おうちごはん！(Ouchigohan) – Miso Madness

おうちごはん！(Ouchigohan) 

Miso Madness

Japanese Home Cooking with Table for Two

in partnership with the Japan-America Societies of Boston, Alabama, Georgia, Houston, North Carolina, Philadelphia, Washington DC and USJETAA

Saturday, March 21, 2026

5:30 - 7:00 PM ET

$10 JSB/JS/JETAA Members / $15 Non-members

Hosted online via Zoom

(Ingredient list, recipe card, and Zoom link will be provided a few days prior to the class)

Join Japan-America Society of Houston (JASH) for the March edition of our family-friendly online Japanese home cooking series おうちごはん! OUCHIGOHAN—and cook along from your own kitchen!

As March brings its signature excitement, we’re channeling that energy into the kitchen with a little culinary “madness” of our own—spotlighting miso as the bold, umami-rich MVP of the Japanese pantry. In proud partnership with Table for Two’s # EdamameChamp Campaign, we are celebrating soybeans—the plant-based powerhouse at the heart of miso. For centuries, miso has been a cornerstone of Japanese cuisine, prized for its depth, versatility, and nourishing qualities.

During this interactive cookalong, participants will explore creative and delicious ways to cook with miso—highlighting its rich flavor and cultural significance while inspiring new everyday favorites. While the final menu is still being perfected, participants can look forward to a full miso-inspired experience—featuring an appetizer, main dish, and even dessert, each incorporating miso in inventive and delicious ways. We are especially honored to be joined by Chef Shinji Takahashi, Resident Chef of the Official Residence of the Consul General of Japan in Houston, who will guide us step-by-step through this flavorful culinary experience.

Menu:

• Simmered Daikon with Miso Sauce – a comforting, classic preparation that brings out the natural sweetness of daikon

• Creamy Miso Pasta with Shimeji and Spinach – a creative fusion dish showcasing miso’s versatility in a rich, savory sauce

• Sweet Miso Pudding – an unexpected and delightful dessert highlighting miso’s depth in a sweet application

Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or brand new to Japanese cuisine, this family-friendly program is designed for all ages and skill levels. Get ready to stir, whisk, and taste your way through MISO MADNESS!

Members of Japan America Societies/US JETAA can enter their society’s discount code at checkout for member pricing. Advance ticket purchase required. Only one registration per household need. 

(JSB members: find the discount code on the JSB Member Portal!)

About the Instructor:

Debra Samuels leads the program content and curriculum development of TABLE FOR TWO USA’s Japanese inspired food education program, “Wa- Shokuiku -Learn. Cook. Eat Japanese!”.

She was a food writer and contributor to the Food Section of The Boston Globe and has authored two cookbooks: “My Japanese Table,” and “The Korean Table.” She curated the exhibit, “Obento and Built Space: Japanese Boxed Lunch and Architecture,” at the Boston Architectural College (2015) and co-curated “Objects of Use and Beauty: Design and Craft in Japanese Culinary Tools,” at the Fuller Craft Museum (2018). Debra also worked as a program coordinator and an exhibition developer at the Japanese department of the Boston Children's Museum (1992-2000).

Debra has lived in Japan, all together, for 12 years and specializes in Japanese cuisine. She travels around the country and abroad teaching hands on workshops on obento, the Japanese lunchbox.