Netflix & SPC: Vegetable or Fruit Spring Rolls

July 29, 2014 Laura

When you have small children you basically sell everything as an adventure. Heading to the mall? “We’re going on a shopping adventure and I wonder what we’ll find?” are the kinds of things you find yourself saying. However, summer is one of those times of year when you can find yourself on some legitimate adventures. It truly is the time of year when you can plan adventures—both big and small—that will leave some lasting memories.

At Sweet Potato Chronicles, we like to consider food the ultimate adventure. Ceri and I always tell our kids, “if you love and enjoy food, the sky’s the limit.” Don’t you agree? As a former picky eater, I limited myself to the adventures I was willing to take. I hated going out to new restaurants, wasn’t a fan of eating at some friends’ houses, and made traveling a nightmare for my parents. Now, as a mom, I try to encourage my daughter to be adventurous with food—never be afraid to try something, at least once. I also get her involved in the kitchen. Ever since she was a tiny baby in her high chair, she’s been my co-pilot. At first it was out of necessity but then I started cooking with her as a way to get her familiar with all kinds of food. I definitely had a better chance of getting her to eat broccoli if she had some fun cleaning it in the sink and making a cheese sauce to drizzle on it.

Since kids generally like their veggies raw, these adventure rolls are a great way to get kids involved in the kitchen and, hopefully, enjoying their vitamins. They make a great snack or you could even serve them as a side along with dinner. You’ll also notice we did a sweet version using fruit (we used strawberries, apples and pear) that makes a great dessert.

Whatever adventures you are planning to squeeze in before the leaves start to turn, we hope your family tackles them with enthusiasm. I know I plan to get Scarlett in the mood with a few adventure-themed flicks from Netflix, like Journey 2: The Mysterious Island. A little inspiration before a big escapade never hurts.

Netflix & SPC: Vegetable or Fruit Spring Rolls

Ingredients

Makes 6 wraps
1/2 red pepper, julienne
2 inches of cucumber, julienne
1 carrot, julienne
1/2 cup of sprouts
1/2 an avocado
1/4 cup cilantro
2 green onions
6 rice paper wraps

Method

Slice all the filling ingredients as finely as possible

I use a cheese grater to shred the carrots, and slice everything else by hand.

Fill a flat deep dish with warm water and soak one rice paper sheet at a time for about 20 — 30 seconds, until it is soft.

Place the rice paper roll on a clean surface and then add the filling ingredient by ingredient on the bottom third of the wrap.

Once you’ve added all the filings roll the wrap away from you.

At about the halfway point fold the left and right sides in to close the ends and then continue to roll away from you.

The first few you do may look a little sloppy — don’t worry, you’ll get the hang of it.

Sweet Potato Chronicles

You can create an easy dipping sauce by mixing some Hoisin and soy sauces to taste. Or, for the sweet rolls, try mixing some yogurt and honey to taste.