Do you want to take your partner out for dinner but don’t feel like spending $50-$150+ on a meal? Or do you want to have a night in with your friends? Surprise them with homemade sushi! They will love that you put so much effort into the meal and it is fun to make. Or, as an alternative, spend the evening preparing the meal together!
Our sushi certainly was not as authentic as what is served in Japanese restaurants, but it was still super yummy (and so pretty!). The great thing about maki sushi is that it can be prepared to accommodate sensitive diets; it can be vegetarian, vegan, raw, gluten-free, and/or lactose-free.
Utensils and tools:
- Plastic wrap
- Wooden bowl
- Wooden spoon
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Sushi mat
- Pot
- Chopsticks (totally optional, but way more fun!)
Our ingredients:
- Nori (sheets of dried seaweed; can be found at most grocery stores)
- Sushi rice (jasmine rice also works)
- Rice vinegar
- Chia seeds (as an alternative to sesame seeds)
- Mango
- Carrot
- Zucchini
- Avocado
- Mayonnaise
You could also try:
- Cucumber
- Crabstick
- Shrimp
- Celery
- Cream cheese
- Apple
Finely chop your vegetables and fruits and prepare your rice. The rice must be cooked according to package instructions, then transferred from the pot or rice cooker into a wooden bowl. Using a wooden spoon, mix in a small amount of rice vinegar. The purpose of using wooden utensils is to absorb excess moisture from the rice so that it acquires a sticky texture. We used a plastic container and learned the hard way that a wooden bowl is definitely best!
Next, lay down the sushi mat, place plastic wrap on top of it, then lay down a nori sheet shiny side down. Start spreading rice evenly on the nori sheet (wet your fingers to avoid a sticky mess) and sprinkle on some seeds. Carefully flip the nori sheet so the rice is facing down on the plastic wrap. The plastic wrap simply creates a barrier so your mat does not get dirty.
Now you can have fun with whatever fillings you please! We used carrot, zuchinni, avocado, and some with mango, but there is a lot of room here to be creative! When you have all of your fillings placed on the nori, use your mat to roll the sushi— really take your time here as this can be quite tricky.
There you have it! Cut your roll into smaller pieces and serve immediately.
Perhaps some matcha ice cream for desert?
How do you spend date night?
Luckett Vineyards resides in the Gaspereau Valley overlooking some of the most stunning views in the area. Sit back, relax and enjoy a glass of wine accompanied with a delicious meal on the patio, try some samples inside or stroll through the vines to the red phone box. The entire staff is incredibly friendly and will ensure that your time there is memorable. Pete Luckett, entrepreneur extraordinaire, can often be found in the store conversing with customers. I’ve always been impressed with Luckett’s work ethic and his ability to create a pleasant and exciting environment for all customers.
There’s a large selection of wine on the menu with something for everyone. Why not try the Phone Box Red, Rosetta or Tidal Bay? There are many options both red and white to satisfy your palate. As far as the food goes… it’s delicious. I have a lot of dietary restrictions and it can be really discouraging and challenging to eat out, however, the staff is incredibly kind and accommodating. I can even eat the sandwiches there (bonus)! They have a tasty gluten-free, dairy-free bread that can be substituted in their sandwiches. My favourites are ‘The Churchill’ and ‘Valley Panini’ (pictured below) sandwiches. But for those with less restrictive diets, the sliders looked amazing (and tasted great too, according to my mom) as well as the cheese and bread boards.
Don’t leave without venturing through the vines to the red phone box. Snap that iconic photograph and call a loved one. Take in the breathtaking views and stop into the store before you leave. Feel free to sample some (more) wine and try the olives too. I also swear by their olive oil and always have a bottle on the go in my kitchen. Last but not least, don’t forget to buy some wine to take home.
We hope that you have the opportunity to experience the magic at Luckett Vineyards. Now where were we… oh yes! More wine, please!
Cheers!
