Black Rice, Sticky Beans & Pickled Plums

Like many people, I go through my bouts of eating more healthy and natural foods over time. (maybe even more as I have gotten older???) In the mid-80's, I even switched to a semi-vegetarian lifestyle, omitting meat (beef, pork, lamb and most poultry) for about 7 years from my daily diet, but did consume fish & seafood; some poultry, eggs and dairy products,while naturally increasing my intake of beans, grains, vegetables and fruits. Boy did I see the health benefits quickly; weight loss, overall health improvement and --get this-- less body odor and smells; YES!!! (So true what they say about eating all that meat and natural fat; even in Japanese, there is an expression "bataa kusai" or "stink like butter", when referring to that tell-tale natural smell that comes from our body, usually when we perspire.) This past week, I found myself wondering if I could get back into that healthy lifestyle again. Coming across our local produce stand making their own "umeboshi" or pickled plums (a favorite of mine) on bright, sunny days and having this healthy bowl of cooked black rice (looks purple when prepared) topped with my favorite "natto" or sticky fermented beans (stinky and slimy too -- now don't you just want some???) at a favorite lunch place recently were just some of the things that have inspired me to do so again!!! Now pass me some more of that NATTO; who needs meat all the time???

Random Thoughts of Being Raised in a Bi-cultural Family (1)

-A common experience shared amongst those raised in a household, where two native languages are spoken by both parents, but the children are only fluent in the third language that both parents speak at home; in my case, Dad speaks Chamorro (Guam) and Mom speaks Japanese (Japan); my sister and I only speak English fluently and consider that our "native tongue". (I learned to speak Japanese later on in life, when I moved to Japan in my early 20's, wanting to know the language of the country of my birth.)

-This also happened to me in particular; I would be spoken to in one language, but could only reply back in English. To this day, I understand more Chamorro and Japanese (yes!) than I can comfortably speak. It's an on-going process for life!

-Daily meals prepared by Mom growing up were always interesting and seemed normal to us. Fried chicken could be served along with tempura; we might have steak, baked potato, salad and miso soup for dinner; breakfast could be fried eggs with hot rice & soysauce or with titiyas (corn tortillas) and fried SPAM or Portugese sausage. And don't forget my NATTO! (fermented sticky soy beans) To start a BBQ feast, we might have somen (chilled dip & eat thin wheat noodles) to tide us over until the meat was off the grill........and the menu goes on.

-Talk about being confused; I was raised in the Catholic faith on Guam, but frequented temples and shrines in Japan that represent Buddhist and Shinto beliefs, during our visits to see the relatives when I was a kid. Speaking of relatives; in Japan, I can be judged by the animal that represents the year I was born (12 animals of the Chinese Zodiac); in my case, the Dragon (tatsu doshi) or even my blood type (type A). Both are viewed quite seriously by some people(my elderly aunt in Kyoto, who's in her eighties, comes to mind) in many social circles, in determining your character and personality. As if it wasn't already hard just trying to maintain good grades in school; I had all this in my mind as well- such a learning experience it has been!

SPAM MUSUBI

Now I could not resist putting this post up, as I did name my blog ISLAND MUSUBI, right???? This blog could not be complete without some mention of the infamous SPAM MUSUBI, so familiar to the island residents of Hawaii, Guam and Okinawa, Japan!

There are variations to making this rectangular popular snack, but the basic ingredients are usually fried slices of SPAM, cooked short-grain (sushi ) rice and dried seaweed (nori) sheets. Flavoring may be added to the rice, including sushi vinegar, soy sauce and/or furikake (seasoned rice sprinkles) for variation. Fry slices of SPAM until slightly browned; let cool. After wetting your hands, form cooled, but slightly warm rice into the shape of the sliced SPAM. (Some folks use a special rectangular mold or plastic wrap; use what works for you!) Tie your musubi together with strips of dried nori or even wrap the whole bundle completely, if you prefer. Enjoy your homemade "Island Musubi"!!!

Hafa Adai & Irasshaimase: Welcome to Island Musubi!

This is my personal blog to share with all my love for ISLANDS; particulary the two that I identify with the most, the islands of GUAM (Guahan) and JAPAN (Nippon). My affection for the islands of HAWAII will also be reflected here, as well as those spread across the Pacific.

"Hafa Adai" means "Hi, Hello, Welcome" in Chamorro (Chamoru), the native language of the people of Guam and the Marianas Islands in the Pacific Ocean.

"Irasshaimase" means "Come in; Welcome" in Japanese and is commonly used to greet visitors and guests.

The word "musubi" may conjure images of tasty rice balls filled or topped with various seasonings, for those familiar with Japanese cuisine. It also means "to connect/bind/tie/unite" together, in its verbal root form.

Thus, I entitled my blog ISLAND MUSUBI, as it is my intention to share my own personal connection/bond with the islands and also form ties to unite all who share a deep love and appreciation for the islands of this world.