I have been dying to start rolling my own sushi for months. I've watched videos, read articles, studied recipes. Even Vivian has watched a tutorial on the Food Network. Today I decided was the day, quite by accident.
As I was passing by the sushi department at Publix, I just happened to glance over at the rack of products there and nori caught my eye. As I was looking at the package, the sushi lady approached me to ask if I was going to make my own. I said "yes" but I wish Publix sold sushi rice. She began to explain that they do, but the container on the shelf is pretty pricey, but she can sell the rice she uses to me by the pound from the sushi dept. Whatchoo talkin' 'bout Willis?
So, I bought rice from her, got some pickled ginger, wasabi powder and the nori, of course. Viv is a big fan of California roll, so I knew that would be my first endeavor. I prefer the sushi rolls with the rice on the outside, so that's what I was creating. Honestly, my first attempt was a flop.Too much rice, not enough filling. So, I tried again and this time the proportions were better but I discovered that despite the awesome Global knife collection I have, they aren't currently sharp enough. Time for a sharpening. I took this first batch with me as I picked Viv up from golf camp. She snacked in the car and gave me not just a thumbs up, but told me this was the best California roll she'd ever tasted. I'm 100% sure she was flattering me.
When we returned home, we got back to work together this time. First, we put together a roll with avocado, cucumber (from our garden) and Alaskan snow crab. We included a smear of cream cheese and a bit of wasabi. Again, I rolled the rice on the outside and did a much better job this time on the tightness and on the slicing. Vivian assembled, rolled and sliced a California roll with nori outside ALL BY HERSELF. I was extremely impressed and very proud!
We had all of this ready and in the fridge before Neil came home for dinner. So, we surprised him with a dinner of sushi, Teriyaki salmon, the Ina Garten corn salad (thanks to my friend Heather for introducing me to this recipe!) and some steamed pea pods.
As for rolling one's own sushi, let me say: it's harder than it looks, but it's really not that hard. Just today, I made 3 attempts and got better each time. Like anything, practice makes perfect. The fact that Viv watched one tutorial and rolled like a pro was remarkable. She's got one heck of a future as a pro-golfer, architect, sushi-rolling, piano playing model. But, all kidding aside, I've been interested in tackling this task for a while and I'm so glad that I just jumped in today and did it. More attempts and it will become like 2nd nature! If you want homemade sushi, you're welcome to come here...just bring the sake. Lots and lots of sake.
As I was passing by the sushi department at Publix, I just happened to glance over at the rack of products there and nori caught my eye. As I was looking at the package, the sushi lady approached me to ask if I was going to make my own. I said "yes" but I wish Publix sold sushi rice. She began to explain that they do, but the container on the shelf is pretty pricey, but she can sell the rice she uses to me by the pound from the sushi dept. Whatchoo talkin' 'bout Willis?
So, I bought rice from her, got some pickled ginger, wasabi powder and the nori, of course. Viv is a big fan of California roll, so I knew that would be my first endeavor. I prefer the sushi rolls with the rice on the outside, so that's what I was creating. Honestly, my first attempt was a flop.Too much rice, not enough filling. So, I tried again and this time the proportions were better but I discovered that despite the awesome Global knife collection I have, they aren't currently sharp enough. Time for a sharpening. I took this first batch with me as I picked Viv up from golf camp. She snacked in the car and gave me not just a thumbs up, but told me this was the best California roll she'd ever tasted. I'm 100% sure she was flattering me.
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| Patting the rice out onto the plastic wrap and sushi mat |
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| The roll |
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| Viv's After-Golf Snack |
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| My favorite sign |
When we returned home, we got back to work together this time. First, we put together a roll with avocado, cucumber (from our garden) and Alaskan snow crab. We included a smear of cream cheese and a bit of wasabi. Again, I rolled the rice on the outside and did a much better job this time on the tightness and on the slicing. Vivian assembled, rolled and sliced a California roll with nori outside ALL BY HERSELF. I was extremely impressed and very proud!
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| Patting out the rice like a boss! |
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| She added carrot, cucumber & avocado |
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| My baby's first California roll; proud Mama! |
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| I did this one...crab, cream cheese, avocado and cucumber roll |
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| Our results |
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| Teriyaki salmon, corn salad, sushi and steamed pea pods |
As for rolling one's own sushi, let me say: it's harder than it looks, but it's really not that hard. Just today, I made 3 attempts and got better each time. Like anything, practice makes perfect. The fact that Viv watched one tutorial and rolled like a pro was remarkable. She's got one heck of a future as a pro-golfer, architect, sushi-rolling, piano playing model. But, all kidding aside, I've been interested in tackling this task for a while and I'm so glad that I just jumped in today and did it. More attempts and it will become like 2nd nature! If you want homemade sushi, you're welcome to come here...just bring the sake. Lots and lots of sake.
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