| Japanese cuisine is known around the world for its | | | | and the consumption of meat was banned until about |
| distinctive taste and appearance. Aesthetically | | | | a hundred years ago. During the course of her long |
| pleasing displays of the varied dishes are considered | | | | history, nearly every part of Japan developed its |
| just as important as the food itself. The mood of the | | | | own delightful regional food specialties and the people |
| season can often be felt in the dishes and they | | | | became skilled in preparing a number of beef dishes. |
| should give a sense of visual satisfaction. Each | | | | Sukiyaki is one of the most widely enjoyed of such |
| Japanese dish is artfully arranged in individual bowls, | | | | distinctive Japanese dished.Today, Japanese |
| plates and dishes for each person. Often, all courses | | | | restaurants are spreading throughout the USA and |
| are presented at one time and eaten in no particular | | | | the rest of the world. In spite of the fact that many |
| order.Japan is surrounded by the sea and consists | | | | people enjoy Japanese foods, they may be reluctant |
| principally of four main islands. Her total size, location | | | | to try making them at home. Perhaps it is because of |
| and population, all combine to demand that much of | | | | they lack the knowledge and skills necessary, or feel |
| the people's food come from the ocean and her | | | | hindered by the limited availability of ingredients. |
| world roving fishing fleets supply that need admirably. | | | | Japanese cooking doesn't have to be a complicated |
| It is estimated that the average Japanese consumes | | | | task. There are many one-pot dishes, cooked at the |
| 70lbs of seafood per year. Among the various | | | | table somewhat like fondue and these tend to create |
| methods of fish preparation, the most popular are to | | | | an intimate and cosy setting. Preparation orderly |
| fry, or present them raw, as in sashimi or sushi. | | | | beforehand at the table of utensils and ingredients |
| Perhaps sushi, bite sized pieces of fresh fish pressed | | | | leaves you time to enjoy your company, rather than |
| onto a ball of vinegared rice and tempura, shrimp and | | | | being stuck in the kitchen.There are many cookery |
| vegetable coated with an egg batter and deep fried, | | | | books in the shops dedicated to helping the |
| are best known to westerners. Meat dishes were | | | | uninitiated prepare, cook and serve the most delicious |
| introduced in the last century as a new 'western | | | | of Japanese dishes (also suggesting alternative |
| cuisine'.Japanese culinary tradition has been much | | | | ingredients if you cannot find the original in your local |
| influenced by that of Korea and China. Buddhism | | | | grocery store) and therefore amazing guests and |
| arrived via Korea in the 6th century and the eating | | | | family alike. My favorite books are the ones that give |
| of meat was discouraged. Chopsticks and soy sauce | | | | serving suggestions and appropriate table etiquette. |
| came from China in the 8th century. The introduction | | | | Follow the directions and you can be assured of |
| to Japan of Zen Buddhism in the 13th century held as | | | | consistently good results and bring a little of Japan |
| one of its tenets strict adherence to vegetarianism | | | | into your home. |