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    I just read the delightful (if time-intensive) recipe
for appalam, and it sounds vaguely like how I guess the
Japanese "pastry" mochi is made.  I've never seen a recipe
for mochi before, however, and would love to find one or
to be referred to a Japanese cookbook that might help.

    If anyone is interested in a good commercial (American)
mochi, I love Grainaissance's Raisin and Cinnamon Mochi,
available at health food stores.  The description on the
back is the most I know about how mochi is made:

    "Mochi is a traditional Japanese food made from
     a special short-grain sweet rice.  We steam then
     pound the rice to accentuate its chewy texture
     and nutty flavor.  Bake Mochi - amazing! - it puffs
     up, creating a moist muffin with a crispy crust."

   By the way, if you try this, bake it long enough so
that it starts to brown after puffing - it gives it a
bit of a carmelized flavor.  Outstanding!  Anyway, I'd
like to try to make other flavors, and I've yet to find
a cookbook that can even give me the basic recipe.  Any
help welcomed.

                    Sincerely,

                    Kirsten Klinghammer
                    [log in to unmask]

P.S.  The address for Grainaissance is 1580 62nd St.,
Emeryville, California 94608.

P.P.S.  Keep away from their Mugwort Mochi - I don't believe
it's safe for celiacs.