A joyful love letter to mochi-the delightfully chewy rice cakes that bounce between sweet and savory-conveyed through sparkling narrative and 60 irresistible recipes.Explore the history, culture, and tradition of mochi and mochitsuki (community mochi-making events) in this visually rich cookbook. Author Kristen Morita, who shares recipes inspired by her heritage on her Mochi Mommy blog, invites us all to join her on a "warm, squishy, delicious journey" as she demonstrates mochi-making and the integral role of mochi in Japanese cuisine and expat communities from Hawai'i to the mainland United States.Learn how to make fresh, authentic mochi at home, and then use it as an ingredient in daifuku (small round mochi stuffed with sweet filling), Hawai'i-style butter mochi, savory dishes, and American desserts with a little extra bounce, such as donuts, muffins, and brownies. A chapter on holidays and occasions offers recipes for traditional mochi treats eaten throughout the year in Japan for cherry blossom season, Girls' Day, the autumn equinox, and more. Step-by-step instructions, mouthwatering photos, and playful illustrations accompany such recipes as:Mochi Banana BreadPeanut Butter Daifuku using chocolate gyuhiPumpkin Butter MochiGrilled mochi with assorted toppings, like soy sauce and chili crunchMy Grandma's Ozoni, a New Year's soupHanami Dango, skewered tricolor dango in honor of springPlus, three versions of mochi donuts!Baked, boiled, steamed, grilled, stuffed, and for breakfast, lunch, a snack, or dessert: You can make mochi in all its delicious iterations right in your own kitchen with this charming book to show you how.