Entertaining Made Easy

(Family Features) When guests are on their way and it’s time to put on your hosting cap, it’s common for stress to set in. From preparing meals to cleaning and decorating, entertaining can feel like a lot of pressure.

Taking the stress out of hosting guests starts with easy, tasty recipes you know everyone can enjoy together, made with convenient ingredients. Transform your meals in a flash with Minute Sticky Rice Cups, which are perfectly portioned, deliciously sticky and ready in just 1 minute. The short grain sticky rice delivers a pleasing consistency and subtle flavor in a no-hassle, convenient cup.

They’re ideal for Avocado Shrimp Sushi Boats, which offer a fresh and flavorful twist on sushi. Packed with tender shrimp, creamy avocado and a tangy barbecue sauce, they’re a shareable appetizer or light meal. Combining the indulgent flavors of sushi with a playful, convenient presentation, they take the guesswork out of hosting in a visually stunning and delicious dish.

Presentation is key, starting with sticky rice, diced cucumber and cooked shrimp tossed in Japanese barbecue sauce. Spoon the sticky rice into the hollowed centers of avocado halves then drizzle with a touch of soy sauce, top the rice with shrimp and generously fill each “boat.” Be sure to choose ripe avocados and high-quality shrimp to enjoy the balanced flavors of sweet, salty and spicy.

You can also elevate your entertaining with a Sushi Grazing Board packed with fresh salmon, crisp veggies and a medley of bold dipping sauces. Easily shared and customizable, this appetizer transforms sushi night into a fun, interactive experience as guests can mix and match their preferred flavors and sauces. The artistry of sushi and versatility of charcuterie boards allow you to explore creative pairings while the deconstructed version of sushi – rather than rolling individual pieces – means you can enjoy your own perfect bite.

Find more ways to bring ease to in-home entertaining by visiting

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Avocado Shrimp Sushi Boats

Prep time: 4 minutes

Cook time: 1 minute

Servings: 2-4

• 1 cup Minute Sticky Rice
• 1 pound shrimp, cooked
• 1/4 cup English cucumber, small diced
• 1/4 cup Japanese barbecue sauce
• 2 large avocados, pitted and halved
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• Sriracha sauce (optional)
• 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
  

1. Heat rice according to package directions.
2. In bowl, mix shrimp, cucumber and barbecue sauce until shrimp and cucumber are fully coated.
3. Spoon rice into each avocado hole. Pour 1/2 tablespoon soy sauce on top of rice.
4. Top each half with shrimp mixture. Drizzle Sriracha sauce on top, if desired. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top.

Sushi Board

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 2 minutes

Servings: 2-4

• 2 Minute Sticky Rice
• 6 ounces fresh salmon, sliced into thin sashimi pieces
• 12 nori squares
• 12 thin slices cucumber
• 6 thin slices radish
• 1/2 avocado, sliced
• 1/4 cup pickled ginger
• 1/2 tablespoon wasabi (optional)
• 3 tablespoons eel sauce
• 3 tablespoons ponzu sauce
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons spicy mayo
• 2 tablespoons Sriracha sauce
• 1/2 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (black, white or both)

Crispy Rice Squares:

• 1 Minute Sticky Rice Cup
• 1 tablespoon oil

1. Heat rice according to package directions.
2. On large board, place sticky rice in mound in middle.
3. Neatly arrange salmon; nori; cucumber; radish; avocado; ginger; and wasabi, if desired, around board.
4. Place eel sauce, ponzu sauce, soy sauce, spicy mayo and Sriracha sauce in small ramekins or bowls. Place on board.
5. Sprinkle sesame seeds over rice.
6. To make crispy rice squares: Preheat air fryer to 390 F. Heat rice according to package directions.
7. Flatten rice and divide into small squares. Brush each with oil.
8. Air fry 3 minutes, or until slightly golden. Add to board..

Tip: Other items such as tuna, shrimp, crab, edamame or seaweed salad can be added.