Kyoto

It was a three-day weekend, so my darling and I have been to Hikone (my darling's hometown) and Kyoto.

I will make a very quick post about amazing meals we had + places we visited!!!

We took Shinkansen (Japanese bullet train) from Shinagawa (Tokyo). Ekiben (bento box sold at the railway station) is always one of our pleasures of a trip. (IMG 1 and 2) We stopped by at Hikone on the first day. We had Soba noodles for dinner. (IMG 4) My darling's dad made breakfast for us the next morning. (IMG 3) He is a great cook so mom doesn't have to cook. hehe

Early in the morning, we headed to Kyoto. We have been to Kyoto back in 2009 and did a major sightseeing, so this time we decided to walk around and visit temples and shrines nearby.

We checked in at a Ryokan (Japanese style inn) called 日昇別荘 (Nissho-besso). It is located in the middle of the shopping street but the rooms are quite big and very cozy! Believe it or not, our room was way too big for 2 people. hehe (IMG 1 and 2)

At noon, we headed to 嵐山 (Arashiyama). We had Yudoufu (hot Tofu) course meal lunch at 竹むら (Takemura). They use 森嘉 (Morika - a famous Tofu shop)'s Tofu. We loved their Tempura, too! If you like Tofu, you must visit there once ;) (IMG 3 and 4)

After the lunch, we crossed 渡月橋 (Togetsukyo bridge) (IMG 3) then visited 法輪寺 (Horinji temple) famous for successful career, and 電電宮 (Dendengu shrine) the god of electronics, located on the grounds of the Horinji. You can make a wish for not breaking your iPhone for example. hehe Walking through Arashiyama's famous bamboo groves (IMG 2), you will get to 御髪神社 (Mikami-jinja shrine) shrine for healthy hair - one and only one shrine for that in Japan! I bought a comb shaped amulet there :) so cute♥ (IMG 1) 野宮神社 (Nomiya-jinja shrine) god of marriage is also located nere the bamboo groves. It has a pretty backyard garden. (IMG 4)

There were 2 big public bathrooms at the Ryokan we stayed. We took an early bath and had a relaxing dinner in our room. A serving lady will bring dinner to your room. (IMG 1) Their breakfast was also amazing. (IMG 2) On the 2nd day in the morning, we visited 河合神社 (Kawai-jinja shrine - a sub-shrine of Shimogamo-jinja shrine) the god of beauty. You can pray for your inner beauty there. They serve 美人水 (beauty water - quince juice). (IMG 4) We had lunch back in 祇園 (Gion) at a restaurant called OKU. They serve amazing Obanzai lunch (Kyoto-style homemade side dishes). (IMG 3)

Sorry the images are not in the correct order. IMG 1 here is 糺の森 (Tadasu no Mori) a sacred grove at 下鴨神社 (Shimogamo-jinja shrine) where we visited in the morning. 相生社 (Aioi no Yashiro) stands on the left side in front of the main gate of Shimogamo-jinja is the god of good marriage and the guardian of engagement.

In the afternoon, we strolled through the shopping streets in 河原町 (Kawaramachi). You can find many shrines and temples there, too. 矢田寺 (Yadadera temple) is the god of good fortune accepting your sufferings. 誓願寺 (Seiganji temple) is the god of art and entertainment. YouTubers must visit there! LOL 蛸薬師堂 (Takoyakushido temple) is the god of a good health. If you stroke the octopus statue gently it will heal the parts where you touched :) 錦天満宮 (Nishiki Tenmangu shrine) is the god of prosperous business. Obviously, it is located in the Teramachi shopping street, facing the famous 錦市場 (Nishiki Market)! (IMG 3) I shopped at 喜久屋 (Kikuya) where my mom bought the flower rice crackers that I used for my videos! (IMG 2) Last but not least, we visited 六角堂 (Rokkaku-do temple) the god of happiness and good marriage. We bought their famous pigeon paper fortune… what we got in there were pretty harsh words. Well… it sounds like we shouldn't depend on the god but do our best. I know we said too many prayers... haha On the way back to Tokyo, we bought 下鴨茶寮 (Shimogamo-saryo)'s bento box with many Kyoto-style side dishes. (IMG 4) I think we had enough 懐石料理 (Kaiseki-ryori - traditional Japanese course meal with many side dishes)!!!

Blog post about Souvenirs
http://createeathappy.blogspot.jp/2013/10/souvenirs-from-kyoto.html

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How to Make Custard Pudding (Crème Caramel / Flan) - Video Recipe

Creamy and smooth Purin (Pudding) recipe :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xOnxJ3nKvRE

You can use a mug to make this, too!

Packaged crème caramel (flan) is available at Japanese supermarkets under the name Purin (プリン "pudding").

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Custard Pudding (Crème Caramel)

Difficulty: Very Easy
Time: 40min
Number of servings: 6 100ml cups

Ingredients:
((Caramel))
40g (1.4oz.) granulated sugar
1 tbsp. water
((Custard))
3 eggs
300ml milk
60g (2.1oz.) granulated sugar

Directions:
((Caramel))
Mix granulated sugar and water in a saucepan by tilting the pan. Then simmer until the sauce is browned. (Do not mix it with a spoon but tilt the pan to mix it. The sugar will recrystallize if you mix it with a spoon.) Pour the sauce into heat-resistant cups before it gets hard.
((Custard))
Microwave the milk for 2 minutes just until warm. Add 2 tsp. of water in the saucepan to dilute the caramel, then mix in the milk. In a bowl, lightly beat the eggs until combined but not foamy. Dissolve granulated sugar, then gradually add the milk mixture. Strain through a strainer to make it smooth. Pour the egg mixture over the sauce in the cups. Cover with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
((Steam in the Pan))
Place some paper towels or a dish towel in a frying pan (so that you can gently steam the Puddings), then place the cups. Slowly add hot water in the pan (just about a half-inch across the bottom of the cups), cover, then cook on low for 20-25 minutes. Stop the heat and let them steam for 5 minutes with the remaining heat. Serve warm or put in the fridge to serve cold.

Note: Grease the cups with some oil or butter so the pudding will slip out easily.

レシピ（日本語）
http://cooklabo.blogspot.jp/2013/10/blog-post_15.html
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How to Make Microwave Oven Custard Pudding (レンジでプリンの作り方)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pqL0K7W3lqA

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How to Make Halloween Jack-o'-Lantern Pumpkin Pie - Video Recipe

Spiced pumpkin pie is perfect for Halloween as well as the Thanksgiving!!!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zce3txPISgg

Very simple recipe using pie sheets :)



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Halloween Jack-o'-Lantern Pumpkin Pie

Difficulty: Easy
Time: 1 hr
Number of servings: 16cm (6.3-inch) tart pan with a removable bottom

Ingredients:
2 pie sheets (puff pastry sheets)
200g (7.0oz.) Kabocha (Japanese squash)
A
* 40g (1.4oz.) sugar
* 1 egg yolk
* 1 tbsp. butter
* 1 tbsp. milk
* 1/2 tsp. cinnamon powder (if you like)
B
* 1 egg yolk
* 2 tsp. water

Directions:
1. Scoop out the seeds of Kabocha, wash (you don't have to drain well), place it on a microwavable dish, cover with plastic wrap, and microwave on medium (500W) for 8 minutes until tender.
2. Scoop out 200g (7.0oz.) Kabocha flesh with a spoon. Mash the Kabocha using a fork and mix in A while it is hot. Then strain through a sieve.
3. Preheat oven to 350F (180C).
4. Halfway thaw one of the pie sheets. Use a sharp knife to cut out Jack-o'-Lantern face. Then thaw the other pie sheet and lay inside the tart pan with a removable bottom.
5. Lightly prick the bottom of the crust with a fork. Then fill the pumpkin filling (2.) and smooth the top. Lightly prick it again. Gently place the other pie sheet onto the top of the filling. Gently press the edges to seal them. Cut off edges as needed.
6. Mix B (egg wash) and brush on the surface with a pastry brush. Bake at 180C (350F) for 20-25 minutes until lightly browned.
7. Place it on a wire rack to cool. When it is cool enough to handle, remove the pie from the pan.

レシピ（日本語）
http://cooklabo.blogspot.jp/2013/10/blog-post_11.html
---------------------------------

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