Nabe for the novice

Well not really K has some pretty mean culinary skills and this is just one of them.

Last authentic Nabe we had in Japan was with friends while camping (Sept 2008 Camping in Nagano) and just a couple of weeks ago here in NZ we went to a friends house just a for a "Nabe Night" and that was a success but tonight its all about the whanau style.:)

So first you need a special clay pot ( 土鍋) and a portable gas stove you take all the ingredients Chinese Cabbage, Chicken, Fish (in this case Snapper but it can be any white fish really) bit of Fish stock some more veggies like Spring Onions, Diakon (radish) ,Tofu, Shiitake mushrooms serve it with pipping hot Steamed rice in a bowl and don't neglect.....the Beer or warm Sake (or 2) of course.

Get some yummy"dipping sauce" going on Soya sauce,Lemon include grated garlic, butter, red pepper the only limitations are what you can (or cant) lay your hands on and your own imagination.

It probably sounds alittle on the bland side but believe me with all the "bit and pieces" its just one big meal.

We told Mana along time ago that eating fish eyes makes her eyes brighter (its true,they are indeed good for you)......and I guess both K and I falling off our seats trying to screen our faces and putting on sunglasses doesn't do anything to dispel the myth so she's right into it and is always asking if she can have the fish eyes :)

Go on give it a go try it at home with your family of friends with whatever local stuff you can get your hands sit around the table while its cooking (not sit down at the table once its ready)

Have your say as to what goes in...try some Udon noddles (there the long trick ones AND remember "a family that eats together,stays together"