Coming up next week: a week of sokuseki zuke (quick Japanese pickles)

I am going to take the weekend off from the computer because I have a Mountain Of Things to Do away from it. Next week, I'll have a series of posts about quick Japanese pickles, or sokuseki zuke. Sokuseki zuke pickles are the busy cook's alternative to 'real' pickles like nukazuke (rice brain pickles), of the kind that require nursing a pickling bed, long resting periods, and such complicated procedures. The word sokuseki means instant, and these pickles are usually ready to eat in a short period, anywhere from overnight to about an hour. They can be eaten like small salads, and they are great make-ahead additions to a bento box. Most are low- or no-fat and vegan too.

So, I hope everyone has a great weekend and Beannachtai na Feile Padraig to you if you are Irish!