Hiroko’s Kitchen | Blog

Many years ago while I was living in Japan I took a class to learn how to make home made udon at a class that was organized by one of the major Japanese flour companies.  All of the attendees were serious women of all different ages.  We all donned crisp white aprons and white head covers.  Today such classes are filled with male attendees, so the time have certainly changed.  After the class I rushed

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Please join us at The Japanese Food Seminar at the International Restaurant & Foodservice Show of New York

Monday, March 1, 2010 - Tuesday, March 2, 2010
ENGLISH
JETRO Event

PROGRAM

DAY 1: Monday, March 1, 2010 13:00pm - 13:45pm

World of Koji – The Secret of Japanese Fermented Products
Presented by Toni Robertson, Executive Chef, Mandarin Oriental New York
Hiroko Shimbo, Hiroko’s Kitchen, LLC

This seminar introduces and explains shoyu (soy sauce), su (rice vinegar) and miso (soybean paste) in depth. All of these are based on the magical action of essential koji mold. The production process for artisan miso, koji’s role in fermentation, umami in fermented products, the healthful aspect of products are all presented. The seminar includes demonstrations illustrating the uses of shoyu, su and miso in traditional Japanese preparations and in creative new ways in American kitchens. Sample tasting follows.

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DAY 2: Tuesday, March 2, 2010 13:00pm - 13:45pm

Umami in Kombu (kelp) and Other Food Products
Presented by George Mendes, Owner Chef, Aldea Restaurant
Hiroko Shimbo, Hiroko’s Kitchen, LLC.

This seminar defines and presents the famous “fifth flavor” umami found in kombu and in other food products. The audience will see the traditional kelp harvest and drying production process. The seminar also introduces varieties of kelps and their individual flavor profiles. Demonstrations illustrate the preparation of kelp stock and the use of kelp in creative new ways as a natural flavor enhancer in American kitchens. Sample tasting follows.

FEATURED CHEFS

Toni Robertson

George Mendes

Hiroko Shimbo

Location:

Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, Demonstation Theater, Booth #1957
655 West 34th St.
New York, NY 10001

This appliance promises that you can prepare and enjoy steamed foods.  Steaming is one of the healthiest cooking techniques, but requires a proper steamer and careful attention to preparation.  Done in the wrong cookware or with improper technique, everything becomes so bad - mushy, tasteless.  In the photo you can see my professional Japanese stainless steel steamer.

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What a fun, easy to use and convenient piece of cookware the new Zojirushi’s Gourmet d’Expert Electric Skillet is.  I have steamed mussles (after mussles are done, I removed them and heated tomato sauce in the same skillet), fish and vegetables, and grilled wagyu beef steak (raised in America), pork chops and chicken with the very handy, easy to use and flexible applicance.  Flexibility does not usually come with Japanese way of thinking and products, so this is a big thing.  Judith Jones, my editor of The Sushi Experience, enjoyed cooking sukiyaki (thinly sliced beef and vegetables cooked together with a little sugar, sake, shoyu and water) in this skillet with me the other day, and she was in the heaven. 

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Please join us at Japanese cooking seminars at International Restaurant and Foodservice Show on March 1st and 2nd.  The details are http://www.jetro.org/index.php?option=com_events_jetro&task=view&content=detail&event_id=409&Itemid=200

Hiroko