I am not sure when or how this tradition started or if it even is a longstanding tradition in the Donohue-family, but for the few Christmases (it was only four) that I spent with John, there was always Sushi being made at some point. Klara recently requested that we make Sushi and so I got my act together and we rolled Sushi last night. Note, that this involves only vegetables, Klara declares she does not like fish very much, and don't even mention raw fish! I wouldn't mind adding a little shrimp, but veggie is fine with me.
John and I of course made and sold vegetarian Sushi at the Ludlow Farmer's market for a couple of years and John had ideas and ambitions to teach Sushi rolling classes. A few people have over the years asked me for his basic instructions, so I'll share them here:
Vegetarian Sushi - Basic Course
My skills in making and rolling Sushi seem to get rustier and rustier over the years but it's a bit like riding a bike, you don't completely forget. Last night's rolls came out quite nice. To my shame, when Klara asked me for leftover rolls this morning, I had to admit that I finished them off for breakfast ... 😬 I still have a bit of rice left in the fridge, we may see if rolls made from leftover rice are any good, I wonder?!
Merry Christmas and 'Guten Appetit'!
Addendum: Firstly, the rolls with yesterday's rice were quite tasty. Secondly, the traditions of Christmas Sushi started when John and friends at the Funhouse, one year, had Sushi fish overnighted from Hawaii for a Sushi party and it just so happened to be around Christmas time. After that, it became something to do for Christmas. These days, it does not involve any fish - if we even manage to pull it together. When we do, we always enjoy it!
Images: Top - Klara rolling Sushi in our kitchen - December 22, 2020
Bottom - Sushi rolls made by myself - December 24, 2011