When I was 8, there was just something so enjoyable about watching pastry chefs: It was mesmerizing to see them whip up sugary concoctions from a simple mix of ingredients. I grew up watching reality TV shows such as “Chopped” as a child aspiring to become a professional cook.
That’s about when I found YouTube videos of people crafting Popin’ Cookin’ DIY Candy kits. These kits come with mini plastic tools, molds and candy powder packets packaged in Japanese style illustrations. By following their cooking instructions, viewers can make mini candy versions of ramen, burgers, sushi and donuts — all of which I made as a kid growing up.
Recently, I chanced upon a shelf stacked with an assortment of Popin’ Cookin’ kits at Cupertino’s Marukai Market. I picked up a DIY candy sushi kit and decided to make it after a particularly stressful week of tests.
In comparison to my previous crafting experiences, it was difficult for me to manipulate the small mold and plastic tools. I realized that I was fumbling with the little spoons as my hands were much larger than before. This didn’t stop me, however, and I plowed through despite spilling a few packets and mixes.
The kit essentially requires only water. With colorfully labeled packets, crafters are able to mix in water and form jelly, dough and, in my specific kit, popping boba.
I quickly formed white dough for the sushi rice, red and yellow jelly for the salmon and tamoshi egg and popping boba for the salmon roe. Making the popping boba was the coolest part: I took a pipette, which came with the kit, and dropped a red liquid concoction into a light brown colored broth.
To assemble the sushi, I referenced the example product on the packaging of the kit. I have to say — mine turned out quite similar to the model.
My rendition of the sushi candy kit, which tasted like grape candy.
Finally, I taste tested the kit. To my surprise, everything tasted like a fruit candy mashup, something like a crossover between a grape, banana and apple. If I were to choose one, I’d say the most similar-tasting candy would be a grape-flavored Hi-Chew.
After crafting my DIY mini sushi, I felt de-stressed and energized. Through crafting the same mini candies from the Popin’ Cookin’ kit, I felt like I was back into my childhood years, far away from academics and next year’s college applications.
My advice: If you ever find yourself in need of a quick break — from tests and your devices — wander into Marukai Market or H-Mart to purchase your own kit for instant mini-candy and happiness.
