Thanks Jill for posting the photos!

We have a rather fun tradition that started quite a few years ago, that James’ family and my family both like to do.  We call it Gourmet Night, and it all started with a desire to learn more about Thailand’s food.  Years ago we had our first Gourmet Night at Jimmy’s brother’s home.  He had served an LDS Mission to Thailand, and was going to teach some of us how to cook Thai food.  That’s how it all started.  For a while there we would meet monthly with a new theme and have dinner.  We’ve had Thai night, Japanese Night, White Trash night, and Garden Night to name a few.  Every Feb. my family has their own Gourmet Night to celebrate the Chinese New Year.  Since I have two brothers who served missions in Taiwan, a sister-in-law, and a husband we never miss this Gourmet Night.

It’s been a while since we’ve had a regular Gourmet Night, but last Sat. we had a Sushi and Tempura night at my house.  I won’t proclaim to be a professional sushi maker, but I can roll some rice up.  We don’t live too close to the ocean, so we keep it safe with a spicy chicken salad inside the rolls.  The best part of the sushi rolls though is the thinly sliced lemon that I wrapped inside.  It was sooo stinking good!!  I think you could wrap about anything in rice and seaweed, and then dip it in soy and wasabi.  It would still be fabulous!

My children are huge sushi lovers as well.  That is actually what fueled my need to learn how to make a sushi roll.  I was going broke with all the nights at Happy Sushi.  It costs a lot to feed 6 people enough sushi to make their little tummies full.  I try all sorts of ingredients and usually the rolls are made with what I have in the fridge.  My favorite though is the spicy chicken, cream cheese, cukes, avocado, and thin lemon.  Delish!!

Don’t be shy with sushi.  Give it a try.  All you really need to get started is a sushi mat, and they’re pretty cheap.  I figure I can make about 10 times the amount of sushi for the cost of 6 rolls at my favorite joint.  Pretty dang worth learning!