Little bite of this and that

Method

1. Rinse the Rice: Rinse the rice under cold water in a strainer, stirring with your hand, until the water runs clear (about 3-5 times). Drain well. A great initial step for the kids.
2. Rice Cooker: Cook the rice until the switch swaps from cook to warm, or as per rice cooker instructions. While the rice is cooking, combine the Obento rice wine vinegar, sugar, and salt in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir until dissolved (do not boil). Let it cool slightly.This is the time to cook or prepare your protein and toppings/mix-ins.
3. Transfer the hot rice to a large bowl to cool down. Drizzle the vinegar mixture over the rice. Using a rice paddle or spatula, mix to stir through the vinegar. Kids love mixing!
4. Add a fresh protein: e.g grilled salmon, tofu, cooked chicken or crab mix. My kids love grilled salmon or seafood highlighter mixed with Kewpie mayonnaise in the food processor.
5. Add toppings and mix -ins that suit your child's taste pallete Examples include:Vegetables: Cucumber, shredded carrots, edamame, avocado, radishes, green onions (scallions).Fruits: Diced mango, mandarin wedgesSeaweed: Obento yaki nori. The kids can cut or tear up.Crunch/Garnish: Sesame seeds (black/white), fried shallots, nuts/seeds.Pickled: Pickled ginger. A favourite for my children
6. Drizzle ABC sweet soy sauce on top.
7. Sit down together, admire your colourful sushi bowl, and take a moment to say what you each like most about it. Take small bites, giggle, and enjoy the yummy flavours.Remember that the best ingredient is making and sharing food with love.