Kyoto Style Confectionery Class – Series 1
Whenever I see some Japanese confectioneries, I marvelled at the skills of the Japanese. Every single confectionery is so exquisite that you feel what a waste to eat. I was quite curious about how those Japanese confectioneries are made, and then I knew that there is a place in Kyoto where you can try to make Kyoto style confectionery! I decided to have a try without any hesitation~
“よし廣” (Yoshihiro) in Nijo of Kyoto is the place I went to have a Kyoto style confectionery class. The time slot I went had about 15 to 16 people participating in the class together. In each seat, there was a set of ingredients and tools, and the finished product of the 2 kinds of confectionery to be learnt (Of course, they were the products made by the professional confectioner of the shop.). As for the ingredients, they were simply a few pieces of paste; as for the tools, only a little spatula and a tea spoon, without any cake mould at all. Even though I just thought to have some fun, still I was a little worried about if I could complete anything.
The instructor was a lady who is a professional Kyoto style confectioner. The confectioneries taught in the class are different according to seasons. So, this time the theme was spring. The 2 kinds of confectionery taught were sakura (cherry blossom) and rose. The instructor explained and demonstrated how to do each step from the very beginning. We first learnt sakura and then rose. Let’s see the finished products made by the professional confectioner and me~ Can you figure out which 2 were made by me? Should be easy to guess!
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The sakura I made is a bit different from the shape of sakura, but still it showed the feeling of a flower. For the rose I made, however, I could only feel that I made “something”. The steps of making the flower petals were so difficult. I could not manage well how much force I should put. I did those steps lightly because I was afraid it would be pressed flat or broken if I put too much force. So the shape of flower petals was not done well and the whole stuff did not look like a flower… failed…
After the time of creating your own confectioneries, the professional confectioner demonstrated her proficiency: even complicated parts could be done quickly! Apart from the demonstration, a little refreshment with a cup of matcha and a Yatsuhashi manju which is the shop’s featured product was offered. I enjoyed so much with everything and thought it was a nice ending with the tasty refreshment. Out of my surprise, there was a certificate presentation at the final! The staff took a photo of you and put it on the certificate~ A perfect ending!
Personally I think this class was quite interesting, and also there are not so many places where you can have this kind of class. So I strongly recommend to those who is interested too. To experience the cultures and specialities of Kyoto, not only can you use your eyes; use your mouth to taste; but you can also use your hands to make!
株式会社KINSHA