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2009-04-29
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Sakura (cherry blossoms) and I were love at first sight. Ever since I saw the real sakura in Japan, its extreme beauty and its dreamy blush captured my heart. Every year I visited Central Park in New York for the annual Sakura Festival. That is, until, this year, when I am back in Hong Kong.Fortunately, my yearning for sakura was partially relieved by Konditorei Gute. Their small sakura cheesecake ($25/pc) was delicate and elegantly decorated with pickled sakura buds (桜漬け) on top. It was a
Sakura (cherry blossoms) and I were love at first sight. Ever since I saw the real sakura in Japan, its extreme beauty and its dreamy blush captured my heart. Every year I visited Central Park in New York for the annual Sakura Festival. That is, until, this year, when I am back in Hong Kong.
Fortunately, my yearning for sakura was partially relieved by Konditorei Gute. Their small sakura cheesecake ($25/pc) was delicate and elegantly decorated with pickled sakura buds (桜漬け) on top. It was a piece of eye-candy and I felt almost guilty to cut it apart. The pink jelly had a very light fruity flavor, and when combined with the slightly tart cheesecake mousse and the thin layer of sponge cake, it was refreshing and comforting at the same time. The cheesecake mousse had a custardy texture that was airy and creamy. I tried to savor every bite, as like sakura itself, this small cake only lasted for a short time. I am planning to get the large sakura cake ($180/lb) very soon, before the sakura season ends this year.
Although sakura itself doesn’t last long, I picked up a bottle of 桜のお塩(sakura salt) at City'Super. It was a combination of salt, bits of sakura flowers and leaves, ゆず(柚子), and しそ梅酢 (shiso plum vinegar). Sakura is almost flavorless on its own, but the yuzu and shiso plum provide a hint of refreshing sourness to complement the salty note. I have already used it for tempura, fried food, and on grilled seafood, and a tiny sprinkle or dip of the pinkish salt not only adds flavor but color as well. This 桜のお塩 was definitely a pleasant discovery, and I know this bottle will last for a long long time.
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