Sushi demonstration

Last weekend we invited friends over to make sushi. They are Singaporeans we have been fortunate to become acquainted with simply due to geography. They own the apartment next to ours, although they don't live there full-time. They invited us to their home a few months ago, so we finally returned the favor.

They have traveled to Japan numerous times and have always loved the food. So H and I decided to serve them a variety of homemade dishes and teach them to make some simple rolls.

Of course, H did all of the cooking, while I cleaned the house and kept everything in the kitchen clean so that she would not be slowed down.

One highlight was the tempura, something most people associate with Japanese cuisine, but which we don't usually prepare at home. Tempura is something best left to professionals, who know the precise thickness of the ingredients, temperature and type of oil, and amount of batter to apply to make the perfect blend of warm crunchiness outside and soft vegetable inside that retains its natural flavor. H made asparagus, sweet potato, eggplant and shimeji mushrooms.

Edamame (right) and a potato salad with parsley and tomatoes.

Watching the sushi roll demonstration.

Three of our friends tried to make a roll (the son declined). We used fresh New Zealand salmon as the main ingredient, along with cucumber, fried egg, salmon roe, and other items.

One of the most exciting parts of the visit was their joy in seeing our huge world map on the wall. We purchased this when H was learning the airport codes for her job. Both the parents and the two kids (aged 15 and 17, I think) stood in front of the map pointing out places they'd been and places they wanted to go. That is the wonder of a map!

Another great discovery of the visit was their interest in board games. We spotted them playing Scrabble last week, and I hope to join them sometime. Knowing their interest in games, I pulled out Settlers of Catan and Carcasonne, and they were hooked. We haven't had have time to play yet, but I hope to establish a regular game night soon!