Some of you might be thinking to buy Japanese cookbooks. What are good ones? When choosing a cookbook, it's really helpful to have book recommendations from others. I was wondering what your favorite Japanese cookbooks are. It might be a basic sushi cooking book for beginners or an advanced cookbook with artistic food pictures. Please write a review of your favorite Japanese cookbook and tell us what you like about it.

Sushi Cookbooks

Basic Japanese Cookbooks

When I was a kid, I liked octopus shaped weiners in my bento (boxed lunch). Many people put a lot of effort into making nice looking bento, especially for kids. You don't necessarily take much time to make bento look attractive. Just adding simple decorative items can brighten up your kids' bento, and octopus shaped weiners are good ones to make. Let's learn the easy steps for making cute octopus weiners.

Making Octopus Weiners

Making Apple Rabbits

Basic Steps for Packing Bento

Japanese Bento Pictures

Photo © Setsuko Yoshizuka, licensed to About.com, Inc.

If you want to make a quick tofu dish, try this one. Tofu is simply simmered in dashi soup with edamame. I like the thick and savory soup and the color of this dish. I often serve it chilled on a hot day, but it's delicious served either hot or chilled. Enjoy!

Tofu and Edamame in Thick Soup Recipe

Edamame Profile and Edamame Recipes

Tofu Recipes

Photo © Setsuko Yoshizuka, licensed to About.com

If you are familiar with Japanese cooking, you probably have noticed that many Japanese recipes call for mirin. Mirin is a Japanese cooking wine which adds a mild sweetness and great aroma to many dishes. It's mainly used for cooking nimono (simmering dishes) and teriyaki dishes. It's best to buy hon-mirin rather than various mirin-style condiments although hon-mirin can be more expensive.

About Mirin

Where to Buy Mirin Online

Japanese Condiments

Japanese Noodle Dipping Sauce Recipe

Photo © Setsuko Yoshizuka, licensed to About.com.