Raw Zucchini "Sushi" Rolls

These are super cute, and super yummy, but they take a lot of work. Even if you prep all the ingredients ahead of time, it is still a very labor-intensive process to put it all together, which I would not have been able to do the day of the shower without my sweet helpers, Nanny and EL.

I'm not sure how these would hold up if they weren't assembled fresh, just before the event. (If you try it and it works, please let us know in the comments!)

The original recipe appeared on askmefood.com, and they are credited with the nifty photo, too. (Don't click on the link to get to the instructions, or your computer will freeze up and a scammy message will appear!)

Zucchini
(chosen for their non-crooked, even appearance)
Veggies of your choice
(cut into matchbook sticks of varying lengths, by type)
Cilantro
Hummus

The day before:
1) Process veggies: Cut into thin, matchbook slices, the veggies of your choice. We used carrots, celery, cucumber, red bell pepper, and yellow bell pepper. Store in separate piles in an airtight container overnight.

2) Process cilantro: Rinse and dry cilantro. Carefully cut into little individual "flowers" by having a leaf on top and a length of stem beneath. Wrap together in a damp paper towel and store in hydrator overnight.

3) Make or buy hummus of your choice. Any flavor will do.

On assembly day:
1) Gently dab the veggie sticks with a paper towel if they're too moist from storage.

2) Using a veggie peeler, gently slice the zucchini into thin slices, lengthwise.

3) Spread hummus along almost half of the slice, with a dab on the other end so it will stick when rolled.

4) Stick the veggie sticks (one of each type, plus a cilantro "flower") very close together, beginning at the end with more hummus. (You don't need to try to cover all of the hummus area. It is for making it stick when you roll it.)

5) Gently roll up so the veggies are deep inside the roll (from the veggie-and-hummus-full end to the dab-of-hummus end).

6) Carefully stand up in a deep serving dish that will allow for them to lean on its edge and on each other, if necessary, should they fall over. (They get "limper "the longer they sit during the event.)

Again, I didn't try rolling them ahead. It may be that they hold up better because they "set up" in the refrigerator, or it may be that they get soggy. I'm just not sure. Let us know if you try it.

NOTE: If you cut all the carrots one length, and all the cucumbers a slightly different length, etc., you can line them all up together at the bottom of the roll-up (which forms a nice base for them to stand up on) while still having various heights of veggies sticking out at the top.