Make Sushi Party -- California Rolls

I enjoy sushi, but it is not a big part of my life. So I was unprepared for how fantastic a sushi making party could be. We had a couple of folks who seemed to know what they were doing show the rest of us how to prepare, roll, and cut california rolls and other delicacies for what turned out to be an amazing lunch.

First we consulted the Great Box of all Knowledge. Here we learned that these are done "inside out". We already had sushi rice made up (warm white rice with rice vinegar added).

First apply the sushi rice to a sheet of Yaki Nori (seaweed). Leaving a little gap around the edges. (I think we maybe left too much gap at what would become the outside seam.)

Do "the flip". This worked best by having a second bamboo mat available to put over the rice and flip the whole arrangement.

Then apply the wasabi paste, some avocado slices, and some crab.

Use the mat to roll up into a tight tube with the rice on the outside. 

Apply some roe (small fish eggs) all over the rice.
This felt like we were "winging it" and there might be a more effective technique. But we got the job done.

Sprinkle some black sesame seeds. Then slice with a moistened knife using a single cutting motion (not sawing). And rotating the log to prevent it flattening out. It is tricky to get the thickness right and important to keep it consistent. The end bits are the special treats for the cooks!

Plate it up and serve.

Enjoy with iced sake and good friends, new and old.