The Ninja Baker - #Boulder

Best of Japan in Boulder, CO

NinjaBaker — Thu, 02 Oct 2014 09:24:33 +0000

Nestled in the mountain town of Boulder, Colorado nature generously gifts you with awe-inspiring beauty. Surprisingly, this born and bred Tokyoite also found an abundance of the nurturing comforts of Japan.

Mountains are majestic but sometimes they can be treacherous beauties. Before launching into the details and delights of Japan in Boulder, I’d like to ask you to say a prayer, send healing energy to those who lost loved ones in the Mount Ontake eruption in Japan. Thank you.

Although Empress Michiko was born a commoner, an aura of royal grace and gentility always surrounds her. In the ‘60s she played tennis with my mom. Yes, Michiko-sama’s dress was impeccable. But there is something so dignified and deep about Empress Michiko that she has forever been a fascination. So, when I learned that Michiko-sama and Emperor Akihito had dinner at Sushi Zanmai in Boulder, you know this Ninja Baker needed to order at least an appetizer from the same restaurant.

One would assume – all right, I assumed – that an establishment serving the Imperial family would be, er, stuffy. Surprise! Sushi Zanmai buzzes with electricity and energy generated by conversations of bright-eyed University of Colorado students and local Boulderites. Undoubtedly the sushi chefs are a huge influence on the atmosphere. Owner, Nao Kanda has assembled a staff of upbeat and seriously talented sushi artisans.

Sushi Chef Keizo Aoi’s hands are reminiscent of piano maestros whose touch of ivory keys brings to life the compositions of Mozart, Beethoven and Bach. His fingers gently prod rice and veggies into exquisite rolls. When slicing sushi, Keizo-san’s motions are deliberate and swift. I’d say he’s perfected the art of sushi-making but Keizo-san says he is still learning after 18 years of experience.

Sushi Zanmai elevates even the humble futomaki to a gourmet sushi roll filled with daikon radish sprouts, shitake mushrooms, pickled (on the premises) carrots and fresh slices of egg omelet.

Montbell brings Boulderites the best in mountaineering equipment and clothing from Japan. Although Montbell is headquartered in the notoriously money-focused city of Osaka, the company’s philanthropic dedication to nature conservation and education makes them an exception to the rule. Last and not least, Montbell has everything – I mean everything – from collapsible chopsticks, tea kettles, cake pans and comfy clothing to make your camping / hiking trip absolutely amazing!

Peppercorn is enchanted with eclectic and eccentric tchotchke trinkets for home and kitchen. The family owned business also sells exquisite dinner sets and tableware suitable for any upscale soiree. Besides, mulling over the myriads of baking tools and contemplating the piles of cookbooks, the Japanese section with bento boxes, belly-filling donburi bowls and authentic ceramics and crafts consistently catch my time and credit card!

Smooch Mochi Ice Cream and Frozen Yogurt. Sigh. I am smitten with their mochi ice creams. Each one is an exquisite jewel. So far I’ve tried their sakura (cherry blossom), azuki red bean and green tea mochi ice creams. The sakura is reminiscent of a light cream filling in a cake with a touch of cherry. Accents in the red bean and green tea mochi are stronger and authentically Japanese. Bravo, Smooch! Oh, their plain tart yogurt is Kosher certified and out-of-this world yummy, too!

Minutes away from the shopping center on 30th and Arapahoe in Boulder picturesque scenes of bales of hay and horses await. I’m so grateful to easily enjoy the countryside and obtain Pocky, Bontan rice candy (and more Japanese products) at King Soopers supermarket. And to top it off, Ripple Yogurt, which sells scrumptious green tea gelato yogurt and Mandarin orange yogurt, is right next door! (I also love that owners Jamie and David are dedicated to using only natural ingredients and opt for organic whenever possible.)

Here are a few more resources for the Best of Japan in Boulder:

Japanese Tea: Ku Cha and Dushanbe Teahouse
Interior Design with a Japanese Accent : Eiko Okura Interior Designs
(P.s. Eiko Okura-san’s sensitivity, warmth and knowledge is priceless. Yes, I speak from experience.)
Japanese food staples….The biggest variety is found in Denver at the Pacific Mercantile Company. Good news: The drive is short and surrounded by spacious skies and snowcapped Rocky Mountains.

Bicycle and walking paths abound in Boulder, CO.

Wishing you the best of life in everyday.

The Ninja Baker

© ™ Watkinson 2012

The Ninja Baker has guest blogged and contributed recipes to numerous food sites. These additional recipes can be found here.

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Berry Nutty Bento, #SundaySupper

NinjaBaker — Sat, 16 Aug 2014 05:18:55 +0000

As autumn draws near do you find yourself slowing down or moving faster? Currently, Boulder, Colorado buzzes with the return of college kids. The youthful energy is palpable. Red shopping carts zigzag like bumper cars down the aisles of Target. The scene is reminiscent of Tokyo’s Tsukiji fish markets where quick action is required to snatch the best tuna.

Still, as I prepare our newly acquired condo as a haven for responsible executives and clean-living vacationers, I’m breathing a bit deeper. I am in awe of the mountains here. Like elegant grande dames, they rise to the sky with dignity. Steady and strong they stand even as cumulus clouds gather and lightening strikes.

Colorado's Rocky Mountains

Photo Courtesy of 123rf.com

The bounty of Mother Nature in Boulder almost makes up for the lack of LA's Japanese markets. (Although, I was over the moon to spot Pocky - Japanese biscuits coated in chocolate and other flavors - at King Soopers.) During the day, birdsongs are heard; at night, crickets chirp. Bunny rabbits have also said hello. (15 minutes away prairie dogs and horses roam, too!)

Tigers, lions and bears, oh my!
A fun peanut butter sandwich surprise for any bento lunch box.

Sitting on the porch of our condo, the famous Flatirons rock formations of Boulder, Colorado’s Green Mountain are seen. One of the Flatirons is called Bear Peak. What do bears eat? Berries and nuts! Hence, the inspiration for my Berry Nutty Bento.

Hip college kids may not appreciate the lunch box starring a teddy bear peanut butter sandwich. However, I’m confident kids of any age will love my chock full of berries Berry Delicious Muffins which are also featured in the bento box.

For more bento recipes and how-tos:
Quinoa Doburi and Mini Bento with Beef-Free Beefy Crumbles

The Ninja Baker's Cookie Bento

Super Bowl Bento

Today’s Twitter #SundaySupper chat is all about going back to school. (Please scroll down for your invite to join the conversation.) Mommy of 2, creative cook and crafter, Tammi of Momma's Meals will host.

Berry Delicious Muffins & Berry Nutty Bento

The Ninja Baker's Berry Delicious Muffin is moist and dense with berries which tickle the palate with pleasure. A trace of ginger lingers on the tongue. (If a stronger ginger taste is preferred, increase the suggested measurement.) Both the muffin and bento are happy-making ways to slip into any season.

The Ninja Baker's Berry Delicious Muffin recipe is inspired by Julie Richardson's Berry Long Cake with Ginger Crumb and the Quick Blueberry Muffin recipe on the back of the Norpro muffin tin package.

Ingredients:

For the bento:

2 slices of bread
2 tablespoons peanut butter
A handful of cranberries
A handful of walnuts

For the topping:

2/3 cup Demerara sugar
½ cup flour
½ cup diced candied ginger
8 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 teaspoon ground ginger

For the muffin:

1½ cups flour
¼ cup cornmeal
2½ teaspoons baking powder
Generous pinch of salt
1 cup mixed berries, fresh or thawed frozen
1/3 cup butter, melted
¾ cup milk
2 eggs, slightly beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

For the topping:
Combine all the ingredients together in a bowl. Place in the freezer while you mix up the muffins.

For the muffin:
Whisk together the flour, cornmeal, baking powder and salt.
Add the berries.
Pour in the butter.
Stir in the milk.
Next the eggs and the soupçon of vanilla.

Scoop the muffin batter into mini or regular sized tins lined with cupcake cases. Break the frozen topping and sprinkle atop the muffins.

Bake in a 400 degree oven.
18 minutes for minis, 32 minutes for the regular sized muffins.

For the bento:
With a cookie cutter, cut a teddy bear out of the bread.
Spread with peanut butter.
Place in the bento box and surround with cranberries, walnuts and muffins.

Back to School Beginnings

Vegan Oatmeal Raisin Muffins from Killer Bunnies
Make Ahead Waffle Casserole from Bobbi's Kozy Kitchen
Apple Muffins from Meal Diva
Apple Oat Breakfast Cookies from What Smells So Good?
Toast Three Ways from Foxes Love Lemons

Back to School Lunches and Simple Suppers

Owl Bento Box from Simply Gourmet
First Day of School Pinwheels from Jane's Adventures in Dinner
Quick and Easy Hot Pastrami Sliders from Webicurean
Grilled Chicken Revamp from Culinary Adventures with Camilla
Baked Eggplant Parmesan from Hezzi D's Books and Cooks
Chicken and Zucchinin Meatballs from Casa de Crews
Clean Eating Lunches Your Kids will Love from Amee's Savory Dish
Crispy Chicken Legs from The Not So Cheesy Kitchen
DIY Veggie Cup Noodles from Food Lust People Love
Chicken Nuggets from Nosh my Way
Skinny Spinach Mac and Cheese from Take a Bite out of Boca
Chicken Schnitzle from Panning the Globe
Berry Nutty Bento from Ninja Baking
Spagetti and Chicken Meatballs from Soni's Food
Chopped Shrimp Salad with Honey Lime Vinagraitte from The Weekend Gourmet
Steak & Cheese Pockets from Momma's Meals
Turkey Pinwheels from Peanut Butter and Peppers

Back to School Sips

Hulk SMASH Smoothie from Run DMT
Good Morning Smoothies from Family Foodie

Back to School Super Snacks

Nutty Granola from Life Tastes Good
On the Go Guacamole from Shannon at Country Girl in the Village
Cinnamon Caramel Apple Energy Balls from Cupcakes and Kale Chips
Playground Granola Bars from Noshing with the Nolands
Apricot Dip from Magnolia Days
Parmesan Garlic Oven Roasted Chick Peas from Ruffles and Truffles
Home Made Graham Crackers from Curious Cuisiniere
Peanut Butter and Jelly Granola Bars from Pies and Plots
Gluten Free Apple Zucchini Flax Bread from Sue's Nutrition Buzz
Beef and Veggie Sliders from Grumpy's Honeybunch
Peanut Butter and Jelly Popcorn from Simply Healthy Family
Frushi (Fruit Sushi) from Mama Bee Does

Back to School Sweets and Treats

Open Face PB & J Cookies from Desserts Required
Berry Topped Chocolate Silk Tart from That Skinny Chick Can Bake
Peanut Butter and Jelly Paletas from La Cocina de Leslie
Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins from Confessions of a Culinary Diva
Love Note Doodle Bugs from Happy Baking Days
Frozen Yogurt Mud Pies from Cindy's Recipes and Writings
Brown Butter Peanut Butter Crispy Treats from The Texan New Yorker

Join the #SundaySupper conversation on Twitter on Sunday! We tweet throughout the day and share recipes from all over the world. Our weekly chat starts at 7 p.m. ET. Follow the #SundaySupper hashtag and remember to include it in your tweets to join in the chat. To get more great Sunday Supper Recipes, visit our website or check out our Pinterest board.

Would you like to join the Sunday Supper Movement? It’s easy. You can sign up by clicking here: Sunday Supper Movement.

Wishing you berry delicious moments to savor the change of seasons.

The Ninja Baker

The Ninja Baker has guest blogged and contributed recipes to numerous food sites. These additional recipes can be found here.

Follow Ninja Baker @NinjaBaking's board NinjaBaking.com Sweets on Pinterest.

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