Japanese Food and Cooking - Hardcover

This is a comprehensive and beautiful guide covering all aspects of Japanese cuisine, from learning about its history and underlying philosophy to exploring its unique ingredients, methods of preparation and cooking techniques. Over 100 recipes show in clear step-by-step format how to make all the well-known classic Japanese dishes, plus many more regional specialities. Each of the recipes are presented with attention to detail and beauty, with clear instructions and stunning photographs ensuring readers can achieve the same results. The book is divided into three main parts; the first section discusses Japanese cuisine, including history and development, the role of the tea ceremony in Japanese culture, and the importance of regional and seasonal produce in selection, preparation and serving of food. Important feast days are also included, providing examples of specific foods prepared for special occasions. The second section is a thorough look at the variety of ingredients that are unique to Japanese cuisine. It provides a full description of each ingredient, with step-by-step text explaining specific preparation and cooking methods and techniques. Equipment particular to Japanese cooking, including chopsticks, serving bowls, trays and cups, is also included. The third section contains over 100 recipes, from simple miso soups to elegant sashimi. Seven chapters cover rice and sushi, noodles and soups, vegetables, beans and tofu, fish, meat and poultry, and desserts. The recipe selection covers all the various parts of a Japanese meal, from simple meals to more formal banquets. Dishes are beautifully prepared to be pleasing to the eye as well as to the palate.

Emi Kazuko is a leading cookery writer and journalist. She has published numerous books and has also contributed articles to magazines such as Conde Naste Traveller and Eyewitness Travel Guide to Japan, as well as contributing to 'Woman's Hour' (Radio 4) and a BBC World Service current affairs programme. Yasuko Fukuoka was born in Tokyo, and established herself there as a successful musician and composer. Since moving to England, she has continued to work as a musician, while also expanding her field of work to include journalism and multimedia creation. Numerous nation-wide concert tours in Japan provided Yasuko with the opportunity to gain much knowledge about regional Japanese food and her love of writing and of food is here combined for the first time.