that's how i roll.

... like my sushi joke (hah hah??).

ahem.
moving on.

i am finally gettin' my groove back in the kitchen, y'all.
thank jesus.
after fighting with a highly irritable belly for a few months, let's just say inspiration in the kitchen has been... lacking.

what got my rear in gear?
last week, my boy took me to a little place across from his house because i was craving sushi like a raging pregnant woman (of which i am not. to clarify.).

we'd been there before, but i figured i should check out the menu again to see what looked good.
low and behold, they added a new roll to the otherwise standard menu - an avocado and mango roll.
my foodie heart leapt for joy!

it was surprisingly really flavorful, but i couldn't help thinking, "you know... i could do better."

... so, i did.

ugly but tasty homemade sushi.

- package of nori (i got ten sheets/servings at whole foods for $3.99)

- cooked sushi rice (instructions below)

- your choice of main fillings - i used laughing cow wedges, smoked salmon, mango, and avocado)

- thinly julienned vegetables

optional garnishes - sesame seeds, soy sauce, wasabi, pickled ginger

let's do this thing.

1. make your sushi rice.

there are plenty of credible websites that teach you how to make an authentic batch of sushi rice, but here's my completely unauthorized, unqualified version:

- cook rice with equal parts rice to water.

- take off the heat, stir in a pinch of sugar, a pinch of salt, and a splash of rice vinegar.

- let cool to room temperature.

2. while your rice is cooking, chop your fillings.

- because of previously stated craving, i used thinly sliced avocados and mangos for one, and laughing cow, salmon, carrots, and cukes for another i fed to my guinea pigs family and friends.

3. lay down a sheet of nori, sprinkle a layer of sushi rice (leaving an inch uncovered at the top and bottom), and line fillings towards top.

4. hold your breath and pray fervently to the sushi gods while you roll tightly.

5. wet your fingers and seal the edge WELL. wet a sharp knife and slice into 6 pieces, wetting between each slice.

6. top with sesame seeds and serve with soy sauce!

experience foodgasms.

consensus: score.

i'm not gonna lie, i can't really think of too many times recently when i didn't think i could do better after going out.

am i alone in this?

................................................................................................................

another motivation to get back into the kitchen?

my mom pestering me to make hummus for her.
again.
for the 10,000th time.

i kinda feel dumb calling this a recipe.

- 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed well

- scoop of nut or seed butter

- juice of 1 lemon (watch those pesky seeds!)

- 1 tbsp oil

- 2 or 3 cloves of garlic, minced

- spices of choice

1. combine first 5 ingredients in food processor, and pulse until smooth (or not. it's your life.). i used chunky peanut butter for my nut butter and sesame oil for my oil, fyi.

2. season according to taste. start with a teaspoon or two of each spice, and adjust as you go. i usually use black pepper, smoky paprika, chipotle chili powder, red pepper flakes, cumin, and onion powder.

consensus: i love it in paninis, on crackers, with carrots, on english muffins...

you guys know this.

i'm preaching to the choir.

.........................................................................................................

and p.s. - i'm finally going back to school!!!

i'll be at VCU this august for community health education, then specialize in culinary nutrition. 

after years of doctors' visits, countless blood tests, and a whole lotta tears, i'm finally moving forward again with my life.

it's been so frustrating to be home... not because i don't want to be here, but because i feel like it's just one more thing standing in between me and accomplishing my passions.

i have things to say, places to go, and people to eat with!

i know that this illness has, and will, serve a purpose in my life, and hopefully many others' lives as well.

i am actually incredibly thankful for it.

not that it's been pleasant, but because it has shown me how much i take things for granted, and after this, i will NEVER do that again.

i cannot thank god enough for giving me the strength to move on, my family for hugs when i need it, and you guys for support and encouragement!

-r