Since working with inari worked so well last week, I decided to try to use it again, but in a slightly different way. This time instead of just stuffing it and using the general shape, I cut it a bit an used the filling to make the shape. It is pretty successful I think. I made what I think looks like hedgehogs, but Sammy thinks they look more like mice. Either way, they are suitably adorable. I basically cut the inari to be more hood shaped and then stuffed it with sushi rice. I then made ears out of slivered almonds, a face out of seaweed, and a bib out of cheese rounds and seaweed strips. I was pleased with the outcome.
I thought that snails would go great with hedgehogs (or mice depending on your view) since both are found in a garden. I used crescent rolls and mini sausages to essentially make ‘pigs in a blanket’ snails. I wrapped one side on 3/4th of the sausage and then curled the other side of crescent roll into the ‘shell’. I also used a knife to carve a face into the snail head before baking them as directed on the crescent roll pack. I liked these in concept, but they came out a bit too big and clunky for me. This is an idea I may try a few different ways.
To balance out my meal with veggies, I made lotus chips again (these are super tasty; I highly recommend reading my previous blog for more about how I made them), edamame pods, and seaweed salad. And of course for dessert, I had homemade strawberry red bean mochi. Again, I highly recommend reading my previous blog about how I made these as well. They are delicius, easy, and not nearly as difficult as you would think.
So that’s it for this meal, but I have been looking up more recipes and am super excited for some of the things I’ll try next. Hope you enjoy!!