ASIAN CELERY SALAD

INGREDIENTS:

1 head celery
1 tablespoon low sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon mirin *
2 cloves garlic (finely minced)
 Toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)

DIRECTIONS:

Wash the celery and cut into 1 inch diagonal slices. Put in large sauce pan, cover with cold water. Bring to a boil. Drain immediately and cover with ice water until completely cooled.

Mix remaining ingredients together, pour over celery and stir well. Refrigerate for about 1 hour and serve cold.

*But if you don't have it in your cupboard, no worries: Simple subs and hacks can easily mimic mirin's sweet-tangy flavor. Dry sherry, sweet marsala wine, dry white wine, and rice vinegar will do the trick, for instance, if you mix in about 1/2 teaspoon sugar per tablespoon.