Spring Rolls

When it comes to food, people often ask, “What can I bring?”

Next time you get invited to a picnic, boat outing, or poolside get-together, leave the boring potato chips and ranch dip behind and pack up something a little more unexpected.

The next thing they’ll ask is, “Can I have the recipe?”

Vietnamese Spring Rolls

A pair of spring rolls on a scarlet plate

Vietnamese Spring Rolls

Makes 8 servings

1 cup julienned carrots
1/4 cup shredded cabbage
2 cups mung bean sprouts
2 cups julienned seeded cucumber
1 cup minced scallions
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
16 rice paper wrappers
Daikon sprout, for garnish

Dipping Sauce:

1/2 cup fresh lime juice
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 1/2 tablespoons fish sauce
1 1/2 teaspoons chili oil
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
1/4 cup crushed toasted peanuts

In large bowl, combine carrots, cabbage bean sprouts, cucumber, scallions, cilantro, and sesame seeds. One at a time, dip wrappers into cold water and gently shake off water. Place vegetable mixture on wrapper and fold like a burrito.

To prepare sauce: Toast and crush peanuts. Then whisk together lime juice, sugar, fish sauce, chili oil, and cilantro. Stir in peanuts and serve with spring roll wraps.