INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Stand the bulb up so that it is resting on the trimmed root end. Steady it with your non-dominant hand while slicing it in half lengthwise with your other hand.  Use a sharp, sturdy kitchen knife with a smooth blade. Make sure that the bulb is cut cleanly and perfectly in half from top to bottom. With the bulb halves still standing upright, cut each half in half again from top to bottom, forming quarters. Continue holding the bulb steady as you cut the quarters. Cut into the center of each quarter at an angle, removing a wedge-shaped piece from the center that extends from the top to the bottom. Discard the core when done. It is not usually saved for other uses or dishes. One flat edge of each quarter should face down. The cut sides of each quarter are flat and it will be easier to hold the fennel still with a flat side against the cutting surface. If you have the rounded outer portion of the fennel facing down, it will rock back and forth as you attempt to cut it, creating choppy, uneven pieces. You would also be more likely to accidentally cut yourself if the fennel were constantly moving back and forth. Use a sharp, smooth knife to chop the fennel quarters into tiny pieces. Separate the cut layers with your fingers to form even more pieces.  Finely chopped fennel should bee cut into 1/8 inch (3.175 mm) pieces. Medium-sized chopped fennel should be cut into pieces that are 1/4 inch (6.35 mm) wide or smaller. Coarsely-chopped fennel should be cut into pieces that are 1/4 inch (6.35 mm) wide or larger. Fold your non-dominant hand into a loose fist or “cat's paw,” with your finger knuckles pointed outward. Place your hand on the fennel bulb in this position to protect your fingertips from the knife as you cut. Cut carefully so that you do not accidentally cutting yourself.

SUMMARY: Cut the bulb in half. Cut the bulb in half again. Remove the core. Place each quarter flat on the cutting board. Cut the quarters into small, uneven pieces.


INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Place the cookie sheet in the oven and allow them to bake until the edges are set and crisp. That usually takes between 10 and 15 minutes, depending on the thickness that you rolled the dough to and the size of cookie cutters that you used. The cookies should be firm but still soft when they’re baked through. Once the cookies are done, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Allow the cookies to cool on the sheets for 1 to 2 minutes to ensure that they’re fully set before you move them. After cooling the cookies for a couple of minutes on the baking sheet, use a spatula to transfer them to wire racks. Allow the cookies to cool completely, which should take approximately 20 to 30 minutes. If you plan on decorating your cookies, it’s especially important to allow them to cool fully. Otherwise, the royal icing may melt when you apply it to the cookies.

SUMMARY: Bake the cookies for 10 to 15 minutes. Remove from the oven and cool on sheets. Cool completely on wire racks.


INPUT ARTICLE: Article: The paper towels will absorb the excess oil from the fried ravioli so that they don’t become soggy while they are cooling. Fry the ravioli for 2 minutes, making sure that you don’t overcrowd the pan.  Allow them to cool slightly while you fry another batch. Dust the ravioli with confectioner’s sugar and serve them while they are still warm.

SUMMARY: Heat 2 cups of shortening in a Dutch oven until the shortening is 375°F (190°C). Remove the ravioli from the refrigerator and place the baking sheet on the countertop next to the stovetop. Place a second baking sheet on the countertop and cover it with paper towels. Dip the ravioli into the hot shortening using either tongs or a mesh sieve. Turn the ravioli with tongs and fry them for an additional 1 to 2 minutes, until the ravioli are golden brown. Transfer the fried ravioli to the baking sheet that has been covered in paper towels. Transfer the fried ravioli to wire racks.


INPUT ARTICLE: Article: This will help you to make good decisions about what is worth paying to see and what is not really affordable. There are many ways to experience all that Japan has to offer without having to pay much. Just a few of the things you might like to do:  Visit Akihabara (known as "Akiba" for short) in Tokyo. This electronics district has all the latest otaku (geek) trends and simply taking it all in can be an exciting experience. Visit Japan's beaches. There are lots of beaches on both mainland Japan and on the islands of Okinawa. If the weather is good, these are a fascinating way to spend some time. Visit Shibuya, the shopping center for Tokyo youth. Here you'll see many trendy Japanese, along with emerging trends. Bring your camera along. Take time to check out the architecture. Tokyo has a smorgasbord of amazing buildings to examine and photograph. See what festivals are happening while you're visiting. Getting caught up in the excitement of festivities can be a great way to remember your time in Japan. Visit temples and shrines. There are so many that you could make your entire trip revolve around these beautiful, peaceful and enlightening places. Take time to see Japanese gardens. Some may charge, some may be free but you'll find plenty to see and enjoy as you take a rest from the hectic pace outside of the garden. Go hiking. Provided you can get to the good hiking locations, this can be a very affordable way to see more of Japan. The huts on hiking trails tend to be priced reasonably and there are amazing things to see, from volcanoes on Japan's southern island of Kyushu to the peaks of the Japan Alps in Central Honshu. Save money on Tokyo's museums by getting a Grutt Pass, which will get you free or discounted access to around 75 museums in Tokyo. One price stores come in many types in Japan, corresponding roughly to $1, $3, $5 and $10 stores. They have more expensive one price stores as well. Many items in these stores look like they were far more expensive and make great gifts for yourself and others. Look for THE DAISO, Seiriya and 3 Coins, but there are countless others.

SUMMARY:
Set a daily budget for entrance fees and associated costs with visiting places. Find the free or low-cost things to do. Buy souvenirs in 100, 300, 500 and 1,000 yen stores.