Feeding hungry kids healthy food is always a challenge. It requires improvisation, patience for trial and error, and oftentimes a bit of luck. Inspiration comes unexpectedly sometimes.
The average mochi ball is about 100 calories. Whereas filling up a bowl of ice cream might equate to over 350 calories, a small 100 calorie snack won’t throw off your weight loss goals. A small taste of indulgence will keep you motivated and happy throughout the day.
Make more and store
My friend said that she makes a big batch and then stores it in her fridge for a couple of weeks. Perfect! It can be so difficult to find a healthful snack that matches the preparation ease of sugary or salt-laden convenience snacks. When she or her kids come home from school, they’ll take one of the pre-cut squares and heat it in the oven for a few minutes. They wrap seaweed around it and serve it up with soy sauce for dipping. I find a few pieces of pickled ginger make a nice, sweet counterpoint to the soy sauce.
Japanese New Year all year round
Mochi is a Japanese rice cake made from a sticky sweet rice that has been cooked then pounded together, then shaped and baked. Sometimes ice cream is placed in the middle. Mochi is part of the Japanese New Year tradition, but it’s enjoyed throughout the year as a snack or an addition to soups.
I was recently introduced to the traditional snack at a friend’s house. Not only was it delicious, but I also loved how a hard slab of rice pulled right from the fridge puffed up into a crispy and very tasty snack food. The kids really enjoyed watching it, too.
Is mochi healthier than ice cream?
FAQ
Is mochi a healthy dessert?
Is mochi healthier than regular ice cream?
Does mochi count as ice cream?
Are there any health benefits to mochi?