Seasonal Zen Japanese Food with Chef Akemi Akutsu

add to outlook add to google calendar remind me

Friday, January 23rd, 2015
6:00 PM to 9:00 PM

The secret lies in Japanese food’s Buddhist roots, based on a diet of vegetables and sea plants.

The diet is guided by Japan’s geography and topography. Japan is made up of 70% mountains and surrounded by the sea on all sides.  It is easier to raise vegetables than animals.  Secondly, Buddhism preaches abstinence from material things. Simple cooking aids in keeping the mind and spirit pure.

Japanese food is unique because of its minimalistic use of spices and sauces, incorporation of seasonal vegetables into every meal, and a higher proportion of fish and tofu to meat.

Japanese people’s general nature is peaceful and this carries over into eating. If the body feels stress, extra waste is stored in the body and mind.  Zen cooking improves harmony in the body while decreasing negative energy.

In this class, we will make and eat the following seasonal, nutrient-rich winter dishes:

1) Japanese Prawn Risotto
2) Spicy Salmon Soup
3) Tsukune Chicken Meatballs with Black beans and Walnuts
4) Nagaimo Yam and Prawn Salad

All of these recipes will help you to be healthy and happy for the wet and dark winter months!

Demonstration and Hands-on

Register for this class on the following dates (menu varies):

January 23, 2015
February 25, 2015
April 16, 2015