Homemade California Rolls Sushi

"Wouldn't it be fun to try and make. . ." That's how conversations in our kitchen often begin.  And most of the time it is fun to try and make whatever thing we came up with.  Though I'll admit homemade sushi was Jeremy's idea and the number of times we've had it have been solely as a product of Jeremy's home industry--I have enjoyed the result.  I used to think I wasn't a big fish fan (I've now discovered I'm simply a fish snob--I only like quality fish) but I've always liked crab.  

One of the guests invited to Wyatt's party is our friend who is allergic to dairy and eggs.  So sushi is a great thing to serve for allergic or lactose-intolerant guests (especially since the other menu items--cake and ice cream--were definitely out!).

We use Alton Brown's recipe for sushi rice.We've used it a couple of times and think it turns out well.


Sushi Rice:

* 2 cups sushi, or short grain, rice
* 2 cups water, plus extra for rinsing rice
* 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
* 2 tablespoons sugar
* 1 tablespoon kosher salt

Place the rice into a mixing bowl and cover with cool water. Swirl the rice in the water, pour off and repeat 2 to 3 times or until the water is clear.

Place the rice and 2 cups of water into a medium saucepan and place over high heat. Bring to a boil, uncovered. Once it begins to boil, reduce the heat to the lowest setting and cover. Cook for 15 minutes. Remove from the heat and let stand, covered, for 10 minutes.

Combine the rice vinegar, sugar and salt in a small bowl and heat in the microwave on high for 30 to 45 seconds. Transfer the rice into a large wooden or glass mixing bowl and add the vinegar mixture. Fold thoroughly to combine and coat each grain of rice with the mixture. Allow to cool to room temperature before using to make sushi or sashimi.

Yield: 4 cups

We always reference the video of Alton demonstrating the assembly of the California rolls to remember the rolling technique.  Jeremy says the trick to working with the rice is to keep your hands damp so it doesn't stick to you.  We don't have a sushi mat--we just use our Silpat and it works great.

The other ingredients are:
Nori (seaweed)
sesame seeds
immitation crab (It's actually fish not crab, but works best for these purposes.)
avocado, sliced thinly
carrots, sliced into matchsticks
cucumber, sliced into matchsticks

Spread rice thinly on the nori.  Sprinkle with sesame seeds.  Flip over so rice is on the bottom (For a true California roll, but sometimes we don't bother to do this).lay out a thin row of vegetables and roll up.  Slice into bite-size peices with a sharp knife dipped in warm water.

Serve with pickled ginger and wasabi paste.