Where to Get Gourmet Mochi in Springfield

Some people are chocoholics. Some people can’t keep their paws out of a bowl of cookie dough. Not me. My weakness is something a little chewier, a little stretchier and a little less sweet: Mochi. This sticky Japanese rice cake comes in many varieties, often stuffed with ice cream or fruity fillings and flavored with things like black sesame or green tea. Recently, I got to try the mochi from a local at-home bakery, Ali Macarons. I tasted a few flavors, and my favorite was the strawberry-yogurt, with coconut-raspberry coming in at a close second. Both had that addictively delightful texture contrast of soft, chewy mochi on the outside and extra-creamy filling on the inside, and the one made with yogurt featured a zippy flavor that I couldn’t get enough of. As you can probably tell by the business name, Ali Macarons creates other concoctions too, like beautifully decorated macarons and cheesecake bars. Everything is aesthetically pleasing and perfectly packaged, making these a lovely ready-to-go gift or an impressive, sweet treat to bring to a party. Find them on Instagram at @ali_macarons.