Japanese Christmas and sweet treats :]

Japan

Satsumaimo Chakin Shibori(sweet potato cakes)

 Yield: 10 small cakes

Ingredients:

• 1 lb satsumaimo (sweet potatoes), peeled and cut into half-inch thick rounds
• 3 Tbsp sugar
• juice from 1/2 lemon

Preparation:

1. Soak satsumaimo(sweet potatoes) in water for about 15 minutes.
2. Drain satsumaimo(sweet potatoes) and put in a medium pan.
3. Pour water to cover the satsumaimo(sweet potatoes).
4. Boil until satsumaimo is softened.
5. Drain and put the satsumaimo in a bowl.
6. Mash satsumaimo.
7. Add sugar and mix well.
8. Add lemon juice and mix well.
9. Put a small ball of mashed satsumaimo in a cheesecloth or a sheet of plastic wrap.
10. Gather ends and twist the cloth or plastic wrap to leave some patterns on the surface.
11. Unwrap it.

I changed the recipe some, it had raisins and i don't like raisins. yucky

 6 Facts:
1. christmas introduced in the 16th century by the Europeans
2. celebrated just like us, but it's not a national holiday
3. decorate homes,gives presents to friends and family, and cook a special meal
4. traditional japanese food is a christmas cake
5 they go out and buy their gifts, so their are no presents under their tree
6. their trees arent big but small ones