A shelf life of only 3 minutes!? The 'Sweet and Cold Yukimi Onigiri' you'll want to make for Valentine's Day

《2040th consecutive day!》

Valentine's Day and onigiri.
These two should definitely not go together...

Every year around this time, I struggle with my onigiri reports.

If that's the case, why not just make one myself?
So, I've decided to reveal a special recipe this time.

This onigiri actually made it to the final round of a major onigiri contest.

Winning would have meant it would be sold in stores, but when I checked with the manufacturer of the ice cream used in the recipe, they said sales were not allowed, so I had to reluctantly withdraw.

However, they did tell me that there was no problem with making and eating it personally, so I have decided to specially release the recipe here in this note.

■ Recipe: 'Cold and Sweet Yukimi Omusubi'

The world's only sweet, melting rice ball that boldly uses that Yukimi Daifuku ice cream.

The preparation is super simple!
Anyone can make it easily.

But...

When you try it, it's surprisingly delicious.

The balance of saltiness and sweetness, warmth and coldness is exquisite, a shock that will change your outlook on life!

■ Ingredients (for 1 serving)

Warm rice 150g

Yukimi Daifuku ice cream 1 piece

A pinch of salt

Nori cut into circles (for decoration)

Dried tomatoes (for decoration)
*Can also be substituted with pickled plums (umeboshi)

■Instructions

1. Pre-cut the nori and dried tomatoes for decoration into small pieces.

2. Spread out plastic wrap and sprinkle a little salt on it.

3. Spread half of the warm rice onto the plastic wrap.

4. Place the Yukimi Daifuku ice cream, taken straight from the freezer, on top.

5. Place the remaining rice on top, sprinkle with salt, and quickly shape into a ball.

6. Serve on a plate and decorate with the nori and dried tomatoes.

7. Eat immediately.
(1 to 2 minutes after making is the best time to eat, as the ice cream and mochi start to melt!)

■Tips

👉It tastes delicious if you use enough salt!
This makes the sweetness stand out and adds contrast to the flavor. Also, for decorations, it is better to use items with acidity and saltiness, such as dried tomatoes or pickled plums.

👉Vanilla flavor goes better than chocolate flavor.
Based on comparing the two, the vanilla flavor seems to pair better with the rice and salt.

👉Actually, there is a culture of sweet rice balls.
While sweet rice balls are rare nationwide, in the northern part of Saitama Prefecture, there is a local dish called "Iga Manju" where a steamed bun is wrapped in red bean rice. The sweet and salty combination is actually well-rooted in Japan.

It's unfairly delicious.

"Yukimi rice balls" to enjoy like a dessert during the cold season.

Please try making them as a new Valentine's Day staple.

This is also a recipe that placed high in a contest!
If you'd like, please give it a try!

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