Butter mochi is one of my favorite childhood desserts- it was a staple at family gatherings when I was growing up. It's a dish that traveled with my family and friends from Hawaii, where my Dad was raised. 

The Hawaiian islands are a melting pot of cultures; from native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, Portuguese, Japanese and everything in between. This blending of cultures has resulted in an entire cuisine, of which butter mochi is just one delicious result. It's said to be a combination of Japanese mochi and Filipino bibingka, a sweet coconut rice flour cake. 

This butter mochi recipe has another layer of complexity- the addition of tahini, one of my favorite Middle-Eastern ingredients. I've added black and white sesame seeds as well for their extra crunch and nutty flavor. 
 

Head here to visit our Modern Heirlooms web shop, where I've thoughtfully co-created ritual objects with my favorite artisans (in limited runs) to help you elevate your sacred rituals. 

I truly believe that cuisine is the most accessible gateway into learning more about our rich heritages. In addition to food, there are so many ways to celebrate, honor, and even reclaim, our time-honored traditions. I believe ritual objects really help anchor us in these moments-- especially around the table.