Happy New Year!
I meant to have this out on the first as I was so excited to leave 2020 in the dust. So much has happened in the past 20 days, many lows but a hopeful start to the new year.
My mother at 85, still insists that she makes this special meal by herself. This was the first New Year Day I couldn’t celebrate with her, another change forced on us by this dreadful virus! In making the meal I was reminded of how mom insisted I eat the foods even if I didn’t like the taste of some of them. The symbolism of these foods really became clear as I cooked them, I realized they represent many traits that I consider to be the best of my culture.
I called mom a few times for advice and there were problems getting some ingredients on island.
I gathered with dear friends, Shinsan and I did our best to recreated the dishes we grew up eating, for explanation of the dishes visit
https://savvytokyo.com/osechi-ryori-hidden-meanings-behind-japanese-new-year-food/
The photos are a blend of past osechi ryori cooked by mom and the one we created this year.
One particular food that is served is a lightly simmered lotus root (hasu) mom always said that the holes symbolize looking into the future. As I peaked through the holes, I visualized happy events to come including the up coming birth of my first grandchild, reuniting with family and the start of the 6th decade of my life.
Love, Peace and a Happy New Year,
Keiko