sweetest gift, worthy of your dearest friends and family.
In this recipe, a little hojicha goes a long way. Infusing the roasted green tea powder in the plant-based butter, gives these cookies an intense hojicha flavor that will leave anyone craving for more. Sounds tasty? Bake a double batch so you can share your home-baked goods, and sneak a few for yourself.
Ingredients
½ cup plant-based butter
5 tab...
Umeda Sky Building and Sakura Mille Crepe Cake
After having Kitsune Udon at Umeda Station, I walked over to Umeda Sky Building. Instead of heading directly to the top of the building, I first tried to find a Doutor. The cafe advertised their sakura flavoured desserts in celebration of the cherry blossom season, and I wanted to taste the Sakura Mille Crepe Cake. At the time, I was still making exceptions for desserts that weren’t plant-based.
I had looked up the directions for Doutor back at the hotel, and was convinced I knew the exact bu...
Hojicha Maple Pancakes
Since the natural sweetness of hojicha is reminiscent of maple syrup, it was only a matter of time before the tea would make its way into a batch of pancakes. Instead of just topping the pancakes with maple syrup, this recipe goes one step further as it includes maple syrup in the actual pancake batter itself. Hojicha Maple Pancakes also contain ground chia seeds and flaxseed to make this indulgent weekend brunch more nutritious.
Ingredients
1 cup unbleached flour
2 tablespoons baking powder
...
Winter brunch with freshly baked bread
It’s that freezing time of the year where I dread going to the grocery store (I don’t drive). In addition to my usual planning and stocking up the freezer, I borrowed my friend’s bread machine. The bread machine came with a recipe booklet, but most of the recipes included eggs and dairy. Since baking is more exact than cooking, I looked up a vegan whole wheat bread recipe instead of improvising. I then bought a giant bag of whole wheat flour, before realizing I had to go back to the store to ...
Cyber Monday Sale
Get premium hojicha delivered straight to your home this Cyber Monday.
After tasting roasted green tea in Japan, we couldn’t wait to return for more. Instead of having to hop on a plane though, we decided to make hojicha available for everyone. Our premium loose leaf hojicha is packaged fresh directly from the fields of Kyoto, and shipped to you shortly after you place your order. Make the most of our big Cyber Monday sale, and treat yourself to your new favorite tea.
Don’t want to miss out o...