<<Disclaimer: Verify this information before applying it to your situation.>> 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.