Sushi is one of the most wonderful appetizers because you can get your guests involved in assembling and rolling it, something I've never known anyone to refuse (any guest worth his or her salt, I mean!). This type of sushi is called futomaki, or thick sushi roll. Equip yourself with a few rolling mats (available at Japanese specialty stores) or use a folded tea towel as a substitute. For utmost authenticity, use seasoned rice vinegar (it is sweeter and more traditional) and serve with small mounds of pickled ginger and wasabi (Japanese horseradish) and a little bowl of soy sauce for dipping.

Ingredients
2-1/4 cups (550 mL) water
2 cups (500 mL) Japanese rice, rinsed and drained
1/3 cup (75 mL) rice vinegar
1/4 cup (50 mL) granulated sugar
2 tbsp (25 mL) rice wine (mirin)
2 tsp (10 mL) salt
4 sheets nori (pressed seaweed)

Filling:
10 dried shiitake mushrooms
1 tbsp (15 mL) soy sauce
1 tsp (5 mL) granulated sugar
1 tsp (5 mL) wasabi powder
1 Pkg (7 oz/200 g) frozen flaked crabmeat, thawed (or 2 oz/60 g smoked salmon, cut in strips)
Quarter English cucumber, cut in long 1/2-inch (1 cm) thick sticks
Half bunch watercress
2 tsp (10 mL) sesame seeds, toasted