Author Talk + Demo: Kristen Morita, Mochitsuki

We are thrilled to welcome local author Kristen Morita to the shop on Thursday, September 24th, for an author talk and cooking demo to celebrate her debut cookbook Mochitsuki! In this joyful love letter to mochi, Kristen--founder of the Mochi Mommy blog--explores the history, culture, and tradition of mochi and mochitsuki (community mochi-making events) and shares 60 irresistible recipes to make and use fresh, authentic mochi at home. Join us for this author talk and demo as Kristen makes a recipe from the book, followed by Q&A, and book signing/personalizing!

Reservations are non-refundable and can include a signed copy of the $29.95 book. Applicable sales tax and a $2.50 transaction fee are also included. Can't attend but still want a signed book? Order here for shipping or in-store pickup.

About the book: 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.

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.

About the author: Kristen Morita, a fourth-generation Chinese Japanese American, learned to make mochi at a young age from her grandmother. She started her blog, Mochi Mommy, in 2019, where she shares recipes inspired by her heritage. She lives in Seattle with her family.