Eating with Chopsticks

What You Need:

• Disposable wooden chopsticks in paper wrapper
• Rubber band
• 2 medium cucumbers, peeled, seeded, and sliced into thin matchsticks
• 1/3 cup rice vinegar
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
• Small handful of toasted sesame seeds

What You Do:

1. Begin by preparing the dressing for the sunomono. Whisk together the rice vinegar, sugar, and salt in a bowl large enough to hold the sliced cucumber. Once the dressing is mixed, add the cucumber and let marinate in the refrigerator while you make the chopsticks.
2. Have your child unwrap the disposable chopsticks, taking care not to tear the paper wrapper too much.
3. Help him fold over the end of the wrapper about 1/4 inch, then fold the other way another 1/4 inch. Continue folding in an accordion pattern until the wrapper is completely folded.
4. Have him gently separate the chopsticks.
5. Place the folded wrapper between the two chopsticks about 2-3 inches down from the top (the thick end).
6. Holding the wrapper in place, carefully twist the rubber band around the chopsticks just above the wrapper until tight.
7. Now that your chopsticks are ready, it's time to finish making the sunomono! Remove the marinating cucumbers from the refrigerator and spoon into small bowls.
8. Garnish with a few slices of red onion and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds.
9. Now it's time to eat! Show him how to use the chopsticks by holding them below the wrapper and squeezing to pick up a piece of food.