Break out the “Auld Lang Syne,” folks!Ā New Year’s Eve have finally arrived.
In just a few hours, we’ll gather together with loved ones and ring in 2015, while stuffing our faces with a smorgasbord of delightful — albeit predictable —Ā hors d’oeuvres.Ā
But, this time around, why not surprise your NYE guests with a munchable party favor they weren’t expecting, for a change?! Uh huh. Because boring old finger foods are sooooĀ 2014.
Here’s a question to ponder: How many buffet stations have youĀ seenĀ that feature homemade sushi???
Well…ahem, yours could!
And it’s much easier than you might think. Follow these straightforward, step-by-step instructions, and you’ll be a sushi-rolling pro before Ryan Seacrest can chant, “3…2…1…HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!”
So, end 2014 on a culinary high note. Serve up a unique, creative and oh-so-tasty appetizer, which will keep everyone doing the yes-this-is-my-third-helping-don’t-judge-meĀ walk of shame right up until midnight.
- Ā Required Cooking Utensils:
- Ingredients:
- 4 Nori sheets
- 1 cup Sushi Rice
- 1 cup low-fat Cream Cheese
- 1/2 Avocado
- 1/2 Cucumber
- 4Ā slices Smoked Salmon
- 1/2 cup cooked & peeled Shrimp
- 2 tbsp Rice Wine Vinegar
- 1/2 tbsp Sesame Oil
- 1 tsp dried Dill Weed
- 1 tsp Chives
- Preparation:
1. Rinse the sushi rice thoroughly in cool water, then transfer the rice to a medium-sized saucepan.
2. Pour 1 1/4 cup water into the saucepan, then place it on a stove-top burner and turn the heat up to high.
3. When the water has reached a boiling point, reduce the heat to low, then cover the saucepan.
4. Allow the rice to simmer for approximately 20 minutes, or until the water has absorbed completely (during this process, DO NOT lift the lid off the saucepan).
5. Remove the saucepan from the stove-top burner and allow it to cool for approximately 10 minutes.
6. Stir in the the rice wine vinegar and sesame oil, then set the rice aside temporarily.
7. While the rice has been cooking,Ā whisk together the cream cheese, dill weed and chives in a small mixing bowl.
8. Peel the avocado and cutĀ it in half (wrap 1/2 in cellophane and place it in the fridge, so it won’t get overly ripe).
9. Slice the remaining avocado half into thin julienne-cut “matchsticks,” then repeat steps 8-9 with the cucumber.
10. Remove the tails from the shrimp, then thinly slice them in half lengthwise.
11. Slice the smoked salmon into 8 small (approximately 2″ all around) square pieces.
12. Place 1 Nori sheet flat on the bamboo sushi mat, then spread a thin later of cream cheese over it.
13. Using the rice paddle, spread a layer of sushi rice on top of the cream cheese.
14. Arrange the “filler” ingredients, vertically, in 2 rows on top of the rice (I paired cucumber/salmon and avocado/shrimp, but feel free to get creative here!).
15. Using the bamboo mat as a guide, tightly roll the sushi into a long tube-like shape, then set this roll aside temporarily.
16. Repeat steps 12-15 with the other 3 Nori sheets, alternating ingredient combinations to suite your individual tastes.
17. Place these 4 sushi rolls in the fridge between 5-10 minutes, or until they have firmed up slightly.
18. Take the sushi rolls out of the fridge, then slice them horizontally into disk-shaped pieces, with the Sashimi knife.
(Okay, so my finished product might not earn Brownie Points for presentation, but I can sure vouch for its deliciousness!)
- Serving Suggestion:
For a wholesome and uber amazing side dish, throw together this easy-peasy “seaweed” saute (I say “seaweed” in quotes because the main ingredient is actually spinach). In a large skillet, heat 2 tbspĀ Sesame OilĀ on a medium stove-top setting. Add 2 cups Spinach LeavesĀ and cook them, stirring occasionally, until the leaves have thoroughly wilted. Reduce the heat to low, then pour inĀ 2 tbsp Rice Wine Vinegar (feel free to add more to-taste) and 1 tbsp White Cooking Wine. Allow the spinach to simmer for approximately 5 minutes, continuing to stir occasionally. Remove from the stove-top burner, then sprinkle a generous handful of Sesame Seeds over the spinach before serving.
