I love Spring + Rolls

It's officially here. The first day of Spring. What a lovely time of year. I've been singing "Popcorn popping on the Apricot Tree" to Henry for weeks now:

"I looked out the window & what did I see?
Popcorn popping on the apricot tree!
Spring has brought me such a nice surprise
Blossoms popping right before my eyes
I could take an armful and make a treat
A popcorn ball that would be so sweet
It wasn't really so, but it seemed to be
Popcorn popping on the apricot tree!"

At night when we are laying in bed, he looks at me and says "pacorn", makes circles with his fingers and puts them over his eyes like he's "looking out the window". I must say he's getting pretty good at shaking his little finger during "It wasn't really so...." I'm realizing I've been singing the song wrong. I've been singing "but it seemed to me" (Henry loves pointing to himself during this part)....but I love watching, so I think my screwed up way is going to have to stay!

That song always reminds me of this apricot tree we used to have in our backyard here in Southern California when I was a kid. I passed a street the other day called "Apricot Lane" and I started waxing nostalgic. We had 2 big avocado trees too, and this giant avocado picker that looked like a really long broom handle with a little bag on the end & some clippers so when you cut them off the tree, they'd fall gently into the bag. We used to cut the avocados in half and sprinkle them with salt and eat them with a spoon right out of the skin. But you won't catch me waxing nostalgic when I eat guacamole or anything. Just when I think of apricots, since it's been years since I've actually eaten one and I don't know why.

Onto the Spring rolls. People. I am not kidding. These are a keeper (I can say that because I did not invent these little bundles of goodness.) There is this wonderful Vietnamese place in Boston called Pho Pasteur that we used to go to all the time. They'd make these Spring Rolls and serve them with this yummy peanut sauce. I always wished I knew how to make them (mostly the peanut sauce) and don't know why I didn't try sooner. We've been eating them for the past 2 months served with the Cherry Chicken Lettuce Wraps & Coconut Rice. They are quite simple and I think I've even mastered the peanut sauce. Find a local Asian market and you really just need the first 2  ingredients from there. I found mine at a Japanese market (on Sawtelle for you friends & neighbors!) and everything was so reasonably priced.  I think I paid around $4 total for the vermicelli & spring roll wrappers. And that is for a LOT of spring rolls. Everything else, you can find at a regular market. These have an incredible fresh and simple way about them, perfect for a spring or summer day.

Vietnamese Spring Rolls

• 1 package Spring Roll Skin, also known as 'BANH TRANG' 
• 1 package of Vermicelli Rice Noodles
• 3/4 C Carrots, julienned or shredded
• 1/2 cucumber, julienned
• Fresh Basil (I get mine at Trader Joe's)
• Fresh: Mint, Cilantro, Parsley or Green Onions (optional)
• Shrimp, Chicken or other meat (optional)

Directions:
Start with the vermicelli noodles. You won't need an entire package, I think we only use about 1/3 of a package at a time. You can cut them apart with kitchen shears or a sharp knife and then soak them in a large bowl of warm/hot water (they do not need to be boiled.)  While they are soaking,  cut your carrots & cucumber and set aside. As far as the fresh herbs go, you can use any combination you like. We use basil and then normally throw in some cilantro & green onion. Some people like it with mint, whatever tickles your fancy. Definitely don't skip out on the basil though. In my humble opinion it's the best thing about these rolls. You'll need about 1 cup of herb mixture (make sure it's been cut.) 
Fill a large saute pan with warm water & set aside. When everything has been prepared or mise en place as the French say, (soaked, julienned, etc.,) you are ready to assemble! Take 1 Spring Roll skin and place it in the saute pan to soak for about 20-30 seconds. Let excess water drip off and lay on a cutting board or counter. Place a handful of vermicelli noodles on the bottom center of the Spring Roll skin, as shown in the above photo and layer on some of the herb mixture, cucumbers & carrots. If you decide to use cooked shrimp or meat, add it here. Starting from the bottom, roll the bottom of the spring roll over the ingredients and pull down slightly (similar to rolling sushi), pull the two sides into the center & continue to roll (like egg roll). Continue with as many wrappers as you want to make and Voila, you have your Spring rolls!

It is best to make these just prior to eating them as they do not store well. I know there is a bit of preparation, but, trust me, they are worth it!

Peanut Dipping Sauce

• 1 small bottle of Hoisin Sauce
• 1/4 cup water
• 2 Tbsp Rice Wine Vinegar
• 1/4 C Peanut Butter

Directions:
Add all ingredients together and warm (either on a stove top or microwave) until the peanut butter melts into the mixture. Allow to cool before serving with the rolls. Enjoy!

   
Things here are crazy as usual so I need a bit of a blogging break. Now that Chris is officially done with school (Hooray!! His last class was a few weeks ago) we need to move and are looking for a new place.  It's no fun at all. Keep your fingers crossed that we'll find something soon. It's been a bit of a nightmare. Lots of changes. Lots of stress. Lots to do. No time for blogging. No time for crafting. Wah.

But there is always time for swinging and I'll be sure to get lots of that in.

Be back soon.

xoxo

Comments

[Megs]

I made these last night and they were absolutely delicious!

Aside from the quick dipping sauce, it was so refreshing to not have to cook anything for this meal! No stove, no oven. Simple and perfect for a summer time dinner.

We added shrimp and avocados and will be making it again VERY soon!

[Alicia P.]

These look perfect -- thanks for sharing them Morgan! :-) xo, a

[Mandy]

Your sister Megan forward me your website and I LOVE it. I was just looking at your son's birthday party at the park...those party hats are adorable. You do an amazing job with photography. What great talent!!

[clarice]

Thank you for the recipe. I have not made spring rolls for a while and sounds yummy. I love the basil in the recipe. Clarice

[Chloe]

I am so glad you posted this recipe. I lived across the street from Pho Pasteur when I lived in Boston and had these spring rolls all the time! I have been missing them so since I moved away. They are so delicious and I cannot wait to try your recipe!

[kristy]

missing your posts... hope to see you soon :)

[Nancy J.]

Those look so yummy! I always sing that song to my kids too, they play a game in the car they made up called "What do you see?" and I always break out in that song, I think it annoys them, but can't help myself. Good luck with getting all your stuff done.

[N.]

Oh, you tempt with the food yet again! I've always wanted to try Pho Pasteur - maybe the next time we're in Boston. I've also tried making those fresh spring rolls before and mine never taste as good as I want them to. I'll try this recipe and see if I really do like them or if I should wait until I make it down to Boston to eat them at Pho Pasteur to make up my mind once and for all!

[vanessa suzanne]

Per request, I am posting a variation on the dipping sauce that is delicious:

3/4 Cup Hoisin Sauce
3/4 Cup Coconut Milk
1/3 Cup Sugar
2 T. Rice Vinegar

Two Side notes.:
*Bean Sprouts are delicious in the rolls as they provide a great crunch. Yum!
*I learned by default that when peeling the carrot, as you would normally, keep peeling until there is nothing left of it. I rotate the carrot 1/4...each time...and it creates a square...or four sides from which the strips are created. These strips are easy to lay across the noodles..and they don't fall out when you bite down or dip into the sauce. Enjoy!

[abbey]

Congrats from the Rice Family, Chris! Good job. Morgan, the spring rolls look great and very doable. Thanks for another great recipe. I'll miss your posts while you are on hiatus, but I'm sure you'll have tons of great stuff to report back. Good luck on the search for a new abode.

[em]

oooh im so glad you posted this recipe! i have been craving spring rolls (fresh or fried, im not fussy) for weeks now and bought some spring roll sheets and a jar of plum sauce the other day from whole foods. was wondering what i would do next...of course i may need to come down for a little taste test next time you whip out a batch to inspire my own cooking...

[vanessa suzanne]

You must be my sister..I was just composing an email for you regarding my spring roll recipe. Wah.

[Mandy]

Morgs-Those spring rolls look divine! Rob and I ate some delicious spring rolls at a Thai restaurant about a month ago and I have been craving them ever since. You must have read my mind. I'll definitely be making these as soon as I find an Asian Market. Good luck with the move and hopefully it will be a quick and painless one! Congrats Chris!!! How fast 2 years fly by! Much Love, Mandy

[Mandy]

Morgs-Those spring rolls look divine! Rob and I ate some delicious spring rolls at a Thai restaurant about a month ago and I have been craving them ever since. You must have read my mind. I'll definitely be making these as soon as I find an Asian Market. Good luck with the move and hopefully it will be a quick and painless one! Congrats Chris!!! How fast 2 years fly by! Much Love, Mandy

[Ivonne]

He is adorable! And the spring rolls looks so refreshing and perfect for the new season.

[Rebecca]

Chris is done already? Oooh, congrats to you guys! And good luck on the house hunt - we'll keep our fingers crossed that you find something amazing. xoxo, Reb

[marné]

Yum! I love spring rolls too. I think I better make some this weekend.

We had an apricot tree growing up too, but it took me a long time to get that the song was about the blossoms, I didn't get why our tree didn't grow actual popcorn. I always wanted a popcorn tree so I could make popcorn balls anytime I wanted one.

[matt]

we had an apricot tree? i must have repressed it! but i have vivid memories of the avocado trees. i used to sell them 12 for $1 down on the corner by lydia jackson. 12 avocados for a dollar? that's crazy! :)

[Crystal]

Gosh those look good! Must try them. I have been ogaling your coconut rice for sometime now as well. :)

[Ellen]

These look so delicious. As do your other recipes. Thanks.

[Megs]

These spring rolls are so gourmet and deluxe yet really don't require many ingredients at all! I think I'm going to try these for my next get together with friends. Thanks for the how-to, Morgs! Now I can wow all my friends.

Good luck with finding new digs and moving. Like others have said, it always works out!

[Kimberly]

You are torturing me posting yummy things I want to eat but don't have the energy to make! I may have to go out to lunch tomorrow and get some spring rolls. Jason and I are eating our way through Boston...making a list of all the places we should eat "one last time." Thanks for reminding me to add Pho Pasteur!

(P.S. We ate lunch at Fire & Ice today. Remember when we went to Providence and ate there, then got the fondue dessert? I was pregnant then, too. Good times.)

Congrats, Chris!! It seems like just yesterday he had transferred to BC to work on his undergrad. I can't believe he already has his master's. That's so cool!!

[Amanda]

These look great! I am going to give them a try this weekend.

[raesha]

Oh I love this song too....the whole street into our neighborhood is lined with trees just filled with "popcorn" - in fact I found myself humming that song just yesterday:):) It's one of my all time favorites.

[Colleen]

ps-good luck on the move!