Mochi Magic: 50 Traditional and Modern Recipes for the … (2024)

The only thing I knew about mochi previous to reading this book was that they're delicious! I hadn't even heard about them till four years ago when my BF (he's obessesed with everything japanese) introduce me to them. I had never thought about making them myself cause I thought it would be very complicated but this book proved me wrong.

It's divided in several chapters (basics, dough, fillings, decorating...) with some FAQ at the beginning of each chapter, making this book a pretty good one for beginners like myself. The recipes have a comprehensive step by step with lots of photos of the process. I found quite interesting the different techniques you can use to make mochi (steamed, microwaved, pounded, boiled and baked). Mochi muffins...didn't know that was even a thing but serve me a dozen, please!

The book is full of pictures of mouthwatering treats with a kawaii esthetic full of vibrant colors that make it very appealing. The only snag I found it's not about the book itself but about some of the ingredients you need, cause they're pretty rare and I don't know how easy it will be to find them here in Spain.

Thanks to Netgalley and Storey Publishing for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Kaori Becker’s Mochi Magic is an excellent, well-detailed, and beautiful recipe book. I love the range of easy-to-follow sweet and savoury recipes as well as the stunning full-coloured pictures. This book is so amazing that I bought the ebook before I even finished my review!

Mochi is a type of delicious sticky rice cake made from sweet Japanese short-grain rice. I love mochi and I had no idea it was so versatile. I learned a lot about Japanese culture in this book. The recipes are clearly written, easy-to-follow, and wonderfully detailed. They are accessible to all levels of cooks. Becker’s writing is simple and approachable. I like all the little stories and the great tips.

The book is divided into informative chapters on Mochi-Making Basics; Daif*cku (Filled) Mochi: The Dough; Daif*cku (Filled) Mochi: The Fillings; Decorating Mochi; A New Year’s Tradition: Pounded Mochi; Odango: Balls of Fun; and Baked Mochi. Becker introduces us to traditional mochi tools and ingredients like steamers and mallets as well as mochiko (the flour), matcha, and sweet bean pastes. We also learn about the various ways to make mochi: there’s hand-pounded, steamed, and the convenient microwave!

There are recipes for traditional treats like Matcha Mochi and Chocolate Mochi but there are also interesting dishes like Japanese Plum Wine Mochi and Rosewater Mochi. The book also includes many recipes for unique mochi fillings like Haupia Pudding, Black Sesame Cream Cheese Filling, and Earl Grey Truffle Filling. There are lots of recipes for dessert mochi but the book also includes savoury ones. There are traditional dishes like Ozoni Soup and Yaki Mochi with Sweet Soy Sauce but there’s also modern dishes like Bacon Wrapped Mochi! Mochi is so versatile that we can even make baked treats like Mochi Muffins, Coconut Chi Chi Dango, and Mochi Waffles.

The book’s design is bright and eye-catching. I love that it is brimming with pictures of everything! There are stunning full-colour full-page pictures for almost every single recipe. There are even pictures of the mochi making processes as well as the various ingredients like adzuki beans. Even the text is fun and colourful! I especially love the section on making cute animal mochi like bears and chicks as well as the adorable illustrations that pop up on several pages.

Mochi Magic is a wonderful, comprehensive, and gorgeous cookbook. I cannot wait to see what else Becker puts out!

Thank you to Storey Publishing and NetGalley for this book in exchange for an honest review.

🍡 🍡 🍡 🍡 🍡 odango out of 5!

I am going to try out out all the recipes from this cute cookbook. Each page is brimming with so many enticing pictures, it's truly hard to resist now!

The thing I loved most about the book was how the author drew parallels between the traditional food and it's impact in daily life, how it brings family and friends together to create wonderful memories. It reminded me of the festivities where all our family and friends gather together to cook and enjoy together.

Each recipe has FAQs along with some lovely insights into the Japanese traditions and obviously beautiful pictures.

The easy-to-follow techniques for creating and cooking with mochi deliver the perfect mix of fun and tradition. Each colorful page brims with recipes for hand-pounded, steamed, and modern microwave mochi; fillings like rosewater, Nutella, black sesame, Oreo Cream Cheese, and Japanese plum wine; mochi-focused goodies like Bacon-Wrapped Mochi, Ozoni Soup, baked goods; and inspiration for shaping irresistibly charming mochi flowers, baby chicks, pandas, and more.

Thank you Netgalley and Storey Pub for the e-ARC.

I received this book from Netgalley in exchange of an honest review!

I love Japan, I love cooking, and I love mochi (tried it out once). So this book had to be clicked and requested on Netgalley. I wanted to see how this writer makes mochi (I know a couple of ways but maybe the author had a new one), and I wanted to see cute mochi and how to make them.

I have to say I haven’t tried any of the recipes. While the author says that it is easy to get the ingredients, I have never seen mochiko here in a normal grocery store (I had a time I wanted to make bentos but finding the right rice in a normal grocery store.. eh). Currently we are still in lockdown so I am not going to an Asian Market as that is just too far away, and I am just not a fan of online food buying. But as soon as everything is normal again (probably next year or in a couple of months as by the time this review is up it is November, but it is May now as I write it) I do plan on trying out some recipes when I can visit an Asian Market and get mochi rice, mochi flour, and ingredients to fill it with as I have not seen those at normal grocery stores either. And some I guess I cannot do as I don’t have a microwave any more. I had one in my old house (combined with an oven), but we barely used it for microwave functions, instead only used the oven function.

I loved reading about the author’s family and how they do the mochi making.

The recipes are all quite clearly explained in easy steps, there are photographs, extra tips and notes, and all in all, I think anyone can do it if they want (and if they can find the ingredients). There are also Q&A at the start of each chapter which feature the most basic questions anyone may have about the topic that we are getting to in the chapter. I love how each recipe starts with an explanation, sometimes even with personal anecdotes. There are tons of recipes with all sorts of yummy mochi types, and I can honestly say I am hungry now. So so hungry.

I did like the chapter on how to decorate mochi! Though I had expected just a bit more, some more tips and tricks. Some more shapes and stuff to try out.

I also like that they added dango/odango to the mix!

All in all, I really enjoyed reading this fun mochi book. I am now very very hungry and have had a few times that I wanted to reach out to the book and just grab the mochi. 😛 I would recommend this book to all.

Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/

Full Review on The Candid Cover

Mochi Magic by Kaori Becker is a recipe book that any mochi fan out there will want to try. It is a delightful and entertaining process that is well explained in the book. The easy to follow instructions and whimsical images will have any beginner creating mochi in no time.

The way the author has written and organized this book gives a relatively easy process to make mochi. There is also a very detailed introduction that describes the author’s experiences and how she came to be a mochi expert. It is quite interesting to read about her workshops for teaching how to make mochi. As she explains, the process is a way to not only create delicious treats, but to also connect with one another.

❀ INCLUDES WONDERFUL DESCRIPTIONS OF JAPANESE CULTURE

This is more than just a book of recipes, as there are many wonderful descriptions of Japanese culture. It also includes some stunning imagery and a handy set of Q & A questions for each recipe. It is incredible to discover the different techniques to create mochi. The contents of the book are as follows:

Mochi Making Basics
Daif*cku (Filled) Mochi: The Dough
Daif*cku (Filled) Mochi: The Fillings
Decorating Mochi
A New Year’s Tradition: Pounding Mochi
Baked Mochi
Odango: Balls of Fun

❀ EASY TO FOLLOW RECIPES

The recipes in this book are really easy to follow and will definitely produce amazing results. I tried my hand at the coconut mochi and had such a fun experience! The mochiko (sweet rice flour) was easy to source on Amazon and the other ingredients were ones already in my cupboard. Using the microwave method made the entire process super quick. While it was really easy to create the mochi, it is a process that requires a bit of refinement to get it just right. The ones that I created were absolutely tasty, but they didn’t appear as pretty as I had hoped. With a little more practice, I am certain that I will make some stunning mochi from this book.

❀ SOMETHING A LITTLE BIT DIFFERENT

Mochi Magic by Kaori Becker is a recipe book that is something a little bit different from your ordinary dessert cookbook. The treats are easy to create and the instructions are simple to follow. This is a fun addition to your kitchen bookshelf that will provide lots of enjoyment, especially during times of social distancing.

I very much enjoy eating mochi but had yet to dive into any recipes. Never a better time for a mochi recipe book that I'm more than eager to pick a few recipes from and give them a whirl! (e-galley from NetGalley)

Made the mochi donuts. Cute illustrations!

At last, a cookbook devoted to MOCHI!!!

An advanced review copy was provided to me by Storey Publishing through NetGalley, and here are my thoughts:

I am lucky, mochi-wise. I have pounded mochi in a wooden tub during some community events in Japan, and having lived in Japan and Taiwan, it is pretty easy to find delicious mochi being sold everywhere.

Not many people in modern day Japan actually make mochi regularly, if ever, because of the ease of purchasing it and the time involved in making it. However, if you don't live in a country where it's easy to purchase mochi OR you want to experience the joy of eating super fresh, warm mochi that melts in your mouth, you will have to make it.

Thanks to Kaori Becker, now there is a wonderful guide in English on exactly how to make it yourself.

Two words keep popping into my head when reviewing this book.

Kawaii !!!!
YUM !!!

If you look at the cover and Look Inside preview, you'll see why this book is chock-ful of kawaii photos and illustrations to help you make perfect mochi.

And, if you're reading this review, I'm assuming that the words YUM and Mochi go together for you!

(Yes, I know mochi is not everyone's cup of tea, green or otherwise, but for my taste buds, it can be magical).

This book has a SUPER YUM factor to it...the photographs left my mouth watering at the memory of mochi past. And the author's specialty flavored mochi like the Plum Wine or Black Sesame Cream Cheese made me wish I could snap my fingers and have a plate with these delicacies appear.

Basically, though, if you or a loved one enjoys good mochi and you want to make it yourself...you can stop reading this or any other review. More reading will not bring you any closer to the mochi of your dreams.

Only getting into the kitchen with this book will do that!

Soon to be published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.

Mochi Magic is a very cool introduction and tutorial recipe guide to the Japanese treat mochi written by Kaori Becker. Due out 24th Nov 2020 from Storey Publishing, it's 192 pages and will be available in paperback and ebook formats.

This is a creative and useful guide to making, shaping, and enjoying mochi. The book has a nice, easy to follow layout. The introductory chapter and how-to tutorial covers the basic tools, ingredients, and basic how-to recipe. The following chapters contain the recipes and shaping tutorials grouped thematically: daif*cku (filled) mochi doughs, daif*cku fillings, decorating mochi, new year's pounded mochi, odango balls, and baked mochi (muffins, doughnuts, etc).

Each of the recipes includes an introductory description, ingredients listed in a bullet point sidebar (US measurements only, though there's a conversion chart in the back of the book). There's no included nutritional information.The recipes and tutorials are photographed very clearly and well. Serving suggestions and presentations are attractive and appealing.

The recipe ingredients themselves are easily sourced and will be available at most well stocked grocery stores. There are a few ingredients which might be a little more difficult to source or require an international foods store (kinako - roasted soybean flour for example), but definitely nothing that is 'way out there'.

Four stars.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

Rating: 3.5 Stars

I enjoy quirky cook books, so when I saw this on Netgalley I knew I wanted to find out more, especially as the pictures on the front look so enticing.

Mochi is a sticky rice cake made from a sweet Japanese short-grained rice, but has a neutral taste so can be eaten with soya sauce or filled with sweet fillings. The majority of this book focuses on sweet fillings and a handful of savoury. In a way Mochi looks like a cross between a batter that is cooked into a dough and Turkish Delight

The book covers the basics on how to get started and what ingredients you will need and describes the five different methods that can be used which are steaming, microwaved, pounded, boiled and baked.

The book comes with plenty of recipes and steps to follow alongside the different methods used. The ingredients are in imperial measurements though there is a table at the rear of the book that includes a multiplying factor to convert from ounces to grams and cups to millilitres.

The section on decorating the Mochi includes materials and tips, two recipes for a nerikiri dough that is used like sugar paste, one method for making mochi flowers and then four photographs with no instructions on what you could make, such as a pig or panda.

This would be something fun to do as a different sweet dish at a child's birthday party or as an unusual dessert at a dinner party.

I received this book from Netgalley in return for a honest review.

I’ve eaten various foods using mochi over the years, so I was excited to buy this book when my friend recommended it to me. I had no idea about the wide range of foods once can make with mochi or the history behind mochi, so I found this to be an interesting read. Plus, each recipe made me want to rush off and make it, especially the ones I’ve never tried before.

Inside, you’ll find a bit of history about mochi, how to make it from scratch, the differences between traditional and modern mochi, and the basics of making mochi. I was quite interested in the history as well as learning something new about Japanese culture. I also had no idea what mochi is made from, so that was neat to learn and I’m looking forward to making some of the recipes included.

There’s a nice variety of recipes and a few different ways to make mochi, such as hand-pounded, steamed, and microwaved. It was interesting to learn the differences between the flavor and texture between each method as well as what’s easier based on the amount you want to make. There’s also beautiful photos of each finished product and comprehensive instructions on what to do. I can’t wait to try some of these recipes starting with making my own mochi ice-cream.

I love eating mochi. Every time I see it at the local Asian grocery story or on the menu, I always order this to snack on later. In fact, I always have mochi from My/Mo in my freezer at all times! So when I came across this book, I was delighted to be able to recreate this delicious treat at home!

What I love about this book were the colorful graphics and text features that were visually appealing. The recipes are easy to follow with accompanying graphics describing most of the steps.

Did you know that you can also microwave mochi? It allows you to create delicious mochi in just 15 to 20 minutes from start to finish!

Thinking of hosting a fabulous party that your friends will delight in for years to come? There is even a page about what you will need to host a mochi making party!

I highly recommend this book if you're looking for a sweet (or savory) treat. It is one that won't be collecting dust on your bookshelf!

Thank you to Kaori Becker, Storey Publishing, and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Read this review and more on my blog.

I received a free copy of Mochi Magic from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.

If you ask almost anyone who has been to Japan, they will say that mochi is something that you should not miss out on. It is soft and chewy and sweet, the perfect post-tea snack.

Mochi Magic is broken down into 7 different sections: Mochi-making basics, Daif*cku (Filled) Mochi: The Dough, Daif*cku (Filled) Mochi: The Fillings, Decorating Mochi, Pounded Mochi, Odango, and Baked Mochi. With everything being so well explained in each seperate section, you will not get things mixed up as to how mochi is crafted.

Mochi Magic is filled with easy to follow instruction, as well as some very handy photos of the more difficult steps. I personally cannot with to give everything in here a try, although I think it may take me a long time to get through all the recipes that are supplied in here!

If you like mochi and would like to learn to make it yourself, then Mochi Magic is a great starting place.

This is such a cute book and I loved how it was so easily laid out (for people like me who have no idea what they are doing!)

The book is laid out is sections covering
Mochi basics
Different doughs
Different fillings
decorating
pounded mochi
Odango
and Baked mochi

I enjoyed reading about making the mochi and the ingredients that are needed. Unfortunately a lot of the basic ingredients are very difficult to find in rural Ireland! It hasn't put me off though I will find whats needed and try making some!

here are some if the variations I would be excited to try
Strawberry (sliced)
Matcha cream cheese filling
Chocolate truffle filling
and of course Ice cream mochi!

A very well laid out book easy to follow and with clear instructions highly recommend to anyone interested in learning the basics!

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This is a cute and fun book!

This book is a great guide to making mochi from the dough, possible fillings, and cooking techniques to cute decorations to bring them to life! I appreciate that this book was educational in differentiating types of mochi and how they're created and cooked.

I would have liked more pictures, especially when talking about the dough to get an idea of what it should look like. But otherwise the book is thorough in how you should expect to fill, cook, and shape your mochi.

There is also a conversion chart and list of useful tools which helps in making the mochi. I haven't tried any recipes from it yet but am looking forward to it.

I was given an e-arc by Netgalley in exchange of my honest opinion.
Mochi is a food I've always been interested in trying to taste (mostly because of anime and korean dramas) but sadly in my country it isn't popular enough (yet) for me to be able to buy my own from somebody who knows how to make it. That's one of the reasons I requested this book and I'm glad that I did. This book shows you the basics, step by step, describing what materials you need, the different ways you can cook mochi, the fillings and ingredients. I'm particularly looking forward trying my hand at making odango, I've seen that one multiple times in anime and I've always wondered how it tasted and the texture it had.

I received an eARC courtesy of Storey Publishing & NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

I have never made Mochi, but I do find it delicious! The recipes and accompanying photos make this seem like something I can actually accomplish. And from a professional side, I'm buying this to pair with my anime club. With any luck after this pandemic was past, we can get back to some food programming because I think this is one that teens would love to learn!

For libraries: I think this will be a perfect fit for a bit of diversity in your cookbook collection. And if you have an anime club-buy it!

Mochi. I have tried making mochi a couple of times. When I saw the cover of this book, oh I could make the mochi this way too? I didn't realize there is more to learn about mochi. This book will tell you anything you need to know about making mochi. It is simple, but yet you need to know the basics. The book is more about the introduction to mochi, things you need to prepare before making mochi, and what you can do with mochi (baked, steamed, or boiled) There are many easy recipes in this book. I'm going to try one of them soon.

Book received for free through NetGalley

I was curious about mochi so when I saw this book I jumped on reading it. The book was amazingly detailed. There’s an awesome introduction and the recipes are sectioned in a straightforward manner. I didn’t looked for the ingredients or attempt to make them but the images make you salivate. Can totally see getting this whether you’re new to mochi and curious or experienced eating mochi and wanting to take time to make your own. I know I gained an appreciation for what goes into making them.

A cute little book that focuses more on mochiko than mochi itself, but does draw the distinction and speak of the history of mochi. The illustrations are beautiful and the directions are very clear. The author also includes authentic and traditional uses of mochi. If you have an interest in mochi, this is the book for you.
I am rating slightly down just for the physical structure of the book which is not really great for a cookbook where readers would want to keep it open to follow the instructions. You'd have to break the spine to make that happen.

I love experimenting with new ingredients and cooking styles and this did not disappoint at all! I've been interested in trying to make mochi for awhile and honestly had no idea where to start. This book has step by step guides and while I've only made one batch, it's a start. (Mine were admittedly much less attractive than the ones in the book). My daughter enjoyed helping with these as well and I am sure we will try again soon.

I received a copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I received an advance reader copy of this book to book in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.

This book is adorable and really informative from start to finish of how to make your very own Mochi treats!
I've never tried Mochi but have always wanted too and this book of recipes gives very thorough and easy to follow step by step instructions that seem easy to do to make Mochi treats. I'm going to give it a go at making them soon and finally get to try some!

Thank you Netgalley for the advanced copy of this book.

I love this book! I have been itching to make mochi for years but I have never really found a comprehensive recipe bookuntil now. A beautiful book, very informative, easy to follow instructions, plenty of fillings to try and I loved reading about the authors experience with family and mochi. I will be buying a copy of this to add to my collection.

"Mochi Magic" is very informative. The author takes you through four different ways to make mochi, from the simplest, to the most traditional, to the more innovative (and least traditional). Not only is the reader provided with the basic techniques to make the mochi, but the author includes ways the reader can make it their own with different flavors and fillings. This book opens up a realm of different possibilities with mochi creations (including how to decorate and make them cute.

This book is so cute! I ate a lot of mochi when I went to Japan last year and I'm excited to try these recipes and my own mochi at home! This book is well organized, clear, and colorful! All the recipes have pictures and they are great! It also explains the techniques! Awesome! I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review

We love this book! We have always wanted to try making mocha, especially for our daughter, as a wee treat. This book tells you all about the details of making them, what types there are, recipes and how to create them in a cute way. We love it and really enjoyed trying them out, and will continue to try more!

Mochi Magic is a fun cookbook full of a plethora of ideas for making mochi. Kaori Becker, the mochi expert, guides you through the process of making mochi and having fun with it. While I don't plan on making mochi often, if I did I would definitely reach for this book.

This review is based on NetGalley ARC provided in exchange for an honest, unbiased opinion.

I just discovered mochi last year, and I am in love! This book is a god-send! The author breaks everything down to the very basics, and she goes step-by-step with wonderful color pictures. I love how easy she makes it to make them, and decorate them, so that my mochi turn out just like the pictures! I highly recommend this cookbook!

I realize I’m in the minority here but I’m a bit of a purist so recipes like bacon wrapped mochi and cream cheese fillings just gross me out. I can see this being a hit with people who don’t love traditional mochi so don’t base whether you read this on me. Just personally, no thanks. Cute photos, illustrations, and layout though.

My daughter loves mochi and all things kawaii, so I thought this would be a fun book we could enjoy together.

I really enjoyed reading about mochi and the recipes sounded delicious but I couldn't quite muster the energy to make anything.