'WHAT'S COOKING?' THEME FOR APRIL 11 TARGET FREE FAMILY SATURDAY

The Japanese American National Museum continues its popular Target Free Family Saturday series with the theme of "What’s Cooking?" set for Saturday, April 11, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the National Museum in Little Tokyo.

Among those featured will be Kidding Around the Kitchen, Brian Kito, proprietor of the 106-year-old Fugetsu-Do confectionary business, and the Sushi Chef Institute. Each will hold live demonstrations that will include the opportunity to taste the food.

Kidding Around the Kitchen will hold their parents and children drop-in workshop from 12 noon to 3 p.m. Participants will learn how to make their famous "rainbow stir fry" dish. Kidding Around the Kitchen shows that families can make and eat food together without a lot of fuss or a huge time commitment. The family food demo helps families with tips on smarter shopping, fun recipe ideas, advice on how to incorporate healthier choices when possible and advice on how to delegate tasks in an age-appropriate way. This family food demo is a "how to" get everyone involved in the family meal. For more information on Kidding Around the Kitchen go to: www.kiddingaroundthekitchen.com/.

At 12:30 and 2:30 p.m., Kito will provide a mochi demonstration. Fugetsu-Do was founded in 1903 by Brian’s grandfather. Eventually, Brian’s father took over the business and Brian inherited it in the 1990s. His goal was ensure that the business made it to its 100th anniversary, and he continues to run the business today. After each demonstration, mochi will be available for tasting. For more information on Fugetsu-Do Sweet Shop go to: www.fugetsu-do.com/.

The Sushi Chef Institute will have sushi making demonstrations at 1 and 3 p.m. Founded to teach the art of making sushi and traditional Japanese food, the institute’s chief instructor is Chef Andy Matsuda, the first person who is authorized to serve as an instructor in California Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education Institution. For more information on Sushi Chef Institute go to: www.sushischool.net/.

Arts and crafts activities will be available throughout the day. Visitors will be able to make their own aprons, roll a candle that looks a piece of sushi, and design a potholder. For fun, there will be a chopstick challenge, testing your skills and Ruthie’s Origami Corner will feature an origami candy bowl.

This program is free and open to the public. Generously sponsored by Target, these special Saturdays are filled with fun activities giving families unique ways to learn, play, and grow together. For more information, call the Japanese American National Museum at (213) 625-0414, or go to www.janm.org.