As Christmas approaches, a new recipe incorporates the flavors of Japan's traditional New Year's drink o-toso into a matcha cake. This dessert blends medicinal herbs and spices reminiscent of both o-toso and classic yuletide treats. It offers health benefits alongside festive cheer.
Japan's closest equivalent to mulled wine is likely o-toso, a sake infused with spices, herbs and dried fruit, sometimes lightly sweetened with honey. It is traditionally consumed as a toast to health and longevity during New Year celebrations.
Recipes for o-toso vary, but they typically include a medicinal blend of herbs that aligns with the drink's healthful reputation. Common spices are sanshō, or Sichuan pepper, to improve circulation; benihana, or safflower, to combat inflammation; and fennel to aid digestion.
The recipe uses o-toso flavors to spice a matcha tea cake. Its blend of medicinal spices also echoes elements found in a traditional Christmas cake: cloves to support liver function, dried ginger to soothe tired muscles, cinnamon for heart health, and dried mikan mandarin peel powder to lower cholesterol.
This cake serves as a Japanese-inspired alternative to conventional yuletide desserts, infusing the aroma of cinnamon and cloves with matcha.