Mentaiko

I have added one more edible to my store and thought I would share it here on my blog since I have no bento pics for today!

Mentaiko is the marinated roe of pollock, and is a common ingredient in Japanese cuisine. Mentaiko originated from myeongran jeot of Korean cuisine and was introduced to Japan after the Second World War. Kawahara Toshio, a Busan-born Japanese, adapted Korean mentaiko to Japanese tastes in Fukuoka in the 1950s. The name is derived from the Korean word for Alaska pollock mentai: myeongtae in Korean) and the Japanese word for "egg", ko. The typical seasoning and flavor is slightly different in Japan.
Mentaiko is made in a variety of flavors and colors and is available at airports and main train stations. It is usually eaten with rice called Onigiri, but is also enjoyed by itself with sake. A common variety is spicy mentaiko.
It is a famous product of the Hakata ward of Fukuoka City. One of the original manufacturers, Fukuya based in Nakasu, is the largest producer of mentaiko. It has to compete with over 150 other producers in Japan because they decided not to take out a patent on the recipe. (Info compliments of Wiki)

The furikake that I have for sale in my store is the spicy flavored Mentaiko!

How I make my Nori Furikake!

I prefer to make my own nori furikake because I can get it at the texture and flake size that I want!
1. I get my favorite Nori
2.Decide how much I want to make.
3.Put the nori into my food processor.
4.Run the food processor for the amount of time that is needed to get the flake size I like!

PRETTY SIMPLE and perfect for onigiri!

Tuna & Furikake Star Onigiri

Last night I premade the Star onigiri. It is just rice,tuna and furikake mixed together and then I put it into my star rice mold. For Nico I added his first initial using nori and for Reyna I added a star cheese. Nico has informed that he wants more food than I have been packing for him so he has a 2 tier bento box today with extra fruit and cheese. reyna has a mini weiner, kiwi, flower shaped carrots and green beans. Nico has red grapes, cheeses, green beans & carrots!

* Great Tips at LunchInABox on what to do with your scraps! Thanks Biggie!

Furikake????

Furika what>>>. FURIKAKE! Since it is the weekend and I am not packing bento for the kids I thought I would do a post on Furikake and how you can use it in making your O-bento!

Furikake seasoning is like the salt and pepper of Japan. If you aren't "seasoned" on this Japanese seasoning - here's a little lesson on furikake. Nori Furikake consists mostly of seaweed and is used just like salt. Made from shaved bonito, Seto Furikake is a tasty seasoning for salads, soups, and fish. And Oomori Rice Ball Furikake turns an average rice ball into a colorful feast for the eyes.

You can buy Furikake for kids bento that come in small individual packets and come in many different flavors, such as vege, egg, salmon, seaweed etc. Click HERE to see pics of Hello Kitty furikake! Kids love to have a little packet of it in their bento so they can sprinkle it on their rice!

If you are here on Okinawa finding Furikake is as easy as going to the local San-A, Jusco or even the 100Yen Store! If you are stateside then it is as easy as ordering online by clicking HERE!