RICE PAPERS FOR SPRING ROLLS RECIPES

Steps:

• In a small saucepan, saute the garlic and pepper flakes in oil for 1-2 minutes or until garlic is tender. Add the water, peanut butter, hoisin sauce and tomato paste; cook and stir for 2-4 minutes or until thickened. Remove from the heat; set aside., For rolls, cook noodles according to package directions. Drain and rinse in cold water; drain well. Add hoisin sauce if desired; toss to coat. In a small bowl, combine the red pepper, cucumber and carrot. Set aside noodles and vegetables., Fill a shallow bowl with water. Soak a rice paper in the water just until pliable, 30-45 seconds (depending on thickness of rice papers); remove, allowing excess water to drip off., Place on a flat surface. Layer vegetables and noodles down the center; top with peanuts and, if desired, cilantro. Fold both ends over filling; fold one long side over the filling, then roll up tightly. Place seam side down on a serving platter. Repeat with remaining ingredients., Cover with damp paper towels until serving. Cut rolls diagonally in half; serve with peanut sauce.

Steps:

• In a large bowl, combine the carrots, green onions, cabbage, olive oil, cilantro, salt and pepper: toss well.
• Let marinate at room temp for 10 minutes, stirring frequently.
• Meanwhile, place the noodles in a medium bowl.
• Cover with boiling water and soak for 10 minutes, or until the noodles are softened.
• Drain well and snip into 2-inch pieces.
• Set aside.
• Place about 2 Tablespoons of the noodles and about 2 Tablespoons of the vegetable mixture about 1-inch from the lower edge of each rice paper round.
• Sprinkle with basil/mint leaves.
• Fold the bottom edge over the filling; fold in both sides and roll up tightly.
• Press to seal.
• Place on a plate seam side down; cover with plastic wrap.
• Refrigerate for 10 minutes (you may also make these ahead of time and refrigerate for several hours).
• Two quick sauces (or use hoisin, hot mustard, etc): In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce and sesame oil.
• In a separate bowl, combine the soy sauce, rice vinegar, peanut oil, hot sesame oil, garlic and sugar.
• Serve as a dipping sauce with the spring rolls.
• NOTE: To soften the rice-paper rounds before rolling them, fill a large bowl with warm water.
• Dip each rice-paper round into the water for 10 seconds, or until softened and transluceent.
• Remove and let drain on a clean dish towel.
• Do not stack the rice papers; they will stick together.