To be honest, I thought mochi making is too much of a hassle! I enjoyed reading about how many different varieties of mochi we could make, and I found it surprising that some are quite simplistic in theory. Liked the cute book design. I will definitely attempt one of the recipes in the book at one point and re-evaluate :D

--At last, a cookbook devoted to MOCHI!!!--

An advanced review copy was provided to me by Storey Publishing through NetGalley, and here are my thoughts:

I am lucky, mochi-wise. I have pounded mochi in a wooden tub during some community events in Japan, and having lived in Japan and Taiwan, it is pretty easy to find delicious mochi being sold everywhere.

Not many people in modern day Japan actually make mochi regularly, if ever, because of the ease of purchasing it and the time involved in making it. However, if you don't live in a country where it's easy to purchase mochi OR you want to experience the joy of eating super fresh, warm mochi that melts in your mouth, you will have to make it.

Thanks to Kaori Becker, now there is a wonderful guide in English on exactly how to make it yourself.

Two words keep popping into my head when reviewing this book.

Kawaii !!!!
YUM !!!

If you look at the cover and Look Inside preview, you'll see why this book is chock-ful of kawaii photos and illustrations to help you make perfect mochi.

And, if you're reading this review, I'm assuming that the words YUM and Mochi go together for you!

(Yes, I know mochi is not everyone's cup of tea, green or otherwise, but for my taste buds, it can be magical).

This book has a SUPER YUM factor to it...the photographs left my mouth watering at the memory of mochi past. And the author's specialty flavored mochi like the Plum Wine or Black Sesame Cream Cheese made me wish I could snap my fingers and have a plate with these delicacies appear.

Basically, though, if you or a loved one enjoys good mochi and you want to make it yourself...you can stop reading this or any other review. More reading will not bring you any closer to the mochi of your dreams.

Only getting into the kitchen with this book will do that!

I love experimenting with new ingredients and cooking styles and this did not disappoint at all! I've been interested in trying to make mochi for awhile and honestly had no idea where to start. This book has step by step guides and while I've only made one batch, it's a start. (Mine were admittedly much less attractive than the ones in the book). My daughter enjoyed helping with these as well and I am sure we will try again soon.

I am so excited about this book! It is so detailed about the entire process of making mochi, and has so many recipes for different types of mochi! There's a huge variety of flavors and techniques, and her instruction makes me feel like I'll be able to flawlessly make mochi on my own.

She has recipes for all my favorite types of mochi using mochiko, and I love that she even has instruction on how to make traditional pounded mochi. I honestly want to try every filling - from traditional tsubu-an and shiro-an, to the popular mochi ice cream, to some very delicious-sounding cream cheese and truffle fillings.

It's a well-designed, and very well written cookbook. If you've ever had any sort of mochi, or are interested in making it, this is absolutely the book for you.

I have never made Mochi, but I do find it delicious! The recipes and accompanying photos make this seem like something I can actually accomplish. And from a professional side, I'm buying this to pair with my anime club. With any luck after this pandemic was past, we can get back to some food programming because I think this is one that teens would love to learn!

For libraries: I think this will be a perfect fit for a bit of diversity in your cookbook collection. And if you have an anime club-buy it!

If you’ve never tried mochi then you are missing out! Mochi Magic began with a brief description of what mochi is and how it fits into Becker’s life. It includes a section on mochi making basics, for all of us mochi making newbies! Which includes tools and common ingredients.

The recipes are detailed but easy to follow. I can’t wait to try my hand at making some of the Rose Water Mochi. It looked delicious. Also the mochi made to look like animals were incredibly cute. Whether you're new to mochi or are a seasoned mochi veteran, I think Mochi Magic will be a great read!

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of Mochi Magic.

I love sweets but I'm not that big of a fan of mochi but the adorable cover intrigued me and I was excited when my request was approved.

The author does a great job educating readers about mochi; what it is, its place in Japanese food culture and the meaning behind this special food.

She discusses the steps entailed in making this delicious bite-size sweet, easy to follow instructions and a list of the handy tools you'll need when crafting these dainty treats.

Readers will learn there are four different ways to make mochi; from the simplest, the traditional (old school) and the modern, non-traditional method.

There are also a variety of fillings to make and use, and Ms. Becker offers up plenty of options for the mochi lover or would be mochi lover.

The photographs look good and came through pretty well on my Kindle.

This is a fun, creative and useful guide to making mochi and would make a great gift for anyone who loves mochi.

Since you can tailor mochi to your particular taste with these recipes, if you like mochi a little or a lot, there is something for everyone in Mochi Magic.

This is a super cute book. It made me nostalgic for Japan. I would recommend this book to people that already appreciate mochi. Otherwise, it probably wouldn't be interesting.

Mochi Magic is a very cool introduction and tutorial recipe guide to the Japanese treat mochi written by Kaori Becker. Due out 24th Nov 2020 from Storey Publishing, it's 192 pages and will be available in paperback and ebook formats.

This is a creative and useful guide to making, shaping, and enjoying mochi. The book has a nice, easy to follow layout. The introductory chapter and how-to tutorial covers the basic tools, ingredients, and basic how-to recipe. The following chapters contain the recipes and shaping tutorials grouped thematically: daifuku (filled) mochi doughs, daifuku fillings, decorating mochi, new year's pounded mochi, odango balls, and baked mochi (muffins, doughnuts, etc).

Each of the recipes includes an introductory description, ingredients listed in a bullet point sidebar (US measurements only, though there's a conversion chart in the back of the book). There's no included nutritional information.The recipes and tutorials are photographed very clearly and well. Serving suggestions and presentations are attractive and appealing.

The recipe ingredients themselves are easily sourced and will be available at most well stocked grocery stores. There are a few ingredients which might be a little more difficult to source or require an international foods store (kinako - roasted soybean flour for example), but definitely nothing that is 'way out there'.

Four stars.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

I absolutely adore this book and completely delivers on mochi magic! The photos are beautifully designed that not only demonstrate colourful mochi creations, but offer clear guidance in addition to written recipes. The background to the author makes this book even more heartwarming and insightful to mochi, and I did not realise there was so many various ways to create mochi or infuse with recipes such as brownies and doughnuts! Definitely will be giving the mochi strawberry recipes a go and was happy that there was also additional info around how to create fillings. In sum a delightful colourful recipe book that delivers on all things mochi related with clear recipes and photos to accompany them. Will be a staple addition to my bookshelf!

This is a neat book about the making of mochi. It is an easy to follow, step-by-step that adds personality to the process. I love how the book gives different methods of making it, to better fit the utilities you have in your own kitchen or preference.

Mochi Magic is a fun cookbook full of a plethora of ideas for making mochi. Kaori Becker, the mochi expert, guides you through the process of making mochi and having fun with it. While I don't plan on making mochi often, if I did I would definitely reach for this book.

This review is based on NetGalley ARC provided in exchange for an honest, unbiased opinion.

Mochi Magic brings the delightful and delicious world of Japanese desserts to western audiences in a very approachable way. There is an abundance of easy-to-follow recipes to allow beginner and seasoned cooks alike to start having fun in cooking and baking with mochi.

I was curious about mochi so when I saw this book I jumped on reading it. The book was amazingly detailed. There’s an awesome introduction and the recipes are sectioned in a straightforward manner. I didn’t looked for the ingredients or attempt to make them but the images make you salivate. Can totally see getting this whether you’re new to mochi and curious or experienced eating mochi and wanting to take time to make your own. I know I gained an appreciation for what goes into making them.

A visually stunning cookbook showcasing a number of different recipes to make the Japanese treat mochi.

The book begins with a bit of insight as to how the book came into being and an introduction to the different types of mochi.

The recipes are written concisely in plain English and are accompanied with step by step photographs of the method. This allows even a novice the confidence to have a go making these delicious treats.

I also like how complimentary recipes, for example filling suggestions, are noted and a page number given.

There are many photographs throughout the book to inspire your creativity and the author encourages you to experiment and try new flavour combinations.

Overall, a beautiful cookbook that includes the history of the treat as well as numerous recipes to try.

Everything you need to know about making mochi in a squee worthy adorable book. Super cute, well done, and highly recommended for anyone interested in making mochi.

"Mochi Magic" is very informative. The author takes you through four different ways to make mochi, from the simplest, to the most traditional, to the more innovative (and least traditional). Not only is the reader provided with the basic techniques to make the mochi, but the author includes ways the reader can make it their own with different flavors and fillings. This book opens up a realm of different possibilities with mochi creations (including how to decorate and make them cute.

I’m fortunate enough to live in an area with access to a wonderful traditional mochi shop but I’ve been curious about trying to make it myself. Mochi Magic describes the different types of mochi in a simple and clear manner. The recipes are appealing with uncomplicated directions. Whether you want traditional fillings, slightly unusual versions or some ideas for cute shapes, this is an easy to follow book that makes it seem very do-able at home. I can see how you can get creative on your own once you get the basics own. Very excited to try out some recipes!

I've only had minimal experience with mochi, mainly ice cream filled, but this was a cookbook I couldn't pass up. I learned so much about the forms mochi can come in and the variety of flavors. Between steamed, microwaved and baked mochi, there's something to suit everyone.

Thank you Storey Publishing and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.

This is the most beautiful book, that I'll definitely be purchasing in hardback when available to buy. It's cute, informative and incredibly creative. I love Japan and I adore mochi, and the recipes and tips in this are second to none. Wonderful book!