Hana Mochi

Hana mochi means "flower mochi," mochi being the chewy stuff you get from beating Japanese glutonous rice to a squidgy pulp.

Long before the days of delivery vans, in the cold mountainous regions of Japan where flowers were scarce in January, people would press little pink and white balls of mochi to slender tree branches. These "bouquets" were used to add a festive touch to homes during New Year's.