Chopsticks For Rookies
Help is available for those who are all fumbles with chopsticks. According to an Associated Press report, Rookie Chopsticks are designed to help children and adults alike master the art of scooping up food.
Rookie Chopsticks have a flexible joint connecting them at one end so they can be used easily with one hand. They are made of durable, dishwasher-safe plastic and are featured in the “Asia for Kids” 2000 educational catalog.
In addition, the catalog offers some insights on chopstick manners:
* When you finish eating with chopsticks, lean the tips against the side of the plate with the bottoms resting on the table or on a chopsticks rest. Never place them on the table; and never cross them or place them upright, which is considered bad luck.
* Never stick chopsticks into food, especially not into rice. This is done only at funerals.
* Do not pass food from one person’s chopsticks directly to someone else’s chopsticks.
* Don’t spear food with chopsticks, unless it is Japanese food such as pickles or dumplings.
* Never use two hands when eating with chopsticks.
* Never eat using only a single chopstick.
* Do not point with chopsticks.
* Do not lick the tips of chopsticks.
Rookie Chopsticks are $2.40 each; $25 for a 12-pack with educational guide, from Asia for Kids catalog, (800) 888-9681, or the Web site www.asiaforkids.com.
Get cooking
There’s a slew of opportunities to show off your kitchen talents at the Spokane Interstate Fair. Here are a few with brand-name sponsors:
* Tabasco Tex-Mex Recipe Challenge — enter your most tempting recipe created with Tabasco’s Green Pepper Sauce.
* Fleischmann’s Yeast Best-Ever Bread Competition — enter your best “special occasion” yeast bread. Contest is open to individuals or teams.
* Softasilk Championship Cake Award — make a cake with Softasilk cake flour.
* Land O Lakes Butter Best Cookie Contest — any cookie made with Land O Lakes butter is eligible. Contestants of any age are eligible to enter. For more information, head to www.landolakes.com.
* Best SPAM Recipe Competition - enter an appetizer, casserole, stew, stir-fry, salad or sandwich using at least one can of SPAM and no more than nine other ingredients. The dish must cook in 30 minutes or less.
For information on entering any of these contests, call the Spokane Interstate Fair entry office at 477-1766.