Osechi

Appreciating all we have this New Year, 2023 already feels different and special. With two kids now in the family, sharing Osechi Ryori in our celebrated traditional bento box on New Year’s Day has become more important. Every morsel of food symbolizes luck and fortune, but each joyful bite contains even more loving energy than ever before as we take turns reaching into the overflowing plates. As parents, we are grateful for another opportunity to celebrate the New Year with our growing family.

As we usher in the New Year, I reflect on the past and look forward to the future. 2023 already feels different and special. With two kids now in the family, sharing Osechi Ryori in our celebrated traditional bento box on New Year’s Day has become more important.

Every morsel of food symbolizes luck and fortune, but each joyful bite contains even more loving energy than ever before as we take turns reaching into the overflowing plates. As parents, we are grateful for another opportunity to celebrate the New Year with our growing family.

Our Osechi Ryori was a feast of flavors, colors, and textures this year. Each dish was carefully prepared, with attention to detail and respect for tradition. From the sweet and savory kuromame (black soybeans) that promise good health and prosperity to the ozoni soup with its white mochi symbolizing purity and good luck, every element of the meal was a celebration of the New Year and our hopes for the days to come.

One of the highlights of this year's Osechi Ryori was the addition of sashimi. I visited the fish market to get sashimi-grade fish, and the freshness and quality of the seafood brought a touch of luxury to our New Year's table. It was a reminder of the sea's bounty and simplicity's beauty.

But what made this New Year truly special was the presence of my parents. They visited us for the New Year, and seeing them interact with their first grandson was a joy. Their laughter and smiles added an extra layer of warmth and love to our celebration. It was a reminder of the importance of family and the joy that comes from sharing these special moments with our loved ones.

As I look back on our New Year's celebration, I'm filled with gratitude, not just for the delicious food and the joy of cooking, but for the love and warmth that fills our home. These are the moments that make all the hard work worth it. The laughter, the shared stories, and the clinking of glasses are the sounds of a family coming together, traditions being passed down, and new memories being created.

As we move into 2023, I'm excited about the culinary adventures that await us. I look forward to sharing more recipes, stories, and our family's journey with you. Here's to a year filled with good food, health, and times.

I wish this year would be great for everyone. Happy New Year 2023, and we become the best version of ourselves together!