Monday, December 3, 2012

My humble Christmas decoration and cornstarch;

       * My Christmas Decoration;  not gorgeous p;)
inside of the front door; 
I bought Kitty-Santa for students to enjoy many years ago 


in the small kitchen up on the sink rail; 



* My husband was given a dough of Udon-noodle

"Haha, I didn't know what cornstarch is!" 
Blushed not having known one of the loanwords;
Last month, my husband's ex-colleagues had company trip and making Udon-dough was included in the itinerary. As some of them knew he has all tools of making it into noodle, he was given the dough.  He has never made Udon noodle, (which is eaten more popularly than Soba), so he wondered about the flour he has to use while making it (打ち粉). Naturally, Soba flour (蕎麦粉・更級粉)is used for Soba making. He consulted the maker through phone and was told that he could use either rice-flour or cornstarch. I had rice-flour and he successfully made the noodle and we ate it deliciously.  Next day, we had a visit from one of the person gave him dough. My husband abruptly asked me what the cornstarch is. Wow, I just knew it is used making cakes or bread. But never have come across the written English word or heard as English. My young lady guest knew it is made of corn. SO ashamed not knowing it as a person teaching English(^^;)   I keep telling my students that pay attention the words which have Roman Pronunciation and it is one of the easiest way to learn English. I might have guessed it if you English speaking friends pronounced it p;)
They have been to Kagawa-pref. and tried Sanuki-udon and also images  (2 inks with this color you can click)







Surprised that his ex-colleague even gave him a wall-scroll with certificate of trying; haha, he or she may not needing this.

PS> I am still really behind of visiting friends. So sorry about that!  I hope you all are doing fine and starting a wonderful new week of December♡♡♡



22 comments:

  1. I love your Christmas decorations, my dear friend Miyako. They are just right. And congratulations on the successful Udon-noodle making adventure. It sounds like you and your hubby can do anything you set your minds to. I'm sure they were delicious!

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  2. Dear Miyako,
    I have to admit that when it comes to making noodle I have only a slight knowledge of how this is done. I was not aware that corn starch was used in making some types of noodle so this is informative.
    Your Christmas decorations are very cheerful and attractive and I am sure guests to your home enjoy seeing them. I hope that you are doing well. Have a wonderful week my dear little bs. Love always

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  3. Hello Miyako, I love your cute Christmas decorations. The Kitty-Santa is cute. I wish I was successful at making noodles. Great post and photos. Also, thanks for stopping by and for the birthday wishes. Have a lovely day!

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  4. Está linda a decoração.Época tão legal essa! beijos,linda semana!chica

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  5. the certificate is a work of art! glad the noodles came out using rice flour. and at least you can laugh at yourself still learning our silly language. :)

    i like your christmas decorations - especially the little snowman.

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  6. What nice decorations, Miyako. I love Hello Kitty. And nice job on the certificate. I am happy you enjoyed the noodles made with rice flour. I use cornstarch rarely, and usually mix it with regular flour for baking. We also use it to thicken sauces. Have a great week! xo

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  7. Dear Miyako,

    I love your Christmas decorations, that kitty is so cute. Thank you so much for stopping by at my blog and for your kind comments. Have a lovely evening my friend.
    Hugs,
    Eva

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  8. Hi dear Miyako. I love your new Christmas header! I also love your Hallo Kitty decoration. Little Ruby would love that, as she adores Hally Kitty!! Love the Certificate as well - a real work of art. Your husband looks very busy in the photos!! Do you that you are keeping well. Sending love and blessings from West to East xx

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  9. Hi Miyako san, your Christmas decoration is so charming :-) I love pretty Hello Kitty in Santa outfit!
    I wish you a wonderful new week!

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  10. Dear Miyako,

    I love your Christmas decorations, (hello kitty is so cute) and your sweet header for your blog.
    The certificate is fabulous and looks great hanging on the wall.

    Happy December
    hugs
    Carolyn

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  11. Love your Christmas decoration,so very sweet.
    I hope you are well and happy.
    Love & Hugs

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  12. goodness... i have no idea what corn starch is!! i know its put in some recipes to thicken stuff!!
    i love your darling Christmas decorations!!!
    the scroll your husband was given is beautiful.
    hugs from across the ocean!!!!
    xoxox

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  13. Dear Miyako,

    I don't think Cornstarch is used much in home baking here in the UK but I know it's used in lots of products. I'm in love with Santa Kitty - you know I love all things Kawaii. I would love to try some of these fantastic fresh noodles one day!

    Clare xxx

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  14. Dearest Miyako,

    here I am.. I feel better now,thanks for your wish
    so cute those x'mast ornaments.

    cornstarch is a cornflour, fines flour from corn.
    very delicious indeed, here in Italy we do 'POLENTA' dish with this flour.

    lots of love to you

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  15. Dearest Miyako san,
    Don't even apologize for not knowing this. You know there are SO many flour types in the world that at times I too have to do research for certain Italian type of baked goods. There are ancient grains being used and corn starch, yes it does derive from corn. But different languages call it different and that is confusing at times; I KNOW it first hand.
    Hugs to you sweet Japanese friend,
    Mariette

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  16. Hi Miyako, just stopping by to say how delightful your blog is. Thanks so much for sharing. I have recently found your blog and am now following you, and will visit often. Please stop by my blog and perhaps you would like to follow me also. Have a wonderful day. Hugs, Chris
    http://chelencarter-retiredandlovingit.blogspot.ca/

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  17. Kitty-Santa is very cute. Children must be happy to see it. When I visited Takamatu city before I thought to learn how to make udon. But I couldn't.But I had udon in there. It's very delisious.
    Have a nice day!

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  18. I am behind in visiting my friends as well. I love your little decorations. I'm not doing very many this year myself. Not much in the mood for Christmas at my house. I hope you're doing well my friend. It's always a pleasure to read your blog. Many hugs to you.

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  19. Kitty Santa is precious! I love your sweet
    Christmas decorations. Mikako, your header is gorgeous. I think you are very talented, just modest. Much love and hugs, Linda

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  20. My sweet Miyako, I LOVE your Christmas decorations and Christmas kitty is just adorable. Oh honey, your blog looks so beautiful and festive for the holiday season.

    What a wonderful certificate your husband recieved and please never feel bad about not knowing the meaning of a word. Both you and your English are incredible!!!

    I miss you terribly and will be back to visit more when I return to blogging. My love to you always, my kind friend. Mina

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  21. Your Christmas decorations are so lovely!!
    After marriage, we lived in Osaka City and there was a very good Sanuki Udon restaurant near our apartment. We would enjoy wonderful Sanuki Udon every weekend. While reading your blog, old sweet and delicious memory popped up in my heart.
    Have a nice weekend.
    keiko

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