Do you want to hear the saddest little story (and see the most epic photo montage?)
Not once during the entire 4 months I was a camp counselor in Japan did a sumptuous piece of sushi ever cross my lips.
Sushi. In Japan. Where it was freaking invented.
I could smack my little 19 year old self in the face! What were you thinking? I’d like to ask her! How could you sit at all those conveyor belt restaurants and let the freshest sushi on the planet whiz right past you while you ordered…Miso Soup?!
(source)
How could you nearly barf after learning your roommate was savoring raw salmon from what you now recognize as the most delectable looking sashimi platter you have ever seen?
Luckily I came to my senses somewhere around 21, and enjoyed a healthy amount of briny, sweet, fresh, melt-in-your-mouth sushi when my Mom and I returned for an unforgettable Mother/Daughter trip a few years later.
I’ve had a love affair going with all things raw and rolled ever sense.
I used to make sushi all the time a couple years ago, but fell out of the habit because, let’s be real, it’s kind of a pain in the butt.
Pressing out the rice for the inside of the rolls is super sticky, and I find myself not even hungry by the time I get a platter all ready to go, since I’ve eaten all the ends and mistakes along the way.
This weekend I randomly got a craving to give it another go, though.
Knowing I wouldn’t have the patience to spend time churning out rolls on a weeknight, I transformed my standard recipe for a California Roll into a California Roll WRAP!
I started by rinsing 1 cup sushi rice in water,
then cooked it according to package directions.
Into the hot rice, I drizzled 2 Tablespoons rice vinegar, 1 heaping Tablespoon sugar and a dash of salt that I had nuked in the microwave for 30 seconds.
Sushi rice is tre delicate so I mixed it up by making big “X’s” in the cooked grains with a wooden spoon.
Folding it every now and again to get it all mixed up.
I poured the hot rice on a platter to cool down, then got to work cutting up the rest of my California Roll Wrap ingredients:
Cucumber, imitation crab, avocado,
toasted sesame seeds,
and sliced nori.
I have found nori (the outside of a sushi roll) everywhere from Dahl’s to Super Walmart and specialty Asian Stores. I think it’s key to getting that classic, sushi flavor. :)
To assemble the California Roll Wraps I started with a large lettuce leaf. Any kind’ll do.
I spooned on some sticky, seasoned rice,
then layered on cucumber,
crab,
avocado,
sliced nori and sesame seeds.
(millions of less disturbing pieces, anyone?)
Drizzled with a little soy sauce,
wrapped,
and devoured!
Enjoyed with a side of laughter. :lol:
I think I inhaled some sesame seeds – HACK!!!
Ohhh, good times. :)
Totally loved this din-din. Less hassle, but all the classic flavors of that smooth and creamy California Roll. It’s great for sushi beginners too because there’s no raw fish!
I would tell her “STOP EATING, love yourself, and that a real man will love you for who you are”.
LOL – my 19-year-old self. How *almost* 30 really isn’t THAT old – and that even though you think you’re having fun now, it’s nothing compared to how awesome your life will be in 10 years with two girls and a fantastic husband. Enjoy your blog – just found it a few days ago! Good to see someone else represent the midwest in a positive light!!
I would tell my 19 year old self that the guy I liked was an ass and totally not worth it. I would also say that everything will end up how it’s supposed to. And wow…. that meals looks splendid:)
I LOVE Bravo… but Most Eligible Dallas is horrendous. Maybe it’s because I’m from Dallas, and I went to high school with the girl Neill on there… but I find myself shaking my head and laughing for most of it!
Great idea for the sushi. Honestly I have never even tried to make sushi since it looks so complex (and honestly I prob never will try) but this recipe I will totally try.
Fun fact: I went to college with Courtney Kerr from Most Eligible Dallas. She was my big sister in our social club (name a Christian school gives sororities). SO WEIRD to see her on TV. I pulled out my pictures from when I pledged and there are a ton of me & her, so crazy that she is on tv.
If I could tell my 19 year old self something it would be “stop playing the comparison game. You are beautiful just the way God made you!”
If I could tell my 19 year old self something it would be, “PUT SOME CLOTHES ON.”
Love sushi. Love this idea. Will be making it STAT.
i’d tell my 19 y/o self to relax and have fun!
Girl you make the best looking and tasting food ever! You need your own show on Bravo! Why Bravo? Cuz I’m addicted to it too. Btw… We made your Apricot Glazed Goat Cheese Stuffed Turkey Burgers the other night and WOWGASM!! I have to make it again this week. Thanks for all the great recipes and thanks for your great humor.
To my 19 year old self… Don’t sweat the small stuff.
Great idea! I am taking a sushi cooking class next week at New Pioneer Food Coop in Iowa City – so excited!
I would tell my 19 year old self to follow your dreams and go to culinary school!
**I’m not yet 19, but I’m still telling my 19 year old (future) self that I better be traveling every chance I get!
Ha sorry, last one didn’t make any sense :)
I’m right there with ya…I LOVE Bravo :) Such a guilty pleasure network!
If I could tell my 19 year old self anything it would be to worry about the important things in life and to ser the bigger picture.
your pictures are always so beautiful!
Your homemade sushi looks goooooooood too. Anything with sesame seeds and soy sauce has my heart :D
I’m not yet 19, but when I’m still telling my 19 year old (future) self that I better be traveling every chance I get! I can’t get enough of it :)
Looks great! I would tell my 19 year old self to worry less, travel more and call my grandma more often.