Happy February to you! Although Valentine's Day is next week, I decided to post two holiday-related recipes early to give you time to gather the ingredients and cook up sweet delights for your special Valentine.

The Japanese have adopted many Western holidays, including Valentine's Day, but they celebrate Valentine's Day in reverse! The women give all of the men in their lives chocolate gifts, even the non-romantic male relationships like bosses, co-workers, family and friends. They do give special chocolate and non-chocolate gifts to their true Valentine, too.

My non-Japanese husband complained, "How lucky can a Japanese man get?!?" No need to fret. The score evens out on a different holiday. On March 14th, White Day, men return the favor by gifting women with chocolate. Who began all these chocolate-giving traditions? Chocolate companies, of course!

You can make your own chocolates with these recipes:

Chocolate Wasabi Peas and Crisps Recipes
Wasabi-coated green peas and chocolate make good giri-choco or obligation chocolate gifts for male bosses, co-workers, friends and family. Here are two ways to make them.

http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art44143.asp

Wasabi Chocolate Truffle Recipe
Wasabi adds a smooth spiciness to chocolate that men really love.

http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art48082.asp



Some ask why there are four new recipes posted a week while less on others. I'm actually contracted to contribute only one recipe each week, but because I tend to post more because I like to share more with you. My output largely depends on inspiration as well as the demands of the week. (My daughter is undergoing medical treatment.)

If you'd like to share your recipe with us here at BellaOnline Japanese Food, please send it along. Be sure to include your name, location and a bit about the history of the recipe itself. If you can send a photograph, that would be terrific!

We love to hear from all of our Japanese food-loving friends!

Your Japanese food word for this week is *amai* (ah-mah-ee) which means sweet.

Until next time, be sweet!

Chidori Phillips
BellaOnline.com Japanese Food Editor