Hanami literally means “flower viewing”, however, it commonly refers only to cherry blossom viewing. Cherry blossom viewing is easy: simply enjoy the intensity of the many blossoms by looking at a single tree or a group of trees and eat good food. I made Petite Kitchen’s gluten and refined-sugar free cheesecake topped with 100% cherry jam, My New Root’s Life-Changing Loaf, hummus, babaganoush/eggplant dip (recipe below) and a simple pasta salad with tuna, blue-cheese stuffed olives, red onion, parsley and cherry tomatoes. My beautiful friend Mina prepared a vegetable frittata, brown rice, carrot, mushroom and soybean onigiri (rice ball), rice-paper rolls, semi-dried bananas, a tomato salad and cut fruit. It was all so good. I am so happy. Happy one year Japanniversary to me! <3
PS: Just like that, sakura carpets, already!
Babaganoush:
1 large eggplant
2 tbsp tahini
juice of half a lemon
2 garlic cloves
Optional toppings: a handful of skinned then roasted pistachio nuts, some sesame seeds, and a small dollop of extra virgin olive oil.
You’re going to take me as a fool but I’m not kidding, honto (really in Japanese). Place the eggplant as is in a toaster oven or normal oven on high heat (mine goes up to 220) until burnt on the outside and squishy on the inside. Don’t fret the burnt skin, it’s what gives this dip its smoke.
When cooled, scoop out the insides and blitz alongside remaining ingredients (excluding toppings – well, duh) in a food processor or in batches, in a blender like moi. Das all. Top with toppings and enjoy with bread, cut veggies, grissini or what have you!
🍾🎂🍰🍹🍡🍓🍒🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸
LikeLiked by 1 person
That sure is SOME picnic :D Ah I wish I could be in Japan right now and go do hanami as well. We walked past our local Japanese embassy the other day to see if their cherry trees were blossoming already, but they weren’t even budding yet.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Aw :( Wish you were here too xxx
LikeLike
Sooo pretty! 😍😍😍
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful! What a beautiful day with beautiful people.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful and as always: the food looks so good!
I’m so sad I missed all the sakura! :( (I arrived in Japan yesterday)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Welcome!!! Where are you based?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks! I’m in Fukuoka for about 4 weeks now. Then 3 weeks Kyoto, 3 weeks somewhere near mt. Fuji and 3 weeks Tokyo! I can only stay 90 days. :( I wish I could stay longer some day!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ohhhh 90 days is still a long time! I’m sure you’ll make the most of it! I can’t wait to hear of your adventures! Of course you’re welcome to visit Anisa’s kitchen hehe in Ohara, Okayama.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yep, true! I’ll definitely make the most of the ‘short’ time I’m here! Hehe, they probably won’t be as spectacular as yours, but feel free to follow! ^^ Aww, arigatou!! I just checked maps, is it the place in between Tottori and Himeji? I’m going to Tottori for one or two days so I might make it there. That would be so awesome! Your food always looks so delicious! ^^
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes! I am one hour from Tottori! Are you travelling alone? Do you want a Tottori tour guide?! Or a Himeji tour-guide?!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ah really? That’s close! Yep, I’m travelling alone. I would love a Tottori guide! You’re too kind!
LikeLiked by 1 person
MY PLEASURE! If you have FB please find me there as Anisa Kazemi if not, my email is aka93@uclive.ac.nz and my Japanese number: 08029228366. Let me know when you know when you’ll be in Tottori and I’ll make sure to be free :)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much! I added you on facebook. ;) I’ll talk to you there, otherwise the comments will get too out of hand. ;)
LikeLiked by 1 person