tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35979627.post3883193446346804710..comments2024-02-24T17:21:25.834+09:00Comments on Ramblings From Life: Cooking/Baking in JapanAlexis Jacobshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06972149809628579689noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35979627.post-1026347245817156232010-11-10T09:35:06.129+09:002010-11-10T09:35:06.129+09:00I remember the first time I found out that there&#...I remember the first time I found out that there's a foreign import version of corn starch stashed away in the baking section for 300 yen for a measly 50g and a whole 500g bag for almost the same price under a Japanese name tucked under the flour in the Japanese flour section. Or how about the fact that Japan does indeed carry corn flour NOT sold in a foreign goods store for a ridiculous price?<br /><br />Sometimes if you're really craving a certain something you just have to try your best to find it in Japanese but other things are surprisingly easy to make by themselves: soy/regular milk + apple or any other kind of vinegar = buttermilk for example. One of my friends even makes his own cheese at home to save on cost.<br /><br />I don't feel like I miss out on ingredients to cook with as much as treats to bake with... and an oven that's bigger than a microwave so cookies don't take 3 hours to make.<br /><br />One last note: look at your farmer's markets! They're seasonal, local, and sometimes can surprise you with that huge bag of almonds for 200 yen."Tani"https://www.blogger.com/profile/13984158434461182944noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35979627.post-16565437166727365922010-11-10T08:35:00.082+09:002010-11-10T08:35:00.082+09:00I really understand how you feel, although for me ...I really understand how you feel, although for me the problem is more a case of a lack of kitchen. What I would give for an oven right now! Having almost no kitchen to speak of really cuts down on my baking issues. ;)<br /><br />Foreign food stores are great but, as you say, too expensive. I often get really excited when I find the item I'm looking for and then realise I can't spend THAT much on it. Shopping in Japan is a whole new experience, and a challenging one even after more than two years here.<br /><br />Good luck! ;)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35979627.post-5648266401523029302010-11-09T23:53:50.332+09:002010-11-09T23:53:50.332+09:00I understand your pain, from my first year here, b...I understand your pain, from my first year here, but I've been able to track down most of the things you listed here, and without too much difficulty. Some items cost a bit more, but overall if you know where to look, not too bad. <br /><br />I haven't experienced a difference in yogurt, sour cream, etc., perhaps just buying a different kind? I guess I just haven't had too much trouble cooking like I did back home (US) with maybe a few small exceptions. (and I agree, import stores are often too expensive, but occasionally I find better deals on things, such as cheese or certain kinds of pasta.Ashleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04556597200011657748noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35979627.post-21571911972075760722010-11-09T23:24:28.048+09:002010-11-09T23:24:28.048+09:00I visit Japan once a year in the spring and always...I visit Japan once a year in the spring and always bring a small suitcase FULL of cooking/baking supplies for my friend who lives in Hamamatsu. Even silly things like baked beans are hard for her to find and super expensive if she does find them! Other things I pack for her: olives, oreo cookie crumbs and graham cracker crumbs (for pie shells), corn syrup, brown sugar, Kraft dinner (her kid loves it), fruit pie filling, peacan halves, PC muffin mixes, etc<br />Cheers!<br />@torontoviewerAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com