I have been wanting to make my own sushi for quite some time, but I hadn’t been able to muster up my courage. Lucky for me, I’m a Daring Cook. The November 2009 Daring Cooks challenge was brought to you by Audax of Audax Artifex and Rose of The Bite Me Kitchen. They chose sushi as the challenge.
The challenge consisted of four parts: 1) sushi rice, 2) dragon rolls, 3) spiral sushi roll, and 4) nigiri sushi. After investing an hour and a half just to prepare the sushi rice, I vowed never to complain again about the wait at my favorite sushi joint.
Smoked salmon, cucumber, avocado…need I say more? Although my “dragon” has a face only a mother could love, I’m still proud of it. Who cares about looks when it tastes so good, anyway?
The spiral roll was the most challenging of them all for me. Actually, I have a confession to make – I enlisted the help of my gracious husband on this one. I committed a rookie mistake and overfilled my spiral roll. I know, I know…less is more. But you should know how hardheaded I am by now.
I used sashimi grade tuna for both the spiral roll and the nigiri. The nigiri proved to be the easiest for me as it does not involve rolling, but rather a hand-shaped roll. Next time, I will forgo the thin line of wasabi on top of the rice that binds the sashimi to it. Let’s just say, husband and I will have no sinus issues for the next decade. 😉 I rounded out the meal with a little seaweed salad and some miso soup (thank you, Fresh Market!).
If you want some full on food porn complete with fantastic sushi recipes, visit Audax and Rose. As if that’s not enough to satisfy your hunger, check out the rest of the gang on the blogroll. Join me Tuesday for a very festive bundt cake that’s sure to get you in the holiday spirit.
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10 comments
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November 15, 2009 at 10:18 pm
teaandscones
All of your sushi looks fantastic. I was too much of a coward to try this challenge. Maybe one day……
November 15, 2009 at 10:31 pm
Cynthia Eden
Looks great! Good job! 🙂
November 15, 2009 at 10:39 pm
Audax Artifex
Your sushi platter looks wonderful and that spiral roll is so delicious and luscious. Your nigiri is spot-on. Well done on this challenge. And the hour and half for the rice was worth it your cooked rice is perfect I can see how shiny it is and almost transparent which is a sign of a superb sushi chef. Bravo on a great result. Cheers from Audax in Australia.
November 16, 2009 at 12:25 am
Wic
your sushi looks delicious. I love the Nigiri, it looks perfect.
November 16, 2009 at 12:18 pm
theeclecticconnoisseur
Wic – Thanks, the Nigiri was my favorite to make.
Audax – Thanks for a fun and creative challenge!
Cindy – Thanks for always being supportive. 🙂
Margaret – I know better than that. You are no coward, lady. I say go for it!
November 16, 2009 at 1:20 pm
cuppy
Miso soup?! Gimme gimme! That was what was missing from our sushi dinner. 😦 There’s just something about indulging in some miso soup before gorging on the mega mounds of sushi…
Great job on the challenge! Your rice looks perfect!
November 16, 2009 at 4:58 pm
theeclecticconnoisseur
Thanks, Cuppy! Yes, the miso soup was a great starter.
November 16, 2009 at 7:45 pm
Jill
I am utterly impressed…..as a matter of fact, I am BRILLIANTLY impressed. I wish I had your talent. SOOOO, when we see eachother again, will you cook for us one night??? 🙂
Miss you!
November 16, 2009 at 8:50 pm
Jessica
Wow the sushi looks great! I took a sushi-making class once but I never did it after that. I am so curious to try it. All of the rolls look delish.
November 17, 2009 at 8:24 am
theeclecticconnoisseur
Jessica – I would love to take a sushi-making class. How fun! You should definitely give it a try at home.
Jill – Don’t be too impressed. Kevin helped with the spiral roll b/c I couldn’t get it. I would love to cook for y’all. Maybe New Year’s? I miss you too!