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Cozy Wintertime Meals Made with the Umami® Micom Rice Cooker & Warmer NL-GAC10/18

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Happy New Year! We are so excited to cook our favorite wintertime meals this January as we cozy up to the colder weather. With Zojirushi’s versatile new Umami® Micom Rice Cooker & Warmer NL-GAC10/18, we’re able to make so much more than white rice with just a single appliance, from soup, congee, and more. The exclusive Umami setting on this Zojirushi rice cooker is also great for cooking a variety of rice grains as well, as it extends soaking and steaming to make your rice fluffier, sweeter, and more delicious. Today, we’ll be sharing some of our favorite rice based dishes we’ll be preparing in January with the help of our Umami® Micom Rice Cooker & Warmer NL-GAC10/18.

 

Zojirushi’s Umami® Micom Rice Cooker & Warmer NL-GAC10/18Before we dive into the recipes, let’s get to know our rice cooker a little better. The Umami® Micom Rice Cooker & Warmer NL-GAC10/18 is an elegant appliance that comes in a stylish Metallic Black color, with two sizes available to accommodate various household sizes: 5.5 and 10 cups. What makes this rice cooker unique is its advanced micro computerized fuzzy logic technology that allows it to offer a long list of menu settings including Zojirushi’s special Umami setting, that will help you whip up a variety of tasty dishes.

 

Menu settings include:

  • White
  • Umami
  • Mixed
  • sushi/sweet
  • Jasmine
  • Porridge
  • Congee
  • Brown
  • GABA brown
  • Quick white
  • Quick Jasmine
  • Steam
  • Slow cook

 

It features an easy-to-read LCD control panel, clock and delay timer, nonstick coated inner cooking pan, and all food contact surfaces are BPA free. The inner lid is detachable for easy cleaning, and the rice cooker also comes with additional accessories such as a steaming basket, rice spatula, and measuring cup. To see this rice cooker in action, visit our product video here.

Now that we’ve been properly introduced to our Umami® Micom Rice Cooker & Warmer NL-GAC10/18, let’s dive into our dishes!

Rice Dishes:

Jambalaya

We love Jambalaya because it combines many great flavors into one delicious bowl. This hearty meal features shrimp, sausage, and a hint of chili flakes that will warm you right up.

 

Shiitake-Gohan

This classic Japanese rice dish is simple to make using the convenient mixed setting for an easy meal that will keep you satisfied with its umami-rich flavor from the shiitake mushrooms.

 

Soups:

Vegetable Brown Rice Zosui (Japanese Rice Soup)

Zosui is traditional Japanese comfort food that combines rice, chicken broth, and seasonal vegetables. This simple yet satisfying soup can be made from scratch or from leftover nabe base if you have it. Perfect for lunch or dinner on a cold day!

 

Keihan (Japanese Chicken Soup with Rice)

Keihan is another traditional Japanese dish that hails from the southern islands of Japan. This dish features shiitake mushrooms, chicken breasts, and egg crepes. Yum!

 

Casseroles:

Baked Rice Casserole with Artichokes and Mushrooms

Our baked rice casserole dish is excellent for mushroom lovers and is a gluten-free alternative to other traditional casseroles. Combine all ingredients into a casserole or ceramic bowl and bake until golden brown, about 15-20 minutes.

 

Japanese Style Curry Doria

This Japanese-inspired doria is a wonderful way to make use of leftover curry and rice and turn them into the ultimate comfort meal. This dish comes sizzling out of the oven ready to eat, featuring mozzarella cheese, parsley, and butter.  

 

What are your favorite dishes to enjoy in the wintertime? Do you have any favorite recipes that you plan to try from this blog? Be sure to share your experience with us on social by tagging your photos on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram! #Zojirushi #ZoFan 

Celebrate the Holidays with Japanese Flavor

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Are you excited for the holidays? In addition to going all out with festive decorations, Japanese people love to celebrate this time of year with popular American foods seasoned with a Japanese twist. For those who want to add a twist to their holiday dinner, we’ll be sharing some of our favorite Japanese and American holiday recipes that are guaranteed to delight and impress – all of which can be made easily with the help of the new Micom Rice Cooker & Warmer NL-DCC10/18.

Introducing The Rice Cooker That Does It All

The newest addition to our rice cooker lineup is the Micom Rice Cooker & Warmer NL-DCC10/18. It comes in 5.5 or 10 cup capacities and in a beautiful Pearl Beige color. What’s unique about this appliance is that it is built with advanced micro computerized Fuzzy Logic technology, meaning that the rice cooker can automatically adjust cooking temperatures and cooking time to cook your rice (or cake!) perfectly every time.

It also includes a wide variety of settings which include: White, Long Grain White, Sushi, Congee, Brown, GABA Brown, Jasmine, Steel Cut Oatmeal, Quinoa, Quick White, and Cake.

Choose from convenient features like automatic keep warm, extended keep warm, reheat, and delay timer functions on the rice cooker’s easy-to-read LCD control panel, so you can cook your dishes whenever you please.

In addition, the appliance comes with an easy-to-clean detachable and washable inner lid, detachable power cord, and extra-large steam vent cap for high-powered cooking. The Menu

Now that we’re thoroughly acquainted with the Micom Rice Cooker & Warmer NL-DCC10/18, let’s get to cooking!

First Bite

If you’re hosting a holiday get-together, it’s important to make a great first impression. Not only are these dishes visually attractive, but they’re also easily shareable and super tasty.

 

 

  • Gomoku Sushi: This is a beautifully garnished rice bowl that features seasonal vegetables and seafood on top of sushi rice. Because it can be prepared in advance, it’s the perfect appetizer for events or large gatherings.

 

  • Prosciutto Rice Balls: These bite-size rice balls combine Japanese culinary techniques with Italian style. The prosciutto pairs perfectly with the rice, and the basil adds a fresh zing. Pro rice tip: Always rinse the rice before cooking, even brown rice. Milling leaves a lot of starch on the surface of the rice, and if not removed the rice becomes gummy. We recommend to rinse it 3 to 4 times to remove the excess starch. Remember to work quickly to prevent the rice from absorbing starchy water as much as possible. Watch this video to learn more.

Main Course:

Did you know that Christmas Eve and Christmas are widely celebrated with a bucket of KFC fried chicken in Japan? Because turkey is not readily available in the country, this craze has endured throughout the holidays for decades. Here are two dishes that you can make to celebrate just like the Japanese, with chicken as a star ingredient.

 

 

  • Karaage is Japanese-style fried chicken that is fried to crispy deliciousness in small, bite-sized pieces served with rice. It is sure to be a favorite during the holidays.

 

  • Curry Doria is a mix between a casserole and Japanese curry. Add generous amounts of mozzarella, and add your protein of choice to your liking (in this case, chicken!). Pro rice tip: Remember to use your measuring cup to measure out your rice and use the water measuring lines on the pan to measure the water. We cook and test tons and tons of rice every year, so our rice cookers can cook the best-tasting rice for you consistently. It’s scientific. It’s precise. Trust us, and use the rice measuring cup in conjunction with the water measure lines. It will yield a perfect result. Every. Single. Time.

A Sweet Ending

One of the biggest highlights of a Japanese Christmas is the decorative cakes that look like works of art — they are almost too pretty to eat! In Japan, people especially love enjoying strawberry shortcake on this holiday. Below are fruit-forward cake options that you can make straight out of your rice cooker.

 

  • Layered Trifle Tower: This fluffy sponge cake is layered beautifully with marsala sherry, raspberry jam, custard, and fruit. Serve in a clear vessel to show off the beautiful interior.

 

  • Whole Wheat Sponge Cake: This whole wheat cake only requires seven ingredients (plus the fruit) and is easily baked at the touch of a button. Top with whipped cream, enjoy, repeat.

 

 

How are you going to spend the holidays this year? Are you planning on trying any of these recipes or tips we shared today? Be sure to share your experience with us on social by tagging your photos on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram! #Zojirushi #ZoFan

 

Mastering the Perfect Cup of Tea with Zojirushi’s VE Hybrid Water Boiler & Warmer CV-JAC40/50

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If you’re like us – you love to drink tea all year round, either iced or hot. But, in the colder months – and especially around the holidays, a nice cup of steaming hot tea goes a long way for comfort and to set the mood for the season. And whether you want to feel warm and cozy, clear a sore throat, or need a boost of energy, tea is sure to be a type of tea that works perfectly for your needs.

But did you know that different teas are best brewed at different temperatures? If you don’t brew at the right temperature, the tea could become bitter or not have the fragrance it should and will not be as tasty. Zojirushi water boilers have different temperature settings ideal for various teas so that you can brew your tea to perfection.

That’s why we are so excited to introduce our newest water boiler in our Zojirushi lineup: the VE Hybrid Water Boiler & Warmer CV-JAC40/50. This water boiler has 4 different temperature settings that can be selected to brew different types of teas at their ideal temperature and even uses our Super VE (Vacuum-Electric) hybrid technology to save energy.

Here’s a closer look at our newest product’s features, followed by a detailed guide on mastering the art of tea with this water boiler.

The Gift that Keeps on Giving: The VE Hybrid Water Boiler & Warmer CV-JAC40/50 

Advanced Design: This appliance is available in two sizes that hold up to 4 or 5 liters of water at a time. The easy-to-read orange LCD control panel always shows actual water temperature, and its wide window water level gauge includes a red ball indicator to show you the water level. The inner sleeve also features distinct water level lines, so you know exactly how much you’re pouring in at all times. Lastly, the base of the water boiler features a built-in swivel that comes in handy when dispensing water.

Super VE Hybrid Technology: Featuring Super VE hybrid technology, the vacuum insulated sleeve on the inside of the water boiler helps keeping water at the selected temperature (160°F, 175°F, 195°F, 208°F) using less electricity, and can even keep water warm without using any electricity when using the “VACUUM” keep warm function. The energy-saving timer function can also be timed from 6-16 hours so that your water is hot and ready for you when you need it, without using energy while not in use.

Saves Time & Energy: Zojirushi water boilers are all designed to boil the water first before keeping it warm at the selected temperature. This was designed for safety, as well as to reduce the chlorine in water. If using bottled or purified water, this step can be omitted by using the Quick Temp Mode, which skips the boiling process and heats to the select temperature (160°F, 175°F, or 195°F), reducing time and energy.

Safe & Easy to Clean: This water boiler’s lid completely detaches to make the cleaning and filling process seamless. The interior is made with nonstick coated stainless steel, and as always, all surfaces that come in contact with food or water are BPA-free. For safety, this machine automatically shuts off to prevent boiling when dry, and features an automatic dispense lock to prevent accidental dispensing. In-lid and in-spout guards also prevent dripping when the machine is not in use.

Bonus for Coffee Lovers:  If you love your coffee just as much as you love your tea (or prefer it instead) – this water boiler’s Café Drip mode dispenses at a slower pace to create the perfect pour for drip coffee, as well.

Zojirushi’s Guide to Brewing Tea using the VE Hybrid Water Boiler & Warmer CV-JAC40/50

Brewing tea is truly an art, and the Japanese have been mastering this practice for centuries. If you brew a cup that is too cold, you might end up with a watery, dull cup of tea, and if too strong, the tea will become unpleasant. Fortunately, the VE Hybrid Water Boiler & Warmer CV-JAC40/50 heats your water to the four temperatures shown below at the click of a button, so all you need to do is click, dispense, and enjoy.160°F: Gyokuro. This specialty tea requires a lower water temperature to ensure optimal extraction.

175°F: Matcha, Green Tea, and white tea. At this temperature, the water is simmering but not boiling. If the water is too hot, you risk burning the tea leaves, which will result in a very bitter cup of tea.

195°F: Oolong. This water is almost, but not quite boiling. Oolong tea falls between green and black tea and can be darker, bolder, or more delicate like green tea.

208°F: Black tea and herbal tea. Water at this temperature is at a full boil. Herbal teas specifically can be steeped for longer periods of time, because they do not contain caffeine.

There are a few things to keep in mind for optimal performance. Check the unit at least once every 3 months for scale build-up. Minerals like calcium will accumulate on the interior surface and if not cleaned will cause issues with dispensing. You also don’t want to taste bits of scale in your tea. If you see scale built-up inside, learn how to take care of it by watching this helpful video:

What kind of tea do you like drinking best? Did you learn something new from our ultimate guide to brewing tea? Be sure to share your experience with us on social by tagging your photos on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram! #Zojirushi #ZoFan

Fall Favorite Recipes

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We love the fall for its seasonal ingredients (hello, pumpkin!), and the hearty dishes we can make with them that make this season extra cozy and special.  Today, we’ll be sharing the recipes we’re most excited about, and how you can easily make them with the help of your Zojirushi appliances. Plus, you’ll get an exclusive look at our product of the month, the Zojirushi Gourmet d’Expert® Electric Skillet for Yin Yang Hot Pot EP-PFC20, and see how to upgrade your cooking skills with its multi-functional capabilities. Let’s get to it!

Pumpkin Dishes

Pumpkin is without a doubt one of the most popular ingredients for fall cooking. It’s healthy, hearty, and can be served sweet or savory. Here are our top choices on Zojirushi pumpkin delights:

Pumpkin Bread

A flavorful bread made with robust fall spices, pumpkin puree, and toasted crunchy walnuts. It’s the perfect fall treat for breakfast, coffee, or dessert. Bake it with one touch with a wide range of our bread makers. If you want to make this loaf perfectly, make sure to follow close attention to the directions. Loaf got you stuck? Try wiggling the wingnuts under the baking pan. Doing so will move the kneading blade, releasing any baked dough that is causing it to be stuck and the loaf should slide right out! Just don’t wiggle it too much or the loaf might get a big hole.

Harvest Pumpkin Roll

This is a sweet pastry that features pumpkin puree and maple syrup. Sticky, warm, and the perfect treat for any occasion. To get the fluffiest rolls, remember to use fresh ingredients. This is especially important for yeast because it’s a living organism. Once the yeast is opened, store it in the fridge to maintain freshness and use it as quickly as possible.

Pumpkin and Ricotta Cannelloni

A savory Italian appetizer that will make your heart sing. This is a dish that you can make in your Zojirushi breadmaker. Expert tip: Use a digital kitchen scale to measure your ingredients instead of measuring cups. Measuring by weight is always accurate and consistent so you will always enjoy perfectly baked goods every time!

 

Soups Stews, and Grills

There’s nothing more comforting than indulging in a savory, hot soup to warm up during the colder months. This month, we’re introducing our latest multi-functional Gourmet d’Expert® Electric Skillet for Yin Yang Hot Pot EP-PFC20, which can make delicious stews, and more!

 

The versatile skillet has two cooking pans: a deep pan with a divider for Yin Yang hot pot, and a dual surface griddle pan for grilling meats and vegetables. Both pans are titanium and ceramic enhanced nonstick coated, with a 1,300 watt heating system for quick heating. It also has a tempered glass lid to monitor the cooking process, and a detachable power cord for easy storing. Learn more on our product video: Zojirushi Gourmet d’Expert® Electric Skillet for Yin Yang Hot Pot EP-PFC20

Impressive, right? Below are a few hot pot soups you can make this month with the help of the Yin Yang Hot Pot:

  • Sichuan Hot Pot: A popular Chinese dish that is spicy and numbing. Throw in your favorite fall veggies and enjoy.
  • Kimchi Hot Pot: Kimchi is a fermented Korean dish with a kick and is delicious when served warm for the fall. Add pork belly, tofu, and spices for an all-in-one meal.
  • Daikon Pork Layered Hot Pot: This easy recipe features dashi, soy, pork, and mushroom. A perfect fall combination.

Ready to try the grilling feature? Here are our top choices:

  • Japanese Barbequed Lamb: Eat as you go with this savory grilled dish. Toss in the vegetables first, then the marinated lamb.
  • Grilled Veggie Open Faced Sandwich: A vegetarian alternative to enjoy this fall. Featuring veggies marinated in red wine, honey and olive oil for a balanced flavor profile.  
  • Fancy Grilled Lobster Tails: This dish features tender lobster tails with lemon zest and butter sauce along with fluffy potatoes topped with sour cream and bacon

Did you try any of these recipes or have a favorite? Be sure to share your experience with us on social by tagging your photos on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram! #Zojirushi #ZoFan #FallDishes #Pumpkin #Hotpot

 

 

 

Zojirushi’s Colorful Flip-Open Mugs are the Perfect Back-to-School Companions

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Stainless Mug SM-SR36E/48E/60E

As the summer wraps up, you know what that means – back to school! There are so many things to prepare, as the new school year begins, including keeping your student hydrated and refreshed throughout the day. With Zojirushi’s Stainless Flip-Open Mugs (SM-SR36E/48E/60E, SM-WR36E/48E/60E), your child will love taking a sip every chance they get, especially when they’re filled with tasty drinks. Today we share why our product of the month is an essential back-to-school item, as well as tips to maintain this mug to last for many school years to come. Let’s dive right in!

Meet Our Product of the Month

Stainless Mug SM-WR36E/48E/60E

  • Choose from 9 different colors: Yes, you heard that right! Start the school year off in style with any one of our attractive colors, including Mint, White, Silky Black, Matte Gold, and Pearl Pink for the SM-SR36E/48E/60E. If you’re looking for even more color options, the SM-WR36E/48E/60E comes in Mint, Cantaloup, Light Blue, and Dark Gray. The color choices help differentiate your child’s bottle from their siblings, your morning coffee, or even their classmates.

    Ultra-lightweight and compact design

  • Pick your size: The compact and ultra-lightweight mugs come in three different sizes, conveniently fitting in any backpack or schoolbag. Weighing between 6-9 oz. empty, these mugs are light as air. They come in  20, 16, and 12 oz. sizes so there is one that is just right for everyone. We find that the small bottles are great for younger children, while the larger bottles are perfect for on-the-go hydration on long school days or after-school sports.

Air vent on the mouthpiece allows beverages to flow out smoothly without gushing or overflowing

  • Designed for easy drinking: The 2-step lid releases at the click of a button and helps prevent excess condensation on the stopper from being flung as the lid opens. This protects other items in the child’s locker or backpack, as well as their desks as they move from class to class. Additionally, the air vent in the mouthpiece ensures that the flow of beverages will always be smooth, and the mouthpiece also completely disassembles for easy cleaning. It’s a win-win: no messes while drinking, no messes while cleaning!
  • Safety Lock: Flip-open lids are convenient, but not when they accidentally open in your bag and spill your drink all over. Zojirushi’s flip-open lids have a safety lock, so even if something pushes against the open button, it will keep it from opening. The tight fitted lid also prevents spills and helps keep your drink hotter or colder.
  • Superior vacuum insulation technology: Our mugs are made with high-quality 18/8 stainless steel and will keep your drinks hot or cold for hours. This is especially important if your child has afterschool activities and are craving a cold drink to quench their thirst. If they enjoy warmer beverages, for example before their choir debut, this mug will also support those temperature needs.

Pro Tips on Using and Maintaining Your Stainless Mug with a Flip-Open Lid

  • Wide mouth opening: The large opening makes pouring drinks into the mug super easy and fits full-size ice cubes. This is great for busy parents who value every second when getting the kids ready in the morning.
  • Nonstick interior: Makes cleaning and maintenance a breeze, while also keeping out stains and odors. And what’s more, all areas of our mugs that come into contact with your beverage are BPA-free.

    Stopper disassembles for thorough cleaning

  • Keep Clean: Zojirushi lids are designed to disassemble for easy and thorough cleaning. The parts should be cleaned after every use with a soft sponge and a mild dish detergent. Then, they should be allowed to air dry fully before reassembling. This will keep the lid as hygienic as possible and ready for use!
  • Open the Lid All the Way: The flip-open lid has a spring at the hinge, allowing the lid to open completely, and then stay in-place, so it doesn’t close on your nose when drinking. If you’re holding your bottle towards the top when opening the lid, your hand can be obstructing the lid from opening completely, so stay clear of the opening lid.

Green Tea White Virgin Sangria

Delicious Drinks to Add Flavor to the School Year

One of the best ways to prep your child for the school day is by making sure they’re hydrated, whether they’re studying diligently in the classroom or participating in their extracurricular activities. Of course, water is our number one recommendation, but if your child needs more creative ways to stay hydrated, these easy and nutritious recipes will have them reaching for their Zojirushi stainless mug to refresh themselves throughout the day.

  • Green Tea White Virgin Sangria: A fruity and delicious drink that can be enjoyed by the whole family and a great way to keep your child cool on a warm day.
  • Cold Buster Soothie: Go back to the basics with a little warm water, lemon juice and honey to add a soothing touch to any day as we ease into autumn.
  • Fresh Fruit Tea: Use your child’s favorite fruits, whatever you have on hand that’s in season, or any of our recommendations. This versatile tea has a sweet and delicious aroma, that’s a fun and festive way to work on your child’s hydration.

Did you try any of these recipes for back to school? Which mug is your favorite color? Be sure to share your experience with us on social by tagging your photos on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram! #Zojirushi #ZoFan #ZoRice