The Art of mochi making at Takako-San's house

My Okinawan friends invited me over for a very traditional New Year's tradition: making mochi, a pounded rice cake dessert. The Okinawan tradition actually involves wrapping the mochi in a beautiful leaf that, when steamed, smells of wonderful rosemary. Some of these leaves came straight from their garden or from the market down the street. I thought it interesting that as much as I enjoy Japanese textiles in our home decor, many Okinawans love frilly lace and more European country motifs in their home.