At my Favorite Sushi

Bicycle in perfect fall lighting. 

My favorite sushi restaurant.

My students laughed at me because it was expensive, because double nigiri and sushi plates are not a dollar a plate. Actually, compared to American prices its cheap. And, when I go there I spent about 10 dollars. When I went to the cheap place, I spent the same amount because the fish to rice ratio was terrible. Also, they do not have my favorites at the cheap restaurants.

Anyway, I patted my belly and told my students that everything I own is cheap, and well, at least my belly and my body is expensive. This gave them all a good laugh and they sent me messages following up asking me if I ate my fill. They are cute. Those were adults, by the way. 

Perfect Fall Days

Perfect Fall Days are Here! 

After a typhoon. There still is a blue sky underneath all that smog.

These pictures are already outdated, the rice plants are starting to yellow a bit. 

A nostalgic view. This used to be the view on my way home from work. But since we moved far away, this is no longer the road "home". 

Welcome fall in Japan! Goodbye sticky sweaty days. 

Easy Mexican Tortilla Soup

Easy Mexican Tortilla Soup 

Ingredients needed:

1 1/2 cup salsa (homemade or store bought, in desired level of spiciness)

1-2 fresh tomatoes

1 onion

1-3 stalks of cilantro/coriander

1-3 stalks of green onion/scallion chopped thin

1/2 container of black olives

1 container black beans

1/3 cup kernel corn

6-8 mushrooms, crimini or white button

Favorite type of protein: chicken, beef, pork, tofu, 1 package

1 container of broth to complement the protein: chicken, beef, pork, or vegetable

Also tasty/complementary additions: spinach, zucchini, bell peppers

Serves: 5-6 or 2 people for 2-3 meals.

Toppings: lime, cheese, tortilla chips to taste (chips will give the), chopped cilantro/coriander to taste, thin cut green onion 

How to make:

-Chop tomatoes, black olives, onions, mushrooms and meat/protein as necessary into bite size portions

-cook meat with onion, mushrooms and garlic powder if on hand, also salt and pepper to taste and sparing with oil (Approx 10 minutes)

-add stock and water 2-3 cups when the meat is browned and the flavors have been activated

-Add beans, salsa, olives, kernel corn and any other heat-sturdy vegetables (no lime, green onion, spinach)

-Cook 20 minutes

-Add quick cooking/garnish vegetables: green onion, cilantro, squeeze of lime will give a pleasant flavor.  Also allow picky eaters to choose these garnishes for themselves. Also have plenty of chips and cheese slices on hand to be added to the soup according to taste and needs of each eater! 

ENJOY! :) Nutritious and delicious!