Valentine Allure: Plan an evening geisha style
(NC) - The promise of romance in the Japanese culture goes hand-in-hand with just the right feminine touch - and is invariably copied by attentive sweethearts all over the world.
The Japanese geisha, for instance, is one of the most traditional and mysterious occupations to have survived the ages. She is a woman who has mastered the art of dance, and of the tea ceremony and other sacred practices - and lives off of the luxuries of the tradition. Geishas are surrounded by mystique however, keeping confidences, as well as all the secrets of their success.
"It is easy on Valentine's Day to create a special evening with all of these touches," says Doug Pugh, spokesperson for Kikkoman, a leading name in naturally brewed soy sauce. "In Japan, chocolate gifts stir the sensations and so do ice festivals, fireworks and fantasy shows." At home however, a romantic atmosphere can be created by:
Wearing silk robes, or the traditional silk kimono, hakama pants, or haori embroidered silk jacket.
Bowing to display reverence for your Valentine.
Listening to soft Far Eastern music, or simply the disarming sounds of the flute.
Sitting on the floor to wine and dine, with bamboo mats, colorful paper fans, and chopsticks in gold wrapping, tied with red cord or ribbon.
Serving sake, a warm rice wine. Pour it for each other, but never for yourself.
Serving chocolate of any kind, any time.
"Japanese meals include rice and soup and crunchy pickles, and of equal importance, be sure to have a lot of naturally brewed soy sauce on hand. When used in recipes, a naturally brewed sauce has an enriching effect on the other ingredients." This recipe has proven to be a winner on Valentine's Day:
Ingredients:
6 to 8 large fresh or thawed prawns
1/4 cup dry sherry
1 1/4 tbsp Kikkoman Soy Sauce
3/4 tsp black peppercorns, cracked
1/4 tsp sugar
1 thin slice (2 mm) fresh ginger root
Directions:
De-vein, but do not peel prawns. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry; set aside. Combine remaining 5 ingredients and 1/2 cup water in medium saucepan; bring to boil. Add prawns and cook, stirring, until prawns turn pink, about 1 to 2 minutes. Remove to chilled plate; let stand 10 minutes. Cover loosely and refrigerate until thoroughly chilled, at least 3 hours.
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