So, we went to go visit my mother. We try to make the trip once a week and of course, we get fed. She puts out SO much food. It’s almost unbelievable. For example, this one particular time, she put out, from left to right: Oden with variety of fish cakes, konyaku [...]]]>

So, we went to go visit my mother. We try to make the trip once a week and of course, we get fed. She puts out SO much food. It’s almost unbelievable. For example, this one particular time, she put out, from left to right: Oden with variety of fish cakes, konyaku (root noodles), bamboo shoots, and potatoes; Sashimi with uni, salmon, and hirame; Ozoni, which is a light broth with grilled mochi in it, accompanied by naruto fish cakes, hakusai (Japanese cabbage), shitake mushrooms, and chicken; and the main course of wagyu beef negi-maki. Oh yeah, and a desert of custard pound cake and milk tea. Always expect some milk tea, if you’re coming over to my Mom’s place. This doesn’t include salad, pickles, miso shiru (soup) and rice, my friend.

Yes, my mother really has no idea how much a normal person eats. This was probably due to my father’s influence. Apparently at some restaurant, he took the prize for eating the most bowls of curry rice, something in the double digits. I also have a HUGE appetite that can accommodate eating contests… and I obviously got that from him. Living with us, my mother has such a skewed idea on what a normal portion is. I think we finished the sashimi, and negi-make, and had some oden. I finished the ozoni, of course, because I didn’t have rice and I can’t say no to ozoni.

My mother, she can cook. And she appreciates variety. Now, if only she will learn what a proper portion is… and maybe scale it down a bit.

In the end, I went home without even getting a drink. I was feeling tired and lazy and, [...]]]> Yesterday was one of those days where I was starving. I almost ate out, but I stopped myself, since this weekend was a non-stop nosh-fest. (More to come on the topic of “Taboon” and ” ‘inoteca.”)

In the end, I went home without even getting a drink. I was feeling tired and lazy and, really, a little down. Here are some of the top comfort foods:

1. Grilled Cheese Sandwich – Ryan makes awesome grilled sandwiches with soft white bread, Munster cheese, and Japanese mayonnaise. It is seriously, hot stuff.
2. Simple Pasta tossed with mozzarella, tomatoes (first tossed in a little salt and honey), and herb infused olive oil. My key ingredient is marinaded mozzarella balls and using the left over herb infused olive oil for EVERYTHING under the moon.
3. Simple whole wheat toast, which is what I did yesterday, is great. I like to keep some Chevre cheese, tapanade, and marinaded sun dried tomatoes around. Toast, pile those suckers up, and munch.
4. Soft ready to eat tofu, which I also had yesterday. I love the mori-nu soft, which is softer than other kinds, like house brand. You open the package, cut some green onion/scallions, pile with bonito flakes, and top it off with soy sauce. My mother likes putting grated ginger on top. You can also put some vinegar… or really anything under the moon. I should try loading it with something like salsa. I think that could be good… hrm…
5. Being Japanese, you also go straight to soba, udon, hiyashi chuka or somen. Just pick up some tsuyu. Sometimes, I like doing a little trick that Soph taught me. Cambodians have this little dip that’s similar to the stuff they dress the papaya salads. I mince garlic really small, squeeze a whole lime, add a small amount of fish sauce, and add some sugar to taste. I mix that with the tsuyu. I put some baby greens and udon right on top. I make a little tamago yaki omelet and cut it up on top of that, when I’m feeling a little fancy. You can even cut up some ham, chorizo, or left over chicken. Really, anything goes. Top off the whole thing with that mixture and it is fantastic!
6. Ochazuke is the ultimate Japanese comfort food. I try to make some extra Japanese white rice and freeze it. I microwave it for 2-3 minutes and boil a little water. You can also add a custom chicken broth and green tea mixture with salmon or pieces of pickled ume. However, I like getting the little instant packages and dump some hot water on top. Voila!

What are some of your quick home eats?