Amy of Amy's Cooking Adventures is hosting our Lit Happens on line book club this month. Amy invited us to read Klara and the Sun. Those who choose to read the book do so at their leisure and about halfway through the month, Amy posted discussion questions that we respond to as we finish reading.
This novel takes place in the not to distant future...it never gives a date in the novel but the storyline is not so far fetched that you can't imagine it happening, if not during your life time, at least in the lifetime of future generations.
Society has started changing their children's DNA to make them more intelligent and successful in life but, it comes at a very dear price and there is always a chance that your child may not survive the side effects.
Society is very divided on whether this is a good thing or bad thing. Those choosing not to get their DNA elevated are ostracized and limited in their opportunities for school, jobs, social status, etc. Much like all minorities throughout history.
This society has also developed amazingly life like robots that are purchased as AF's, Artificial Friends. The AF's are intelligent and can help with schoolwork as well as social interaction. Klara is an AF purchased for Josie who is suffering ill effects of the DNA tampering. Josie's sister did not survive the transition and her mother is very concerned that Josie will not survive as well.
Josie is also very close friend's with Paul who did not transition and this concerns Josie because it will affect the future that she and Paul had always planned. Klara is solar powered and believes the sun is the life force for everyone. She has a plan to save Josie by making a deal with the sun.
AF's, of course, don't eat but Klara was often present when her human, Josie and her family and friends ate. One of these occasions was at a sushi restaurant and this is what inspired me into the kitchen.
The nice thing about sushi is that it is not only delicious but relatively easy to assemble and can be made with any ingredients that you like and have on hand. In this case I had some smoked salmon in the refrigerator, I decided to add some cream cheese because I love cream cheese and smoked salmon together. A little cucumber for crunch and avocado for creaminess and it was ready to go. I named it Sunshine Sushi in honor of Klara.
Grampy and I enjoyed a nice glass of Rose. If there is a nicer way to spend an afternoon than eating sushi, sipping wine and swimming with your grand......I can't imagine it.
I will be sharing this post over at Foodies Read. Stop by and see what the others are reading this month.
Yield: 2 rolls, 14 pieces
Sunshine Sushi Roll
Sunshine Sushi Rolls stuffed with smoked salmon, cucumber, avocado and cream cheese
Prep time: 10 MinCook time: 30 MinInactive time: 45 MinTotal time: 1 H & 25 M
Ingredients
- 1/2 c. short grain rice
- 1/2 c. water
- 2 T. seasoned rice vinegar
- 2 sheets Nori (dried seaweed sheets)
- 1/2 avocado, sliced
- 1/4 English cucumber, cut into lengthwise slices.
- 2-3 oz. smoked salmon
- 2 oz. cream cheese, cut into slices, slices halved
Instructions
- Soak the rice for 15 minutes, rinse twice and place into a small pan with the water. Bring to a boil. Stir, reduce heat, cover and simmer until rice is tender and water is absorbed, about 25 minutes. Stir in the vinegar. Spread rice on platter or plate and cover with a damp towel to cool, about 30 minutes.
- Lay a nori sheet onto a bamboo mat. Spread the cooled rice over the top of the nori sheet leaving 1/2" space at top and bottom but extending to the side edges.
- Arrange the salmon, avocado, cucumber and cream cheese over the rice.
- Lightly moisten the ends of the nori with water and, using the bamboo mat, roll tightly from bottom to top of the mat. Transfer to a cutting board and cut into seven equal pieces.
- Place onto a serving platter with soy sauce for dipping.
Nutrition Facts
Calories
409.3Fat (grams)
18.97Sat. Fat (grams)
7.21Carbs (grams)
46.95Fiber (grams)
4.97Net carbs
41.95Sugar (grams)
2.04Protein (grams)
12.88Sodium (milligrams)
376.12Cholesterol (grams)
36.79
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