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1
Place the item in the bottom of the steamer pot, or pan, that is to keep the cups off the bottom, if necessary.
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2
Pour enough hot water to cover the bottom of the pan that is to serve as a steamer and place it on the stove, or fill pot high enough to set the chawanmushi custard cups 1/2 way into the water.
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3
Grease the cups with either a bit of oil or a bit of butter.
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4
Cut and slice selected fillers into small enough thin slices to fit well into the size cup.
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5
(One egg with filler will take up two poacher cups or one chawanmushi custard cup.
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6
).
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7
Put egg(s) into a bowl, and add the mirin, soy sauce, and dashi.
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8
Stir until evenly mixed.
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9
Some like it that the egg mixture is gently stirred to make a smooth custard texture.
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10
I like to beat it and get air in it.
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11
Arrange the selected items on the bottom of the cup(s).
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12
Some of the items will float to the top while cooking.
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13
Turn the heat on the water until it starts to boil.
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14
While the water is heating up, pour the egg mixture over the selected items.
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15
(Each cup should be about 2/3 filled.
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16
).
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17
Place the cups into the steamer, not letting the bottom of the cups touch the bottom of the pan, but like a double boiler.
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18
Chawanmushi cups are set on a rack that keeps them off the bottom.
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19
Chawanmushi lids are put on with a little rolled up piece of paper towel tucked so as to lift the lid up just enough for air to circulate.
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20
Turn the heat down to low and simmer.
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21
The cooking time varies according to the starting temp of the ingredients and the depth of the mixture.
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22
I let it simmer undisturbed for 5 minutes, and then check frequently.
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23
To test for doneness insert a toothpick, and if it comes out clean it is done.
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24
If the egg mixture has been beaten then it may puff up when cooking.
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25
Chawanmushi cups are removed carefully, as the cups are partially submerged in very hot water, and then the cups are placed on saucers and served like a custard.
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26
Poached eggs are removed from the poacher with a spatula, sliding it around the edges.
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27
These can be served on toast.
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28
A topping can be used if desired, like a bit of tomato sauce, or any other.
