Shop Launch: 6 New Prints!

I’m excited to announce that the shop is LIVE and I’m launching with 6 new prints!

6 new pieces I painted this year are now ready to order as giclee prints through Monday, August 17, 2020.

I painted these imagining them living side by side in sets of 3 like this above, but they stand strong by themselves too!

FIRST, the process and behind-the-scenes stories:

The animal paintings started in my sketchbook with just a few sea creatures and moved to the final draft.

I don’t use pencil for underdrawing, but paint directly onto blank paper so I use sticky notes for placement - they have the shape and name of the creatures on them.

JAPANESE BIRDS

These all live in Japan - some native, some not - all recorded on a document if you’d like to know the names!

This project began with my daughter’s (2 years old) interest in birds. We started visiting ducks and geese close to our house. On walks by one neighbor’s home, she would stop, sit, and watch the birds. That was good indication that it was time to get a bird feeder at home.

We got one for finches and one for hummingbirds. Part of daily life now during quarantine is admiring birds, observing the local varieties, and shooing squirrels away from stealing the bird food.

Fun fact: the bottom right bird unintentionally is an exact portrait of my daughter’s expression when she furrows her brows.

Birds_S copy.jpg

JAPANESE SEA CREATURES

These all live in Japan - some native, some not - all recorded on a document if you’d like to know the names!

If I could pick one animal I’m always drawn to in print or paintings, it would be sea creatures - mostly fish. That includes the Japanese fish scale pattern that I want to add on everything I own.

This painting was the first of my series of 3. I wondered which are around Japan, and sketched how they’d look together. Once I painted a few in my sketchbook, I had to keep going. I could have covered a wall with my list of Japanese sea creatures I wanted to paint, but I narrowed it down to a variety of distinct shapes in an 11x14” painting. I’m sure I’ll revisit painting fish in the future.

Fish_S copy.jpg

JAPANESE REPTILES & AMPHIBIANS

These all live in Japan - some native, some not - all recorded on a document if you’d like to know the names!

This was the final painting in my series of 3. I’ve been working a project called the 100 Day Project, painting animals that express pandemic-related feelings/experiences, and the first of the 100 was a turtle. A few days later I painted a frog. That piqued my interest to learn more, and it was time to start this piece dedicated to reptiles and amphibians in Japan.

Much like the birds and fish, there were far more than I could possibly include in one painting so I chose a variety that stood out while researching.

Reptiles_S copy.jpg

OUT OF WORDS 1, 2, 3

My other series came from thinking about news and the range of responses to the deep issues of prejudice this year that we faced in a more direct way. The responses include learning, thinking, protesting, speaking, conversing, giving, questioning, grieving, dismissing…only to name a few.

This year has been surprising, to say the least. Sometimes when I can’t put my experiences or thoughts into words, I paint. I’m mourning and longing, but always with hope. The flowers as center points of the compositions point to new life and to hope.

1 Camellias (far left): one of the meanings (varies by color) is longing in Japanese “hanakotoba” (“flower words” = language of flowers). I, just like almost everyone else, am longing for peace and justice, even if I don’t immediately know how to respond or where to change.

2 Dahlias (center): one of the meanings (also varies by color) is dignity. In a time I didn’t know what action to take, one thing I knew without a doubt was the dignity of every human being regardless of ability, experience, or appearance.

3 Morning glories (right): one of the meanings is united. There are divisions everywhere we look, and some of those have become more apparent this year. This is another thing I long for, to be united to stand for the God-given dignity of every person.

3Togetheremotions.jpg

OUT OF WORDS 1

If you look closely by the expressions, you’ll see little bodies attached. These are the body language of a variety of responses that I observed and some that I felt, but couldn’t necessarily put into words.

Camelia_S copy.jpg

OUT OF WORDS 2

Dahlia_S copy.jpg

OUT OF WORDS 3

MorningGlory_S copy.jpg

ABOUT THE PRINTS: 

All prints are the highest quality giclee reproductions, professionally printed in the Bay Area. They are on archival, matte, acid-free 340gsm 100% cotton fiber material with a watercolor paper texture. The paper is exactly like the original cold press watercolor paper I painted them on!


Dimensions: 11x14”

The measurements include the white edge so they can be framed with or without a mat/mount. The prints are standard sizes (11x14”) so framing options are plentiful. Feel free to contact me with framing questions, but I included some suggestions at the end. I will post separately with more detail about framing options and ideas! 

Side-by-side with original:

In a previous print release of Japanese tea bowls, I placed the original and the print side-by-side and was astonished at the perfect capture and print quality. It’s hard to tell which is the original painting except for the deckled edge on the original watercolor paper.

FREE SHIPPING (domestic): To celebrate the shop launch, I’m offering free shipping!

The print will be packaged in a clear sleeve and will be sealed, laying flat with hard backing in a rigid mailer to ensure it reaches you in perfect condition. Please contact me for a quote for international shipping!

ORDERING: The SHOP is LIVE and the print orders will close on Monday, August 17, 2020 11:59pm. Once orders are received, they will be shipped within 7-10 days.
*Please contact me if you'd prefer to pick up.


FRAMING TIPS:

Option 1: Professional

Since this is a standard size, you could purchase a pre-made frame and have the framer assemble it. Standard size pre-made frames are significantly less expensive than custom orders.

Framers have specific tools and this option will ensure the framing is done safely, correctly, and with good alignment. You can select different glass options and mat colors (I recommend white that matches the paper white).

Option 2: Semi-DIY with mat

If framing it myself, I would include a mat because I like that space between the painting and the frame.

A good rule of thumb is for the mat to be around 3” wider/taller than the painting. For 11x14” you would need:

  • 1 mat (16x20”) with 11x14” opening

  • 1 acid-free backing board (16x20”)

  • 1 frame (16x20”)

Option 3: Semi-DIY without mat

If space doesn’t allow, I’d go for a simple 11x14” frame. I paint these with this option in mind so there is space between the edge of the painting and the animals. Without a mat, since the frame will be close to the painting, I like the soft look of natural wood close to black ink to keep the painting as the focal point rather than the frame, but it depends on your space!

I call 2 and 3 Semi-DIY because complete DIY would start with cutting the mat yourself using a mat cutter that most don’t have lying around.


Thank you for browsing! If you enjoyed these paintings, please share with anyone else who may also like to see them.

To get studio updates in your inbox, subscribe at the footer of this page. You’ll be the first to know about more print releases coming this year!

New Prints Available through Tuesday!

Print reproductions of recent work are ready and the pre-orders are in! I'm printing a limited number so email subscribers got the first updates. BUT if you didn’t get a chance to subscribe before the email went out and would still like to order, I’m opening up orders for 2 more days.

ABOUT THE PRINTS: All prints are the highest quality giclee reproductions, professionally printed in the Bay Area. They are on archival, matte, acid-free 340gsm 100% cotton fiber material with a watercolor paper texture. The paper is exactly like the original cold press watercolor paper I painted them on!
The measurements include the white edge so they can be framed with or without a mat/mount. The prints are standard sizes (11x14 or 16x20) so framing options are plentiful. Feel free to contact me with framing questions! 
 

FREE SHIPPING (domestic): The print will be packaged in a cellophane slip for protection. For shipping, the prints will be packaged and sealed between flat multilayered boards to ensure it reaches you in perfect condition. Please contact me for a quote for international shipping!

ORDERING: Here's what I need from you by email or the contact form on the site by end of day Tuesday, October 8!

  • Title of the piece you'd like (or titles)

  • Shipping name & address*

  • Email & phone number for tracking

  • Payment via Venmo @emakubo or Paypal to ema.k.roberson@gmail.com

Once I get this info from you (by 10/8/19), the print will be secured for you and ship out shortly!

*Contact me if you'd prefer to pick up.

I painted these imagining them living side by side in sets of 2-3 like this:
 

JAPANESE FOOD

35 each of some favorite things: Nigiri, Wagashi, and Yasai - all recorded on a document if you’d like to know the names! 11x14”

COLLECTIONS

Left: 70 Japanese traditional tea bowls // Right: Japanese characters starting from the top right, corresponding to animal names. 16x20”

BACKYARD BLOOMS

Each one painted looking at real flowers from my parents’ garden. 16x20”

HYDRANGEA PATTERNS

Visited Japan this year during hydrangea season and these were some of my favorites from a hydrangea festival at a local shrine. 11x14”


Here are the 11 available prints including dimensions, prices, and brief descriptions:

  • Ochawan [16x20" - $95] giclee print of an original 16x20" watercolor painting of 70 types of Japanese tea bowls of various regions.

Ochawan [16x20" - $95] giclee print of an original 16x20" watercolor painting of 70 types of Japanese tea bowls of various regions.

Ochawan [16x20" - $95] giclee print of an original 16x20" watercolor painting of 70 types of Japanese tea bowls of various regions.

  • Nigiri [11x14" - $80] giclee print of an original 11x14" watercolor painting of 35 types of nigiri sushi.

Nigiri [11x14" - $80] giclee print of an original 11x14" watercolor painting of 35 types of nigiri sushi.

Nigiri [11x14" - $80] giclee print of an original 11x14" watercolor painting of 35 types of nigiri sushi.

  • Wagashi [11x14" - $80] giclee print of an original 11x14" watercolor painting of 35 types of traditional Japanese confections.

Wagashi [11x14" - $80] giclee print of an original 11x14" watercolor painting of 35 types of traditional Japanese confections.

Wagashi [11x14" - $80] giclee print of an original 11x14" watercolor painting of 35 types of traditional Japanese confections.

  • Yasai [11x14" - $80] giclee print of an original 11x14" watercolor painting of 35 types of Japanese vegetables.

Yasai [11x14" - $80] giclee print of an original 11x14" watercolor painting of 35 types of Japanese vegetables.

Yasai [11x14" - $80] giclee print of an original 11x14" watercolor painting of 35 types of Japanese vegetables.

  • Hiragana Animals [16x20" - $95] giclee print of an original 16x20" Japanese sumi ink painting of animals that correspond with Japanese letters (hiragana).

Hiragana Animals [16x20" - $95] giclee print of an original 16x20" Japanese sumi ink painting of animals that correspond with Japanese letters (hiragana).

Hiragana Animals [16x20" - $95] giclee print of an original 16x20" Japanese sumi ink painting of animals that correspond with Japanese letters (hiragana).

  • Hydrangea 1 [11x14" - $80] giclee print of an original 12x16" sumi ink and watercolor painting of hydrangeas in late spring in Tokyo.

Hydrangea 1 [11x14" - $80] giclee print of an original 12x16" sumi ink and watercolor painting of hydrangeas in late spring in Tokyo.

Hydrangea 1 [11x14" - $80] giclee print of an original 12x16" sumi ink and watercolor painting of hydrangeas in late spring in Tokyo.

  • Hydrangea 2 [11x14" - $80] giclee print of an original 12x16" sumi ink and watercolor painting of hydrangeas in late spring in Tokyo.

Hydrangea 2 [11x14" - $80] giclee print of an original 12x16" sumi ink and watercolor painting of hydrangeas in late spring in Tokyo.

Hydrangea 2 [11x14" - $80] giclee print of an original 12x16" sumi ink and watercolor painting of hydrangeas in late spring in Tokyo.

  • Hydrangea 3 [11x14" - $80] giclee print of an original 12x16" sumi ink and watercolor painting of hydrangeas in late spring in Tokyo.

Hydrangea 3 [11x14" - $80] giclee print of an original 12x16" sumi ink and watercolor painting of hydrangeas in late spring in Tokyo.

Hydrangea 3 [11x14" - $80] giclee print of an original 12x16" sumi ink and watercolor painting of hydrangeas in late spring in Tokyo.

  • Peony [16x20" - $95] giclee print of an original 16x20" sumi ink and watercolor painting of a backyard peony.

Peony [16x20" - $95] giclee print of an original 16x20" sumi ink and watercolor painting of a backyard peony.

Peony [16x20" - $95] giclee print of an original 16x20" sumi ink and watercolor painting of a backyard peony.

  • Blush Peony [16x20" - $95] giclee print of an original 16x20" sumi ink and watercolor painting of a backyard peony.

Blush Peony [16x20" - $95] giclee print of an original 16x20" sumi ink and watercolor painting of a backyard peony.

Blush Peony [16x20" - $95] giclee print of an original 16x20" sumi ink and watercolor painting of a backyard peony.

  • Rhododendron [16x20" - $95] giclee print of an original 16x20" sumi ink and watercolor painting featuring a front yard peony.

Rhododendron [16x20" - $95] giclee print of an original 16x20" sumi ink and watercolor painting featuring a front yard peony.

Rhododendron [16x20" - $95] giclee print of an original 16x20" sumi ink and watercolor painting featuring a front yard peony.


Thank you for your time if you made it through this far! If you enjoyed browsing these paintings, share with anyone else who may also like to see them.

To get studio updates in your inbox, you can subscribe at the footer of this page! Coming soon will be a brief (and long overdue) studio/life recap and upcoming show news!

'Brush Stories' Show in Oakland: How an Introvert Does StoryTelling

Telling stories with my brush at 310 Gallery in Oakland: There are no rough drafts or under drawings in the tradition of etegami, or Japanese “painting letters.” Etegami are direct, thoughtful, personal letters intended to share. The shift in perspective when thinking of the recipient rather than the perfect line calls for a change in style—coming to terms with the imperfect human touch. 

Read More

When West Meets East & Falls in Love: "Looking East" Exhibit {Monet, Van Gogh & Japan}

The sunrise this morning took my breath away.  (I mean I actually forgot to breathe...) I chose not to photograph it because my iPhone camera couldn't possibly do a vast expanse of color wash in the sky any sort of appropriate justice!

Anyways, back on topic: my solo field trip. Sunday was the last day of "Looking East" at the Asian Art Museum about how Japanese art influenced western artists like Monet, Van Gogh, and others. It was also the week of SuperBowl City so SF was extra busy. I went to work extra early to get off in time to make it before the 5pm closing time at the museum. I really wish museums had hours outside of 10am-5pm so they would be more accessible to working people. To be fair, some are adding an evening event day including the Asian art museum (but only during warmer seasons?)

Clearly thrilled about starting the exhibit and my audio guide... I didn't notice that "Asian" lanyard until I saw the photo later— maybe not the best choice for a lanyard label. I assume they were thinking "deYoung" or another one-word museum name, but in this case "AAM" or "Asian Art Museum" probably would have been better. 

Since Japan had an isolation policy for 200 years, when it was opened to the West in mid-1850s, there was a huge influx of Japanese art and craft in the West. In many ways the goods were used out of context, like a formal kimono becoming a sexy lounging gown with a plunging neckline. 
This topic —the love of Japanese things in the 19th century—is well-studied and is called Japonisme. Since the east to west study is so common, for my Japanese Saint painting series, I took the opposite approach and used western art compositions for my Japanese ink paintings. Perhaps I keep coming back to this topic in some way or another because I relate with it. For grad school, I studied the Japan-Europe interaction (mostly focusing on Catholicism) before the seclusion, about 3 centuries earlier. I'm somewhat caught in between, tied to both but can't clearly define which culture influenced what part of me.
And now I'm a translator/Japanese copywriter working on making an American brand successful in Japan.

The exhibit was interesting, pointing out how Japanese art compositions at the time were very different than western paintings. Van Gogh painted the most directly from the woodblock prints, replicating them with oil paints and his unique Van Gogh hand. Other artists like Monet were less direct, like Monet's Japanese garden with the bridge or his haystack series looking like prints of Japanese rest stops (top right two drawings below)

Quick sketches while looking around

Quick sketches while looking around

I wish I had more than 1 hour but I'm really glad I got that one hour! It's inspiring and refreshing to see different perspectives through artists and history. It never gets old.

Happy Friday! 

Stollen Bread? {12 Days of Christmas Traditions Explained Quickly}

Why do we eat Stollen at Christmas? All I can say is tradition...because my mom makes it every year...? There must be some background.

First, what is Stollen? Stollen, or Christstollen, is a German formed bread-like fruit cake. It's filled with dried fruits, nuts, and spices covered in powdered sugar. 

Now time travel six centuries ago to Europe! Stollen started (or was recorded) as far back as 14th century Germany. The shape of Stollen-- this fold-over dough with a white top layer-- is symbolic of baby Jesus wrapped in swaddling cloths.  It started as a fasting cake made during Advent when people couldn't use butter, milk, or fruits (due to fasting rules) so it started as a very plain bread. After special appeal to the papacy in the 15th century, butter and milk were added, and the cake started looking more like it does today. Winter merriment started in Germany around the Winter Solstice before Christianity spread there, and the ingredients like rare spices and fruits were a treat for these special festivities, naturally also used in Christstollen.

"A must for breakfast."

"A must for breakfast."

All I knew of Stollen was that it was from Germany and my mom made a healthier version for my dad every year. She's an amazing baker, making more breads than I knew existed. She makes Japanese breads, Chinese special starter breads, naturally fermented starters for rustic breads, brick oven-baked bread... I could fill a book describing them all.  When I attempt yeasted breads I anxiously stare at my yeast dissolving, hoping it will activate and bubble instead of get scorched-- meanwhile my master baker mom makes her starter from scratch without any granulated shortcuts. There's no comparison to the flavor and texture of her bread- no matter what I bake it's mediocre because I've gotten used to hers. 

The etegami Christmas series wouldn't be complete without Christmas bread because our Christmas day wouldn't be the same without the sweet feast. 

This year I attempted baking 3 of the 10+ breads: 2 yeasted: Polish Poppyseed Walnut Bread, Swedish Marzipan Filled Coffee Bread, & 1 quick bread: Cranberry Orange Bread. I still have a long way to go but I hope to carry on the tradition. 

 

Christmas Cookies? {12 Days of Christmas Traditions Explained Quickly}

Christmas cookies tradition started from holiday biscuits in Medieval Europe. They included spices and dried nuts, like many of our Christmas cookies today. Apparently there were strict baking laws (presumably for safety reasons) but the holidays were an exception.

Some say that giving cookies to Santa started around the Great Depression to teach kids generosity. I know someone who was taught all along that Santa actually doesn't like cookies, he likes pizza and beer, so he grew up leaving pizza and beer out for Santa on Christmas Eve. Clever!

cookie etegami copysmall.jpeg

We haven't decided about Santa and kids but I wonder what the Santa who comes to our home would prefer... maybe brownies. Edge pieces only-- extra special gifts for corner pieces. 

When did St. Nick move to the North Pole? {12 Days of Christmas}

The background of St. Nick is somewhat known- the monk St. Nicholas born in 280AD was known for giving away his inherited wealth and helping many people. St. Nicholas day was celebrated December 6th, when people feasted and gave gifts. Stories about St. Nicholas giving gifts continued on for centuries.

The name? A quick overview:

  • Saint Nicholas
  • Sint Nikolaas (Dutch)
  • Sinter Klaas (shortened, Dutch)
  • Santa Claus

Now the main question: when did he move to the North Pole?

In 1890, political cartoonist Thomas Nast drew what is now our image of Santa Claus in the North Pole. He was positioned there most likely because the arctic was seen as a mysterious fantasy land that no one had been to (yet), plus Christmas was associated with snow. So this mysterious, jolly, kind gift giver came from the land of the arctic, the North Pole. 

It says: "Oh look, there's Santa."

[another bubble burster: apparently there are no penguins in the North Pole...]

Christmas Movies & Ewoks? {12 Days of Christmas Traditions Explained Quickly : Day 6}

Why did we watch a movie on Christmas every year? Our favorite was It's a Wonderful Life. It never gets old! 

The top 10 most-watched Christmas movies in the states:

  1. A Christmas Story
  2. Elf
  3. Home Alone
  4. It's a Wonderful Life
  5. Love Actually
  6. Christmas Vacation
  7. White Christmas
  8. How the Grinch Stole Christmas
  9. Holiday Inn
  10. A Christmas Carol

DAY 6: CHRISTMAS MOVIES.

I suppose it's an obvious one that I never thought about. Families are together, there's often time off, and entertainment is nice way to relax. So, the last week in December is the highest grossing week of the year. It makes sense that if that's when people watch, making the story align with the holiday makes perfect sense! 

We don't go anywhere on Christmas but we will probably continue to watch Christmas movies at home. We will likely be watching Star Wars: The Force Awakens at some point during the last week of the year because I have that week off of work. In honor of the movie, here's a throwback to an Ewok painting that I painted for our biggest Star Wars fan friends:


Poinsettia? {12 Days of Christmas Traditions Explained Quickly : Day 5}

First of all, the pronunciation: poinsett-ee-a? poinsett-a?

I wish they were around more than at Christmas since they're one of the few flowers I can keep alive! And to find out they are barely flowers... (the flowers are the tiny little yellow buds). I'm bursting my own bubble of festivity. 

DAY 5: POINSETTIA.

We're back to the Aztecs in modern-day Mexico where the plants originated (see post here about hot chocolate from Mexico). They grew in the wild in the winter and were used in important ceremonies. Fast forward to 16th century Mexico, when a little girl wanted to celebrate Jesus' birthday by taking him a gift but had nothing. An angel told her to take weeds which then turned into beautiful poinsettias at the church altar. The church continued to use poinsettias at Christmas, and they are now associated with the holiday because of the season they grow and because of this legend.

The name Poinsettia is from the American ambassador, Poinsett, who brought them back from Mexico to his greenhouse in South Carolina in the 1800s. 

Now back to pronunciation...

Poin-set-ya. 

But that's a little hard to pronounce so some regions developed into poinsett-ee-uh, and some to poin-set-uh. I can't ignore the i so I'm going to stick with poinsett-ee-uh.

Nutcracker? {12 Days of Christmas Traditions Explained Quickly : Day 4}

As strange as it sounds and for no good reason, those funny little nutcrackers are my favorite Christmas decorations. Yet I have no idea where they came from or why they are around only at Christmas. If it's trendy to have a gold rhino on your stack of books as a paper weight, why can't it be a nutcracker?

"I wonder if it really cracks?"

"I wonder if it really cracks?"

Day 4: NUTCRACKER.

How did nut-cracking pliers become a home decoration? The history goes back (at least) 300 years to a woodworking town in Germany. Dolls were given for good luck, and the same woodworkers made soldier dolls as well as nut-cracking tools, so the two were combined into one as a practical gift for good luck. The connection with Christmas may come from eating around this time since nuts are harvested in the fall and keep well.

Especially after Tchaikovsky's ballet, The Nutcracker Suite, premiered in St. Petersburg in 1892 the little figurines grew in popularity. They became common in America only since the 1950s after soldiers in WWII brought them back from Christmas fairs in Germany (which I would LOVE to go to someday).

My favorite random fact that I've gathered from reading about nutcrackers is "Nutcrack Night" also known as Halloween. In Scottish and Northern English tradition, October 31 was the night to sit around a fire and crack freshly harvested hazelnuts and chestnuts. Maybe our nutcrackers should come out on Nutcrack Night and stay through Christmas!

Wreaths? {12 Days of Christmas Traditions Explained Quickly : Day 3}

Why have I been making wreaths from Christmas tree branches the past two Christmas seasons? Why did we hang one on our door growing up? Tradition, I suppose...

IMG_0987Edit copy.jpg

DAY 3: WREATHS.

Christmas wreaths can be traced back to Ancient Greeks and Persians, who wore them as a symbol of status or victory. They may have been hung in the home or on the door as souvenirs. Wreaths were also hung on doors as symbols of the home to distinguish one home from another.

The specific use of evergreens most likely stems from celebrating Winter Solstice. Evergreens were chosen since they stay green year-round; a symbol of life overcoming- again, a victory. 

In the Christian tradition the circular shape represents eternal life- perhaps using evergreens as a symbol of victory over death.

Which reminded me of:

"Death is swallowed up in victory. Oh death, where is your victory? Oh death, where is your sting?...but thanks be to God who gave us victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain." (1 Cor. 15:55-57)

Wreaths are a much more powerful symbol than I had expected... it gives me more motivation to form those branches sitting on the balcony into a symbol to remember Christ's victory over death.

 

 

Mexican Hot Chocolate? {12 Days of Christmas Traditions Explained Quickly : Day 2}

Mexican Hot Chocolate? No, it's not a twist on hot chocolate. It's the other way around! The modern sugary-chocolatey-milky indulgence is a distant adaption of the original.

DAY 2: MEXICAN HOT CHOCOLATE.

Let's time travel back 2500 years to the Maya. They made a bitter chocolate drink made of ground cocoa seeds, water, chiles, and other spices. When the Spaniards came in the 16th century, it was still this bitter and spicy cocoa drink taken for its health benefits. 

After it was introduced in Europe, sugar was eventually added in the 17th century. It was an expensive drink since all ingredients were imported. Later in the same century, a British gentleman added milk. Of course.

It wasn't until the 19th century that the Dutch processed the beans into cocoa powder (and eventually to bar chocolate, hallelujah). I always buy "dutch process" cocoa powder because of the wonderful, smooth flavor but never thought about the name. The Dutch were the first to separate cocoa butter and cacao seeds, and the name stuck.

Fast forward a couple centuries:

Have you tried hot chocolate in Italy or Spain? I was shocked the first time I tried "hot chocolate" in Italy, after growing up with American instant powdered hot chocolate. The best way to describe it is an espresso cup of rich chocolate pudding. In Spain it's also a rich chocolate pudding (plus churros for dunking).

My cooking, traveling, and painting worlds collide- my favorite moments!

心もあたたまる:"Also warms your heart"

心もあたたまる:"Also warms your heart"

I suppose my Christmas drink, my "Mexican hot chocolate" (a concoction of almond milk + dutch process cocoa powder + cinnamon stick) has little to do with the original form, but I'll keep stirring my cinnamon stick now as an ode to times long ago. 

Now with this wealth of hot cocoa knowledge, continue on with this merry December and enjoy the health benefits of good cocoa.

I meant my "hallelujah" very literally: 

And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labour, it IS the gift of God. (Ecclesiastes 3:13)