Gift Guide 2015: Nice for Rice
![SHED_PRODUCT_0915_25_large SHED_PRODUCT_0915_25_large](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fbucketeer-e05bbc84-baa3-437e-9518-adb32be77984.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F90c9d3e0-ce16-4398-bf78-cf14c1525a8b_450x450.jpeg)
This is a handai, the traditional vessel used in Japan in the final step of making sushi rice. Cooked short grain rice is turned into a wide cedar bow, the vinegar/sugar mixture is poured over the rice which is fanned as it cools. The cedar absorbs excess moisture from the rice.
I don't make a lot of sushi at home, but this vessel is not only beautiful, but also fabulously fragrant . It's a perfect way to make the most ordinary dish of rice look very lovely on the table.