What is soft and chewy on the inside, delightfully crunchy on the outside, incredibly versatile, delicious and good for you, too? It's mochi! (Pronounced "moh-chee.") So, what is mochi?

Savored in Japan since ancient times, mochi is a nutritious bake and serve rice puff made from organic, whole-grain brown rice. It is made without any animal-derived ingredients, additives, preservatives or colorings, and it's also cholesterol-free, wheat-free and gluten-free. Since no salt or oil is added, mochi is also low in sodium, fat and calories. So, mochi meets the special dietary needs of many different people. It is enjoyed by vegetarians, vegans and macrobiotics, as well as people who follow low-cholesterol, low-sodium, low-fat and low-calorie diets. People with gluten and casein sensitivities are quickly discovering that they, too, can enjoy all the natural goodness of mochi, whether served as a healthy snack, breakfast food or a creatively prepared hors d'oeuvre.

How is mochi made?

Sweet brown rice is steamed and then mashed and extruded. Customarily, the Japanese pound the steamed rice with wooden mallets in large wooden mortars. Here in the United States, Grainaissance makes its mochi using machines that grind and mash the steamed rice to create the same traditional mochi enjoyed in Japan. After the soft mochi comes out of the machine, it is flattened and allowed to cure. Mochi gradually hardens, but becomes soft and edible again when baked.

Serving Suggestions

Mochi can be eaten in a variety of ways. To prepare mochi, simply cut it into 11/2" squares and bake in a preheated 450ºF oven or toaster-oven for 8 to 10 minutes. As the mochi bakes, you'll see it puff up before your eyes. When done, the little pillows of mochi are brown and crispy on the outside and have a chewy center. You can enjoy the flavor of mochi puffs plain, or with dips or fillings of your choice. Hummus, maple syrup, dairy-free cream cheese and jam are just a few great accompaniments to mochi.

Mochi can also be pan-fried and topped with pizza ingredients-tomato sauce, soy cheese, mushrooms and green peppers. You can make dumplings by adding small mochi squares to soup or vegetable broth while heating. For a unique breakfast treat, you can use your waffle iron to make great-tasting mochi waffles.

Grainaissance mochi can be found in the dairy or freezer case. It comes in eight distinctive flavors: Raisin-Cinnamon, Sesame-Garlic, Super Seed, Cashew-Date, Plain, Wheatgrass with Mugwort, Pizza and Chocolate Brownie with Walnuts .