80's Night Party Playlist and Sushi Recipe

80's night.  Bust out the big hair and leg warmers.  Sushi's popularity in the United States was born out of the excess of the 80's (remember all the powerful Japanese businessmen in the movies back then?), which is still popular in America today.  This playlist features some classic songs from the 80's that are sure to bring back some memories!  Links under songs will open up iTunes listing, where they can be purchased. 

preparation

• Cover your sushi rolling mat with cling wrap for easy cleaning. Set the rolling mat on an even surface.
• Lay the Nori/Seaweed on the mat. Lay it on the top edge that is nearest to you.
• Moisten your hands in the bowl of water. Then spread a thin layer of the sushi rice on top of the Nori. Make sure the rice is covering evenly and pressed down firmly to make sure it is sticking to the nori.  It is important to keep your hands moist throughout the sushi rolling process.
• Flip the nori over, making sure it is rice side down (and in contact with the cellophane covered rolling mat). Next, you begin to add the contents that go within the roll.
• Apply a thin layer of wasabi along the nori mat, where you will be laying the filling ingredients.  Lay the avocado strips horizontally across the center of your nori. Remember to spread the ingredients as evenly as possible, which means you may have to slice them all quite narrow. Arrange the crab and thinly sliced cucumber along the middle of the nori as well well.
• Now it's time to roll the sushi. Carefully lift up the side of the mat nearest you and fold it over to make a cylinder/tube shape. Tuck in the edge of your nori with your fingers to make a complete roll.
• Continue pressing with your fingers and pushing to shape as you roll. Make sure not to push too hard on it but do ensure it is of a good even size.
• Once the roll is complete, you can then add the toasted sesame seeds or unagi to the rice on the outside of the roll.  Use these sparingly, as they can be strong in flavor sometimes.
• Slice it
• Note: It is helpful to dip your knife into water to ensure easier/cleaner cutting of the roll. Cut the roll in two, then lay those two sides parallel. Slice it into even pieces.  We have found that a specialty sushi cutting knife works best.  You can find these at many kitchen stores and asian markets.
• To present your sushi, place the sushi onto a platter or container on its side, allowing the beautiful colors of the sushi to shine through. Serve it with soy sauce, a side of wasabi, and pickled ginger.
• You can be creative and add or try different fillings based on your personal tastes.