California Rolls

In a large bowl, cover rice with cold water. Using your hand, agitate rice to release starch; carefully drain water. Rinse rice 5 to 7 more times until water runs clear. Transfer rice to a small saucepan, and add 2 cups water. Bring to a boil over high. Reduce heat to low; cover and cook until rice absorbs water, about 15 minutes. Turn off heat, and let rice stand, covered, for 10 minutes. Transfer rice to a parchment paper-lined baking sheet or large bowl; set aside, and let cool completely, about 20 minutes.

Meanwhile, combine sugar, 1/4 cup of the vinegar, and 1 teaspoon of the salt in a small microwave-safe bowl; microwave on high until sugar is dissolved, about 1 minute. Pour hot vinegar mixture over rice, folding to coat rice in vinegar mixture using a spatula (be careful not to break grains of rice). Cover with a clean, damp kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and set aside at room temperature.

Stir together mayonnaise, togarashi seasoning, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon vinegar and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a small bowl. Add crabmeat, and fold to coat with mayonnaise mixture.

To make 1 sushi roll, place a 9 1/2-inch bamboo sushi mat on a clean work surface. Cover with a large sheet of plastic wrap. Place one-half of the nori sheet on plastic wrap. Fill a medium bowl with warm water, and place on work surface next to bamboo mat for wetting hands. Scoop about 3/4 to 1 cup of reserved rice onto nori sheet. Wet hands, and press rice into an even layer over nori. Sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon each toasted white sesame seeds and black sesame seeds. Carefully flip nori sheet and rice onto plastic wrap so that rice is touching plastic wrap and nori sheet is facing up. Place 4 cucumber pieces lengthwise down center of nori sheet. Top with about 2 tablespoons of crabmeat mixture and 2 or 3 avocado slices. Using bamboo mat and plastic wrap, lift and roll bottom of sushi and nori sheet up and over filling. Continue to roll until filling is fully enclosed by rice and nori sheet. Firmly hold bamboo-wrapped sushi roll to make sure it is completely sealed. Remove bamboo and plastic wrap from sushi roll. Repeat process to make 3 more sushi rolls.

Fill a tall glass with hot water. Dip a sharp chef’s knife into hot water, and cut sushi into 6 to 8 slices, dipping knife into water between each slice in order to create cleaner cuts. Serve with pickled ginger and wasabi.