Amazake
Amazake (甘酒, [amazake]) is a traditional sweet, low- or non-alcohol (depending on recipes) Japanese drink made from fermented rice. Amazake dates from the Kofun period, and it is mentioned in the Nihon Shoki. It is part of the family of traditional Japanese foods made using koji and the koji mold Aspergillus oryzae (麹, kōji) that includes miso, soy sauce, and sake.
There are several recipes for amazake that have been used for hundreds of years. By a popular recipe, kōji is added to cooled whole grain rice causing enzymes to break down the carbohydrates into simpler unrefined sugars. As the mixture incubates, sweetness develops naturally. By another popular recipe, sake kasu is simply mixed with water, but usually sugar is added. In recipe, amazake becomes low-alcohol.
Amazake can be used as a dessert, snack, natural sweetening agent, baby food, salad dressing or smoothie. The traditional drink (prepared by combining amazake and water, heated to a simmer, and often topped with a pinch of finely grated ginger) was popular with street vendors, and it is still served at inns, teahouses, and at festivals. Many Shinto shrines provide or sell it in the New Year. In the 20th century, an instant version became available.
Podcasts:
-
by Amy Sky
-
by Amy Sky
-
by Amy Sky
-
by Amy Sky
-
by Amy Sky
-
by Amy Sky
-
by Amy Sky
-
by Amy Sky
-
by Amy Sky
-
by Amy Sky
-
by Amy Sky
-
by Amy Sky
I Will Take Care Of You
by: Amy SkyOn a September afternoon
in nineteenn sixty one
A baby girl's first cry rang out
a new life had begun
Her mother rocked her in her arms
and she kissed the tiny brow-and she said
"Darling I'm just as scared as you
But i promise you somehow"
I will take care of you
the very best that I can
With all of the love here in my heart
and all of the strength in my hands
Your every joy I'll share
for every tear I'll be there
my whole life through
I will take care of you
On a September afternoon
in nineteen neighty five
that little girl had grown into
a beautiful younng bride
She turned to the man who held her hand
in front of the waiting crowd
They smiled at each other as they spoke
and this was their wedding vow
I will take care of you
the very best that I can
With all of the love here in my heart
and all of the strength in my hands
Your every joy I'll share
for every tear i'll be there
my whole life through
I will take care of you
On a September afternoon
In nineteen eighty nine
The girl waited by a hospital bed
Never leaving her mother's side
And she said "Mama why don't you close your eyes
try to get some rest
It's my turn to take care of you and I learned from the best
I will take care of you"
On a September afternoon
In nineteen ninety one
A baby girl's first cry rang out
A new life has begun...
Words: Amy Sky