Sushi Fun

My family brought me a sushi set for me a few years ago for my birthday. I've never used the equipments, and they've been asking me when will I be making them some sushi. So, last Sunday, we were having some making some Makizushi.

My brother wanted to try rolling them too, and was given the chance to roll some Kani Kama Maki (imitation crab meat roll) and Tamago Maki (egg roll). My little sister wanted to try too, but I didn't cook enough rice for her to try them.

I added in some Kimchi, in my Maki Roll. So, they should be called Kimbap instead, right? Maybe we could learn another types of sushi as well. I know I've been wanting to use that rice mold I've bought a few months ago. Maybe I could make my first bento too? :D

Nikujaga: Japanese Stewed Potato and Meat

I have always wanted to try making this dish since I've seen the recipe in Just Hungry. The problem was that I've been searching the bonito flakes to make some dashi, but couldn't find any supermarket in my area. So, a few days ago, I tried to google for some dashi substitute. Some of them suggested to use fish cubes to make some broth. Some of them suggested to use chicken broth or vegetables with some Thai fish sauce. Then, there was one person suggesting to use beef broth with a bit of soy sauce and sugar. So, my problem was solved.

Nikujaga

500g boiled potatoes

300g thinly slice beef (I used ground beef)

150g carrots - cut into bite size

1 medium onion - sliced

1 inch ginger - chopped

2 cups dashi, or substitute

2 tbsp sugar

1 1/2 soy sauce

1 tsp sesame oil

Some green onion for garnishing

1. Heat 1tbsp of vegetable oil in a deep pot, and sweat the onion and ginger. Then, add in the meat, and saute until browned.

2. Add in carrot and potato, and saute.

3. Pour dashi and bring them to boil.

4. Turn down the heat to medium and skim the scum. Add in sugar, soy sauce and sesame oil. Put a pot lid which is smaller than the pot you're using on top of potatoes.

5. Simmer until vegetables are softened, and liquid are almost gone.

6. Garnish with green onion before serving.

Nezumi

My brother brought back this cute little nezumi (mice) shaped cake. He told me that his friend went to Japan, and brought back this cake as souvenir. So, I grab my camera, and snapped some picture of the cake before popping them into my mouth. It melted. The cake wasn't so sweet and they melted in my mouth.It tasted good and interesting. I wonder what are they made of?