Mochi is nice...mochi is rice.

Chewy Deliciousness!

What is mochi?

Mochi is a Japanese rice cake made of sticky brown rice. It comes in a hard flat vacuum sealed brick. I got mine from Whole Foods during a recent trip to the Big City. I think they were about $3.50 a package (they are in the fridge section.) I learned about them from a friend who suggested I try them as a gluten-free waffle alternative.

Mochi waffles (or "moffles") are incredibly simple to make. Here is the process: 

1. Open mochi package.
2. Cut into small squares (about 2" x 2").
3. Place in hot waffle iron for 4 to 5 minutes.
4. Remove and top with agave, cinnamon sugar, or whatever floats your boat. 

Tip*: The bricks are hard so put them on a firm surface and use a sharp knife to cut them. Also, I split each square (like a bagel) to make the mochi thinner. I liked the texture better this way and it let me feel like I was eating more. 

Here is a link to a step by step tutorial with pictures.

Alas, this isn't what the waffles look like. But aren't they pretty?

The final analysis.

Grown ups: My final analysis is that these are a keeper. I have had them several times for breakfast with sliced banana, a bit of peanut butter, and agave. Darin thought they were "fine" and not in a "Melissa, you are a FINE looking woman" kind of way.

Kids: Dane thought thought they were good but hasn't asked for them since his first taste. Selah, on the other hand, loves them. She has chosen them as a snack several times. Her favorite is the agave with cinnamon.

And just to clarify....

Mochi is apparently a highly popular pet name. Please be aware that these "Mochi" are not intended for the waffle iron (although I am pretty sure I had the second one down in a stew once...).