In celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage month, we are thrilled to partner with Amy Kimoto-Kahn, a fourth-generation Japanese American, blogger at Easy Peasy Japanesey, and author of the cookbooks Simply Ramen and The Asian Hot Pot Cookbook. Join us this month as we learn more about Amy’s culinary journey, share her recipes, and her dedication to making Japanese cuisine accessible to home cooks.
Amy was raised in a multicultural household that celebrated both Japanese and American traditions. Even though she was generations removed from Japan, her family gave her a strong connection to and deep appreciation for Japanese culture, language, and cuisine. As she navigated her identity as a Japanese American in today’s diverse society, Amy realized the importance of preserving and sharing her cultural roots with others – especially her children. Her blog Easy Peasy Japanesey became a platform for sharing her family’s stories, traditional Japanese recipes with a modern twist, and exploring the rich history and contributions of Japanese Americans to American society.
Amy’s first cookbook, Simply Ramen, was born out of her knowledge of traditional ramen making techniques learned during her time at Miyajima Ramen School in Osaka, Japan. The cookbook was her way of sharing her ramen passion and expertise, providing home cooks with easy-to-follow recipes and step-by-step instructions to create delicious ramen bowls from scratch. From rich tonkotsu to savory miso, Simply Ramen is a go-to guide for ramen lovers for its approachable approach to making this beloved dish at home.
Building on the success of her first cookbook, Amy is now eagerly anticipating the release of her upcoming cookbook, The Asian Hot Pot Cookbook. Drawing on her extensive knowledge of Asian cuisine, Amy explores the world of hot pot, a beloved communal dining experience that has gained popularity worldwide. She delves into the history, regional variations, and unique ingredients of hot pot, and shares a diverse collection of family-friendly hot pot recipes inspired by different Asian cultures. From comforting broths to an array of meats, seafood, vegetables, and dipping sauces, the book promises to be a comprehensive guide for hot pot enthusiasts and a celebration of the communal joy of gathering around a bubbling pot.