LAB: Kinako & Black Sesame Crunchy Cluster

We have a couple of new ideas we want to play with. I've been wanting to create a snack with sesame seeds. Our first idea was to combine my favorite, kinako with black sesame seeds, crunchy rice cereal, organic maple syrup, raw almond butter, organic shredded coconut, organic rice bran and Himalayan salt.

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The outcome? At first I thought it was too bland, maybe because I gobbled it too quickly? So I ate a second one slowly and I savored the flavor-- it's a combination of a slightly salted rice cracker with a subtle sweetness from the sesame and kinako rounded out by the earthiness of the almond butter.

Most of our goods have a twist or unexpected pairing of ingredients. I'm still debating if I should experiment and pair it with something unexpected (I have a few ideas) or keep this as a simple and satisfying cluster. This cluster reminds me of my trip to Nara Japan last spring, it's a keeper!

Kinako & Molasses = Mounds

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Inspired by japanese ingredients and a love for kinako (soy bean powder), I wanted to create a light cookie. A japanese friend mentioned kinako and molasses might be a good combination. I didn't realize how strong molasses is and we had to improvise...everything turned out.

[photo: JHee + MK]