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Homemade Sushi | California Rolls | Spicy

Homemade Sushi | California Rolls

March 31, 2020 // By: Jeanne
Posted In: Appetizers, Entrees, Recipes, Sides // Read 4 Comments

Hey all you sushi lovers!! If you have ever thought about making your own sushi? Maybe you have… maybe you have not!? Whelp, I am here to encourage you to do it!! It is easy. There is a little prep work involved, but nothing you CAN’T handle!! Trust me!! And if you’re anything like my family of 5 that LOVES sushi, but it cost and easy $100+, every time we eat it! Actually, it cost that every time we eat out as a family. Soooo ya….we don’t do it often. But making it at home, it is much easier on the pocket book. On top of that, we really do enjoy making and eating it, we make it typically once a month.

I am not telling you when to make it, but I find that due to a toddler, older kids and their sports, homework and social life, this is a meal for the weekend. It isn’t a quick meal but it is totally worth it!!

A few things before I get started. You can scroll down to the bottom where you can print the recipe(s) one for Sushi Rice and the other for California Rolls. OR you can read on for some of my suggestions that I find helpful when making this.

Like any trade, you need certain tools to do a job properly. And cooking is no exception. I will be putting up a “favorite kitchen tools” post soon. So be on the look out! But right now, sushi making tools. I have made this meal more times than I can count. I have made it many times without some of the tools I am going to share. I have definitely found that having these makes the job easier and more efficient.

First things, if you think you will make this meal more than once, I highly suggest getting a Wooden Sushi Bowl for the rice. Sushi rice is a tricky beast. Every once in a while, I still do something wrong. No clue what I do, but it just isn’t perfect. Still delicious and edible, so at least there is that. But having the bowl helps with consistency. And you will need a bamboo roller in order to make the sushi and instead of buying it separately, this Wooden Sushi Bowl comes with a roller and wooden spoon. Perfect!

Another tool I HIGHLY recommend is a sharp knife. There are some great Sushi Knives out there, but a good solid knife that won’t break the bank is just fine!! Your choice, just make sure it is sharp. Otherwise you will mash your roll as you try to cut it!!

I did mention the bamboo roller, if you don’t get the bowl, get this at the very least. You do need a way to roll your sushi. Unless you make a hand roll, that is an option also.

I have this handy tool that I use to cut the cucumber. Lets call it a cucumber cutter, that is not its official name, but it does the trick nicely! You definitely do not need it, just makes prep work faster.

I don’t know if a food processor is a standard kitchen tool?!? Only you know the answer to that. And I am not sure what other suggestions I have for you to, more than chop, but not quite puree, your crab. Except for a food processor. I have a Kitchen Aid one, and it works great. There are many options and price points. Go nuts!

Alright, now that we got that out of the way… SUSHI!! I did my best to write out step by step instructions on how to prepare, make and roll the sushi. If you take those instructions and also go to my Instagram account and look at my “Sushi” highlight. I think the combination of the two it should help a lot. I’ve had a lot of trial and error. I hope my words and insight helps.

Please let me know if you end up making this! Tag me in a photo or comment below! I love hearing from you!

Happy rolling ~ Jeanne

Print Recipe
5 from 2 votes

California Rolls

A little prep work and this is a pretty simple meal to prepare at home!
Servings: 4

Ingredients

Ingredients

  • 20 oz imitation crab - flake style
  • 1/4 cup mayo give or take depending on how much mayo you like. I do not like a lot
  • 1/4 cup sriracha (optional) also give or take on how spicy you like it.
  • 1 english cucumber, peeled, and remove seeds
  • 2 ripe avocados, sliced
  • package of Nori

Condiments: my personal suggestions

  • soy sauce
  • jalapeño, thinly sliced
  • wasabi
  • hot sesame oil
  • Sriracha sauce

Tools: Having the right tools make a difference. (you can refer back to blog post for links to tools)

  • cucumber slicer
  • food processor
  • bamboo roller
  • plastic wrap
  • good SHARP knife

Sushi Rice

    Instructions

    • CRAB: In a food processor, using the pulse button, chop up the imitation crab. Do small batches otherwise it will mush up some and not the rest. 
      You only want to break it down into small fine flakes. It can quickly turn to mush. You want it still on the light fluffy side. This can take a few times 😉
      Transfer into a large mixing bowl.
    • Once crab is all chopped and in mixing bowl. Add in mayo. Just enough to incorporate into the crab. You do not want it too wet. 
      Little goes a long way, you can always add more, you cant take away!
    • Divide crab mixture if you would like both spicy (add in Sriracha sauce) and regular California rolls.
      FOR SPICY CRAB: Same as adding Mayo. Add and mix to flavor of choice. Just be mindful not to get it to wet.
      Cover and put in fridge if you are prepping for later, otherwise set aside.
    • CUCUMBER: Peel and cut in half. Then cut the 2 halves in half again. Take a spoon and spoon/scrape out the center of seeds, leaving a half moon looking cucumber.
      If you have the handy cucumber slicer as mention in the blog post. Slice your cucumbers. Otherwise, using a knife, slice thin 1/2 inch or less slices of cucumber.
    • AVOCADO: Cut in half and remove seed. Cut each half in half again, and make thin slices of avocado. Remove skin and gently separate avocado slices.
    • NORI: Take a square piece of Nori, fold in half, should be crunchy so be careful. Press along edge to break Nori in half. Gently separate the two pieces. 
      Do this to about 4 squares of Nori. Each square makes 2 rolls. So Break as many as you think you need or break more later if you need to. 
    • MAKING ROLLS: before you start, wrap your bamboo roller with plastic wrap so the rice doesn't stick to the bamboo. 
      Get a small bowl out, fill with water and drizzle with oil. This helps keep the rice from sticking to your fingers. 
      And have a paper towel to wipe off knife each time you cut a roll. It gets sticky from the rice. 
      Maybe throw a hand towel over your shoulder as you will be washing rice off your fingers, a lot! 
    • ROLLING: Lay a piece of nori on top of bamboo roller, smooth side down. Add a small handful of sushi rice to rougher side of Nori. Using your fingers press the rice around the Nori to get a thin even layer. 
      You DO NOT need to have ever inch of Nori covered with rice. There can be patches of Nori showing through.
    • Turn over Nori so rice is facing down. On the sheet of Nori, about 1/4 way closest to you, add a slice or two of cucumber, then a single layer of avocado on top of the cucumber. Then take about a serving spoon size (I use my fingers) of crab and put it on top of the avocado. Do this until you have a layer of crab on top. 
    • Making sure your Nori is to the edge of the bamboo roller, grab Nori and bamboo and roll the nori in on itself and press down. Leaving a little Nori on the edge so you can continue to roll and have that little bit seal the roll. 
      Don't get frustrated and they might not look pretty at first. This does take practice. 
      After you have your roll all together, cut in half and then into 1 inch slices.
      I found that if I dip my knife edge in the water and oil bowl, get a little of that to run down the blade, it makes it easier to cut. I also wipe down my knife after each roll to remove the rice build up. 
      Continue each step until you have made however many rolls you would like to have!
    • NOW ENJOY! How do you enjoy your sushi? We add sliced jalapeños to a couple rolls and a dollop of Sriracha sauce on top of that. We also drizzle a little Hot Sesame Oil on some or add it to the dipping bowl of soy sauce. And of course Wasabi! The hotter the better! 🙂

     

    About Jeanne

    I’m Jeanne – cook, photographer, momma of 3, and lover of all things homemade, especially tacos! I started Passion & Poppies because I wanted a way to catalog my kitchen and life endeavors.
    I love to stay connected to my readers! You can find me on Instagram, Pinterest or Facebook.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Autumn mellinger

      March 10, 2019 at 11:38 pm

      5 stars
      Thanks this is a great idea! ❤️🙏

      Reply
      • Jeanne

        January 30, 2021 at 7:14 am

        Thank you!! Subscribe for more great ideas 😘

        Reply
    2. Kelley

      January 26, 2021 at 11:34 pm

      5 stars
      My favorite go to sushi recipe! So fun and easy!

      Reply
      • Jeanne

        January 30, 2021 at 7:15 am

        Yay! So happy to hear it!! How did it turn out??

        Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

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    My friend was at the beach a little while back, an
    My friend was at the beach a little while back, and saw this set up. How awesome and sweet is this! 
♥️
Today, my hubby and I are celebrating our 5 year wedding anniversary. Our engagement wasn’t elaborate like this, but it was our own kind of magic, and maybe a little awkward. 😂 
For those of you who don’t know, I’ve known my husband since we were 8 years old. He was my first crush, one of my best friends growing up, and my favorite person. Life happens, different paths were taken, so on and so forth. But always remained a favorite person. He is genuinely and factually, one of the most amazing men on the planet. 
Long story short, he obviously came back into my life, lucky me, and we’ve been connected ever since. 
I tell you all of that, to help understand the awkward silence that came over me when he got down on one knee and said “will you marry me?” ..... I do not know how long I didn’t speak, move or anything. (I’m going to have to ask him) The only thing I know is that I’ve never had an out of body experience, until that day. I felt like I was floating, observing what was going on. The slight breeze, the water running under the bridge, and my most favorite person down on one knee asking someone... wait is that me?! Did he just ask me to marry him? Am I dreaming? I’m dreaming... awe... I love him... and then I hear, with a shaky voice “Babes, is that a yes?” 
Oh snap! This is real! And then I finally say “YES!!” Then I leaped at him, almost knocked him over and I’m sure at that point made him feel better. And hopefully every day since, he knows and feels like the center on my universe. 
♥️
Where do you get engaged? And what’s your love story? 
♥️
♥️
♥️
#love #anniversary #engagement #wedding #lovestory #myfavorite #proposal

    • Chocolate Croissant • It probably a good thi
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One of the many things I love about staying at the Avila La Fonda, in Avila Beach. Waking up to fresh baked chocolate croissants. 🥐 
The smell is amazing and taste delicious 🤎
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#travel #croissant #chocolate #freshbaked #travel #avilabeach #lafonda #celebrate #breakfast #morningvibes

    Jarcuterie and Champagne make the perfect afternoo
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#jarcuterie #picnic #champagne #lajolie #charcuterie #travel #socal #california #winetasing #anniversary

    • Carnitas Tacos • If I had to choose one meal
    • Carnitas Tacos • If I had to choose one meal to eat for the rest of my life, it just might be tacos! And most likely these tacos! 
.
Thank you @mattkolo for your recipe! It’s bomb.com!! 
.
The hubby and I have dialed in this recipe and I promise it doesn’t disappoint. Right down to the crispy bits that make this over the top!! 
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Recipe is on the blog, link in bio, search Carnitas Tacos or 
www.passionandpoppies.com/the-best-carnitas-tacos 
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#tacos #tacotuesday #wednesday #carnitas #pork #instantpot #instapot #dinner #easydinnerideas #foodie

    Whelp, I can’t write straight. 😂
    .
    I decided

    Whelp, I can’t write straight. 😂 
.
I decided to hand letter on the wrapping paper for my hubby’s anniversary gift. As you can tell, it’s been a while since I’ve practiced writing.
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#handlettering #handwriting #moderncalligraphy #anniversary #gifts #lettering #write

    • The Craft House • It isn’t just a place I
    • The Craft House • It isn’t just a place I sell my candles out of. Nor is it just a place I go to escape the groundhogs day of life. 
.
This place is awesome! I’m proud of my sister-in-law and the space she has worked so hard to create. The DIY Craft Bar is one of my favorite aspects of this place. Who doesn’t love painting and sipping!? Plus, all the handmade products from local makers, make some of the best gifts. 
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It’s 21 and over, which mean you can have a beverage! And it also means no kids, which in turn means freedom! 🙌🏼 Win, win. (Swipe to the last photo to see what she has on tap)
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She does however have “Take and Make” kits for kids and adults, which Logan loves.  I love them too, because gives me a little bit of silence at home. #winning (Swipe to see Logan’s fish tank) 
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If you haven’t been here, I highly recommend you check it out. The seasonal crafts and products don’t last long. Believe me, the gnomes go quickly! 
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Store hours are posted on the website or go to website to order online:
www.thecrafthouse805.com or check out @thecrafthouse805 
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#thecrafthouse805 #thecrafthouse #paintnsip #diy #craftbar  #beer #wine #champagne #makers #makersgonnamake

    • French Macarons • Have you tried these?? Def
    • French Macarons • Have you tried these?? Definitely one of my favorite little treats. They have their quirks when making them, but totally worth it. But not difficult., just a little time consuming. 
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The first time I made these, as you can tell, they look like little burgers. The heart sprinkles helped I think. ❤️🤍 
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I have the recipe up on the blog. Will be updating it with some tips and tricks that I’ve learned. Will keep you posted when those are up. But check it out and I hope let me know if you make them, or have made them. Tips always welcomed! 
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Link in bio, search French Macarons. Or 
www.passionandpoppies.com/French-Macarons 
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Recipe from Magnolia Journal. Thank you @joannagains 
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#frenchmacarons #macarons #pastries #dessert #homemade #magnoliajournal #joannagaines

    • Corned Beef • Never have I ever… microwave
    • Corned Beef • Never have I ever... microwaved corned beef!! And I’m not gonna lie, it wasn’t terrible!
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Hubby text me from Costco saying “this is all they have” with a photo of a microwaved corned beef. I didn’t respond fast enough, so it ended up in the cart. And well, we try really hard not to waste food. So yeah... we microwaved the shit out of it! Just kidding, it took like 7 minutes, and again, wasn’t bad. I am however looking forward to slow cooking the next one! 
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Do you like Corned Beef?
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#cornedbeef #costco #microwave #easydinner #dinnerideas

    • Prosecco Cocktail with Berries and Lemon • C
    • Prosecco Cocktail with Berries and Lemon • Cocktail or Mocktail, either way it’s delicious and reminds me of Spring. Light and refreshing, so in other words, it makes a great daytime beverage! 
🍋 
This is topped with Prosecco, which if you know me, I love my bubbles. Do you have any recipes that go with bubbles? Please share! 
🍓
Recipe on blog, link in bio. Search: Prosecco Cocktail. 
🫐
🍓
🍋
#prosecco #cocktail #lemon #berries #beverage #vodka #weekend #friday

    • Lemon Artichoke Pesto with Cauliflower Gnocchi
    • Lemon Artichoke Pesto with Cauliflower Gnocchi •
🍋
First off, cauliflower gnocchi has become a family favorite. Who would’ve thought?! 
Second, I tried to replicate a jar of artichoke pesto I had bought, and happy to say, we love this a lot too!! I used homegrown parsley instead of basil, so good! 
🌿 
Full recipe is on the blog, link in bio, search Lemon Artichoke Pesto or
www.passionandpoppies.com/lemon-artichoke-pesto
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#easydinner #dinner #pesto #gnocchi #cauliflower #artichoke

    • Bacon Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers • Or as my
    • Bacon Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers • Or as my husband calls them, Atomic Buffalo Turds! 🤷🏼‍♀️
🥓 
Regardless of the name, have you tried these? They are always a big hit when we host. Only 5 ingredients and easy to put together. We love to throw them on the smoker but in the oven works just as well. 
🌶 
Check out the recipe on the blog. Link in bio, search “jalapeño poppers” or
www.passionandpoppies.com/bacon-wrapped-jalapeño-poppers 
🥓 
🌶
🥓
#jalapeno #jalapenopoppers #bacon #appetizers #partyfood #cheese

    • Whipped Coffee • Also known as Dalgona coffe
    • Whipped Coffee • Also known as Dalgona coffee. Super creamy, delicious and has a sweetness that reminds me of sipping coffee with my dad in Kenya. 
🤎
So yeah, this coffee has my heart!
🤎
Super easy to make. I have the recipe on the blog if you’d like to give it a whirl. 
🤎
Link in bio, search “whipped coffee” or
www.passionandpoppies.com/whipped-coffee
🤎
🤎
🤎
#dalgonacoffee #whippedcoffee #coffee #coffeelover #heart #morning

    Doing a little work outside today with my little s
    Doing a little work outside today with my little sidekick. 
Jen, @cacoffeerepublic your latte and latte art is on point 🤎☕️🤎
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#latte #latteart #coffee #bujo #bulletjournal

    These are the cutest and most delicious heart cake
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♥️
Things don’t always seem to go accordingly. I knew I was going to be busy making Cocoa Bombs, and wasn’t going to make our own Valentine’s dessert. So I ordered these about a month in advance. 
And even thought I only gave the kids 3 small pieces of candy, we were lovingly gifted a ton of sweets. Plus Mikinzee decided she wanted to make a cake. Low and behold, these adorable cakes went uneaten, until today! After lunch treat!! And I really mean it when I say they are delicious! On top of the surprise Seafoam candy or honeycomb she sent me. Which is now my favorite candy. 😂 
♥️
Check out @catscradle_creations for other delicious treats. You will NOT be disappointed!.
♥️
♥️
♥️
#valentines #heartcake #treats #chocolate #cake

    Happy Valentine’s Day!! I posted about Shirley T
    Happy Valentine’s Day!! I posted about Shirley Temple’s earlier in the week, and have now landed on an adult Shirley Temple, say hello to Chample! Champagne and grenadine! 
I got the recipe from my mother-in-law, who got it from @foodtalkdaily. She calls it the “Valentini” and serves it in a martini glass, which was super cute. I however just got rid of my martini glass, they were tacky, so this is my version. My daughter didn’t mind the marshmallow fluff and sprinkle rim, but I’ll either do the sugar rim or not. Either way, something fun for the holiday ❤️🍒
And any reason to have champagne! 🙌🏼
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#champagne #shirleytemple #valentines #heart #celebrate #love

    • Cauliflower Tacos • Tacos are a food group,
    • Cauliflower Tacos • Tacos are a food group, right? 
“Feed me tacos, and tell me I’m pretty” Yeah, sounds about right! 
🌮 
If you haven’t tried cauliflower tacos, go do it, now! Can be as easy as sprinkling taco seasoning on the cauliflower, or a few more ingredients and voilà, amazing cauliflower tacos! If you haven’t checked out my blog post for cauliflower tacos, I highly recommend. It will not disappoint! In there is also the recipe for Chipotle Crema, and Picked Cabbage, that goes brilliantly with the tacos. 
🌮 
Link in bio and search “cauliflower tacos” or
www.passionandpoppies.com/Cauliflower-tacos 
🌮
🌮
🌮
#tacos #tacosarelife #cauliflower #foodie #easyrecipes #easydinner

    Good Morning ☀️ and Happy Friday! Enjoying the
    Good Morning ☀️ and Happy Friday! Enjoying the chilly morning, drinking tea and taking time to sit and be. Not something I do often. 
My mind landed on friends/family that I haven’t seen in a long while. Some due to distance, some due to hectic grind, but mostly due to Covid. 
Friendships are a huge part of making life go round. This post is for them, I might not see you or talk to you as often as I’d like, regardless, I still love and miss you! ❤️
Who do you wish you were having tea or coffee with right now?
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#friends #friendship #teatime #coffeetime #relax #goodmorning

    • Homemade Booch • Kombucha, like or dislike?
    • Homemade Booch • Kombucha, like or dislike? I’m a huge fan!  But our last batch tasted a little more vinegary than I like. So this is me, suggesting to my husband @brendo, let’s make a new batch! 😘
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#booch #kombucha #fermentedfoods #raspberry #brewityourself

    🎶Happy is as happy does, laugh and live with a
    🎶Happy is as happy does, laugh and live with a half-full cup...🎶 - Kenny Chesney 
❤️
Two things:
1) If you ordered Cocoa Bombs from me, they are at the shop and ready for pick up, when ever you’re ready to get them. 
Check @thecrafthouse805 for store hours. 
Unless we’ve discussed other pick up arrangements.😘 
🤎
2) Leopard print makes me happy 😍
🖤
Happy almost weekend! ❤️
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#cocoabombs #chocolate #chocolatewasted #valentines #hotchocolatebombs #happy

    • Spinach and Lemon Linguine • Made this for d
    • Spinach and Lemon Linguine • Made this for dinner last night if you caught my stories. Simple ingredients, easy to make and supper yummy! Definitely adding into the rotation. 
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Recipe up on the blog. Link in bio, search “linguine” or go to website:
www.passionandpoppies.com
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#linguine #pasta #lemon #spinach #easyrecipes #dinner #foodie

    • Shirley Temple’s and Roy Roger’s • Bring
    • Shirley Temple’s and Roy Roger’s • Brings back my childhood memories. I don’t know why, but whenever my parents would take us out for Mexican food, I would always order a Shirley Temple. So now the two go hand in hand. And now the girls do the same thing. 
We ordered lunch from our local Mexican restaurant and made our own Shirley Temple and Toy Rodger’s. 
Super simple! 7up/Coke, grenadine and cherries. 🍒 
When was the last time you had one of these?
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#shirleytemple #7up #coke #beverage #cherries #maraschino #memories

    •Super Bowl Sunday • Who are you rooting for??
    •Super Bowl Sunday • Who are you rooting for?? 
I’m rooting for champagne and food! Cheers to love and hearts!! ❤️ Go football! 🙌🏼
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What are you snacking on? 
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#superbowl #snacks #appetizers #caprese #valentines #hearts

    Candles and Gnomes… These are a few of my favori
    Candles and Gnomes... These are a few of my favorite things! 
7 day countdown to Valentine’s Day! Candles are at the shop and moving fast. Head over to the The Craft house and check out what prints there are and some other fun finds. Like the Valentine’s sign by @something.gray ❤️
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If you can’t make it into the shop, you can always message me if you’re interested. I also ship and can arrange porch pick ups. 
This photo also reminds me I need to make more gnomes.
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#candles #handpoured #soycandles #gnomes #maker #valentines #gifts

    What’s your favorite fruit? I don’t think I co
    What’s your favorite fruit? I don’t think I could pick one, but a ripe, locally or backyard grown strawberry is close to the top. 

We are lucky here in Ventura county to be surrounded by strawberry fields. So when strawberry season roll around, this Strawberry Sorbet is a must! It’s so delicious. 

Recipe is up on the blog when you’re ready to make it. I mean, why wait til strawberry season. We do have them in stores year around. 😘 And it will make a great Valentine’s dessert ❤️🤎

Link in Bio, just search strawberry sorbet on site. Or
www.passionandpoppies.com/strawberry-sorbet
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#sorbet #strawberry #icecream #homemade #dessert #valentines


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