Mochi Pounding

I have to admit, I don't really know much on the history of Mochi pounding, but it is a Japanese New Years tradition. It is made by boiling polished and soaked rice and then pounding and kneading it until it turns into a sticky dough. It is then made into various treats or served in something like soup. They were doing Mochi pounding at the community center at the end of our block. We went down to see and we got a chance to participate. William got some whacks at the Mochi (and possibly the turner's fingers...), Caroline got a few whacks in, and all that Dad did is carry the camera around.

We then went inside to sample the results. It was an interesting taste, but not one either William or I were going to be able to finish, so we decided to take the rest home in a doggy bag. From the video, you might sense William's reluctance. I'm not sure Dad did much better...

It definitely is sticky and thick. Japanese newspapers apparently start tallying up the death toll from choking on Mochi about this time of year.

William also did Mochi pounding at his school with a visiting Sumo Wrestler. In that case, they added the Mochi to soup.