Asian flair online

One thing the Internet age has done is increase the vareity of goods available to home cooks. Where once only restaurants could order really cool stuff, there are now online stores that will shop small amounts to your door.

One of the broadest, most affordable lines out there is from Kikkoman, and especially the company's Asian Authentics line. As is often the case with bottled sauces, there's a lot of sodium in there, so lighten up on the salt. But the wasabi paste, panko bread crumbs, and line of miso could come in handy for some Asian-inspired dinners.

Sweet Teriyaki Onion Soup

Serves 6

Prep time: 10 minutes; cook time: 30 minutes

1 onion, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/3 cup Kikkoman Takumi collection Garlic and Green Onion Sauce
2 cans (14 ounce) less-sodium beef broth
6 slices provolone cheese
6 1-inch thick slices French bread, toasted

In a large, heavy saucepan, stir the onions and oil together. Cook slowly (about 15 minutes) over medium heat until the onions are softa nd slightly browned. Add everything except the bread and cheese. Stir and heat; cover and simmer about 10 minutes.

To serve, heat the oven's broiler. Add soup to 6 oven-safe bowls. Add 1 slice of bread on top of the soup; top with a slice of cheese. Immediately put under the broiler and broil until the cheese starts to brown and bubble. BE CAREFUL not to burn the cheese.