The concept of actually going someplace with the intention of picnicking was not something we did when I was growing up. Wherever we went food was always packed and brought along. That changed when I had children of my own and we actually began planning picnics as an activity. July 4th at the Hollywood Bowl, Visitor’s Day at Camp Ramah and Mother’s Day in the park all stand out in my mind. My mother loved going to Will Rogers State Park which had an expansive lawn, a Polo field and horse filled stables. It was a perfect way for three generations to spend time together either playing with a frisbee, flying kites, feeding the horses or hiking. My mother was the figurehead, she would sit and watch and smile. My parents didn’t care about cards or gifts because being with us was really all they wanted.
Of course, we all have certain ideas of what constitutes a picnic. My mother loved deli with cole slaw and potato salad, Norm prefers fried chicken, I love good cheese and a baguette. The kids seemed to like it all, but one of them loved Inari, something my friend Fredda introduced to my family. This will be my first (I think), Mother’s Day without having any children in town. What will I do?? I guess get some cheese and wine and maybe have Norm bake a baguette and then head over to Will Rogers. Recently my sister told me that I am turning into my mother. I hope so.
To Lil and all the other Moms, Happy Mother’s Day!!
Inari
Prepare 1 cup Japanese sushi rice according to directions on package. Remove cooked rice from heat and place in shallow bowl to cool. Mix vinegar, sugar and salt and heat in small pot till sugar dissolves. Cool and mix into rice. Carefully open bean curd pouches. Divide rice into 12 portions and stuff into each pouch. Sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired.
Dressing
3 Tbsp rice vinegar
1 1/2 Tbsp sugar
1/2 tsp salt
Note: Try adding slivers of tofu, shiitake mushrooms, carrot, avocado, or sliced omelette.
Enjoy,
Irene
.
