sushi dreams

Horsey Girl is branching out. Normally my resident baker, she has caught the bento obsession. Here we have the results of her latest venture - sushi, and it is wonderful. We made a plate as a special thank you to the Buddha of Wealth and Happiness.
Wash the rice carefully, swirling it around in a mesh strainer for five to ten minutes. Put equal parts rice and water in the pot and soak for another twenty minutes to half an hour. Bring water to a boil and cook 2 - 3 minutes over high heat. Reduce heat to low, cook 15 minutes, then turn off heat and let it steam for 20.

For 1 1/2 cups rice, pour 1/4 cup rice vinegar and 1 tablespoon sugar over the rice as you spread it into a big, wide wooden bowl. While this is happening, have your mother fan the rice wildly with a Japanese magazine to cool it. Keep a damp cloth over the top as you work.

Make sure your fingers are wet as you spread the rice over the nori. Use whatever fillings you like - here we have cucumber, carrot and red pepper - then start rolling, using the bamboo mat to keep things contained.
Eat with wasabi, soy sauce, and/or pickled vegetables. Save some for later if you can...

Good luck.