THE KITCHEN GOD: INARI
© 2002 B. FairRaven
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Wednesday, November 13 , 2002

In Japan, Inari is the god of rice and is often portrayed as a bearded old man, sitting atop a sack of rice. He is flanked by a fox which is considered to be his messenger. Inari is quite a mystery as he is neither male or female and is also believed to come as a fox or a spider to meet out justice to the wicked.

Another aspect of Inari is that he is believed to bring prosperity and abundance.

In the spirit of the Kitchen God, we present a recipe suitable for all members of the pagan family, that the human God or Goddess of the Hearth can prepare and serve!

Every two weeks we will present a new recipe with a pagan slant or flavor.

We hope you enjoy them and let us know how good the eats were!

Bry FairRaven

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======)0(NEW MOON INARI SUSHI *GOLDEN RICE POUCHES* )0(======
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The favorite food of Inari (which translates to Golden Rice Pouches), Inari sushi is easy and delicious. I first discovered this ancient treat when I married and was introduced to the Japanese side of the family! Try it on this New Moon time!

Needed:

2 cups prepared sushi rice
3 Tbs. Mirin
3 Tbs. Sugar
4 Tbs. Soy sauce
1-1/4 cup Dashi (fish stock)
1/4 cup Shredded par-boiled carrot
Salt
4 Deep-fried tofu cakes (aburage is the name given to deep fried tofu.)**

** You can find aburage in many Asian supermarkets at the frozen food sections. Avoid the canned ones.

Instructions:

Make sure the prepared sushi rice is at room temperature. Place the deep fried tofu cakes in a collander and pour boiling water over the deep-fried tofu cakes to remove the oil. Allow to cool, then slice each tofu cake in half lengthwise to make eight tofu pouches.

In a small saucepan on low heat, combine the mirin, sugar, soy sauce and dashi together. Simmer until it is hot and remove from heat. Drain gourd strips, then add them and the tofu pouches into the stock. Place on medium heat until boiling and then cover, then reduce heat to low and simmer for about 20 minutes. Remove from the heat and allow to cool. Carefully squeeze the tofu pouches and gourd strips dry, and set aside.

Mix the shredded carrot with the sushi rice.

With your hands, take a small amount of the rice and shape into a ball *moisten your hands so rice won't stick*. Carefully open pouch and stuff with rice.

Serves about 4. Place on handsome serving plate....but don't forget, this is Inari's favorite food! Leave one for him.

Bry

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=====)0( NEW MOON RICE MAGICK FOR MEN AND WOMEN )0(======
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Rice has long been associated not only with fertility, but with abundance and prosperity.

Make a rice jar or box. Obtain a handsome glass jar with lid or wooden box with lid that closes tightly.

Obtain and gather together different types of rice: long grain, pearl, wild rice, brown rice, white rice, the greater the variety the better. Pour the rice into a sifter and place under running water *the tap* in order to cleanse it. Place aside so that the rice dries out completely, a process requiring several hours to a day. Once dry, pour into a large bowl.

Using your hands, generously add the following powdered herbs:

* cinnamon
* allspice
* nutmeg
* tarragon

Mix well and using spoon scoop into box or jar...right before closing, add a coin of any denomination and whisper to the rice "Bring me good fortune" Seal it shut and place it anywhere it cannot be opened again. If it is opened the magick will escape. You can always make a new one. Use any remaining rice mixture to make jars for others...however make sure you whisper to the rice for whom the prosperity is!

© 2002 B. FairRaven

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