Santa Fe Sushi Spirals With Crab, Black Bean And Avocado

["Place chile tortilla on board and spread with thin even layer of black bean puree.

2 "" up from the bottom of the tortilla, place two pieces of crabstick, end to end, in a horizontal band. Place scallion slice on one side of crab, and avocado slices (end to end, straightened out a bit) on the other side, scallion and avocado both hugging the crab. Using both hands and firm pressure, lift and roll the bottom of the tortilla up and over the filling, squeezing firmly, then continue rolling tightly. Cover with damp paper towels and store in airtight container . Just before serving, with a sharp thin bladed knife, slice maki into 10 spirals.Discard the 2 end pieces. Arrange on a serving tray with a small ramekin of chipotle sour cream.", "Notes:

* I make my black beans with onions, cumin, tomatoes,bacon,celery, carrot, bay leaf, hot sauce; but when there's no time for them, there are now available some tasty canned black beans and puree- that can be used as is or doctored.If whole, just drain them well (save the liquid), and puree them in a food processor, adding their liquid as needed. This puree should be moist enough to be easily spreadable, but not loose and wet. If it is too wet, cook it down over medium heat, stirring often so as not to burn, until it is thick and holds its own shape.", "** Imitation crab sticks are available in Asian markets I find that their quality is best when Japanese and more expensive than others next to them. They freeze well and defrost very quickly ( and you can defrost just the amount you need if you bang the package on a hard surface to separate the sticks.)", "***My no-muss technique for slicing avocado: Halve 1 avocado lengthwise.Twist slightly to separate halves and then remove pit by piercing it with the edge of a sharp knife and tugging.. Cradle one avocado half in palm of one hand, and have sharp knife in other hand. Gently score the avocado lengthwise, all the way through the flesh, just til you reach the shell with about 1/2"" between the cuts. Using a soup spoon, scoop out the avocado in one or two scoops. Slices come out intact.", "Variations: Instead of crab sticks, try smoked chicken, smoked trout, smoked turkey, hearts of palm.", "Chipotle Sour Cream:

Mix all together except chipotles. Add them a bit at a time to make sure the mixture is not too hot for you. Adjust ingredients to taste. Flavors meld best if the sauce is made ahead. Note: I puree a can of chipotles with its adobo and keep in a small container, frozen. With a fork, I easily scrape off what I need each time."]