It was a lazy, sunny afternoon when the idea jumped at me as if it was waiting for just the right moment.  I rode the train to Soho and walked to Chinatown by way of Mott Street.  We followed the narrow streets all the way until we reached an Asian market.  The entire left wall of the market’s facade contained built-in aquariums, giving the audience a full view of a variety of fish and shellfish.  We walked right through heavy plastic flaps that separated chilled seafood from the rest of the market.  As I searched for the noodle section–knowing that that’s where I’ll find rice paper–I passed by countless dried mushrooms and oysters, colorful candy and rice crackers, and a section full of unusual kitchen knick knacks.

What I love about summer rolls are it’s sticky texture.  I like how the rice paper sticks when it’s rolled.  It‘s easy to stuff the roll with all sorts of healthy vegetables and to prepare each vegetable in different ways that, when combined, it complements the unique flavors, adding individuality to an otherwise average veggie.  Consider pairing mint with basil and honey with mango.  Use peanuts and cherries with shrimp and cucumbers.  And with the leftover rice noodles, make a pad thai or a stir-fry.

Summer Rolls:

• Rice Noodles
• Rice Paper
• Carrots
• Spring Onions
• Mint
• Basil
• Eggs
• Honey Mint Lime Dressing:
• 1/4 cup of honey
•  3 limes
• 1/4 cup chopped mint leaves

Follow instructions on the package for rice noodles.  Once rice noodles are cooled, combine with chopped basil and honey.  Have shredded carrots, mint leaves, and egg frittata prepared beforehand and create an assembly line.  Soak rice paper in warm water until softened.  Place softened rice paper on a damp towel or damp cutting board, and fill with your desired stuffing and roll until closed.  In my case, I made simple summer rolls using rice noodles, egg, carrots, spring onions, and mint with a honey mint lime dressing.  I also made some dessert-inspired summer rolls made with strawberries and mangoes, but unfortunately, I didn’t make a record of this with a photograph.

Brooklyn, EAT your heart out!

Art by Rebecca Sherman

On a side note, I’ll be making my summer rolls on Monday, June 11, 2012 between the hours of 8pm – 10pm at Dandelion Wine in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, in honor of Rebecca Sherman’s art opening.  Rebecca is my good friend and next door neighbor.  She makes great art and, like me, she can be considered the underdog of unrivaled talent that is happening right before your very own eyes.  But due to the “in your face” hype that is social media these days, many are distracted from this reality, ignoring the exceptional doings by exceptional people all around you.  Do us all a favor and stop the cycle.  Think for yourself and support local artists.  Support the underdog.  Come to the opening.  It’s free.