There are six types of sushi.

According to authority figure in Japanese cuisine, Hiroko Shimbo, says sushi falls within one of the following types:

Chirashizushi (scattered sushi): A bowl of rice topped with different ingredients – similar to our build-apoke bowls.

Inarizushi (named after the Shinto god Inari): Its most common form doesn’t have any fish and is sweet. Inari is a pouch of deep fried tofu simmered in a marinade of mirin, soy sauce, dashi, and sugar.

INGREDIENTS

4 cups cooked orzo, drained and rinsed (can substitute penne or bowtie pasta)
2 tbsp red wine vinegar
1/4 tsp sugar
1/8 tsp salt 3
tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
2/3 cup halved cherry tomatoes
1/2 cup pitted kalamata olives

INGREDIENTS

5 dried ancho chiles
3 dried arbol chiles
2 Roma tomatoes
4 medium garlic cloves, peeled
1/4 medium yellow onion
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 tablespoon mezcal

INGREDIENTS

3 green onions, finely chopped
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 teaspoons paprika
1 teaspoon salt

INGREDIENTS

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 small shallots, sliced
One 14-oz bag frozen peas, thawed
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Freshly ground black pepper

Sounds so simple but don't think for a Lowcountry minute that there is anything simple about preparing this much-loved classic Southern dish - fresh shrimp, grits and half a dozen other ingredients come together to be the wingmen.

The first time I tasted authentic shrimp and grits was at the Ol’ Fashioned Gullah Breakfast served annually by Dr. Louise Cohen and her volunteers at the Cherry Hill School House at the intersection of Dillon and Beach City Roads - this ranks highly in my “firsts” of memorable meals. The grits had been cooking in huge pots on the small stovetop burners since sunrise. Unlike rice, which can simmer for twenty lonely minutes, grits command attention, and like young children, must be tended to with love.

’Tis the season for gathering around the table with family and friends. But sometimes fixing that festive feast can be a little overwhelming. To make things easier for cooks who aren’t master chefs, we at Monthly have put together this simple but elegant meal that’s perfect for holiday entertaining.

“Easy” can be misleading. Yes, these festive recipes have fewer ingredients and steps than, say, a holiday meal of ham, turkey, duck or roasts with two or three side dishes and elaborate desserts, but that does not in any way mean that they are any less delicious or fall short of a pleasing presentation.