Perfect Picnic Menu

Fresh Spring Rolls with Peanut Dipping Sauce

• Transport in Tupperware, but serve from a small tray and ramekin (optional).

INGREDIENTS FOR 10 ROLLS

Sauce

• ¼ cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 1 clove garlic, mashed
• 1 teaspoon Sriracha sauce
• 1-2 tablespoons warm water, or more as needed
• Optional: crushed peanuts, crushed red pepper flakes

Rolls

• 10 spring roll rice paper wrappers
• 1 large carrot, peeled and julienned
• 1 large cucumber, julienned 
• ½ large pepper, julienned
• ⅓ cup purple cabbage, chopped
• 1 ounce cooked rice noodles or rice vermicelli
• 1 avocado, sliced
• Handful fresh cilantro
• 5 large green lettuce leaves (romaine, butter, etc.), torn in half
• 20 medium cooked shrimp, peeled and sliced
• Optional: sesame seeds

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Prepare the dipping sauce. 
2. Add all ingredients to a medium bowl (except water and optional garnish) and whisk until smooth. 
3. Add 1-2 tablespoons of warm water or until you reach desired thinness. 
4. Pour into a serving bowl/ramekin and top with garnish. 
5. Set aside.
6. Prepare the rice paper wrappers.
7. Pour warm water into a large bowl or 9-inch square or round baking pan. 
8. Working with one at a time, dip the rice paper wrapper into the warm water for 15-20 seconds (or whatever the package suggests). The wrapper should be soft, yet still slightly firm and pliable.
9. Remove from the water and place flat onto a work surface such as a large plastic or ceramic cutting board. Pat the wrapper slightly dry.
10. Fill the rolls.
11. Place a few sticks of carrot, cucumber, red pepper, and a sprinkle of cabbage on top of the bottom ⅓ of the rice. Then, a small amount of noodles, a slice or two of avocado and a bit of cilantro. Layer ½ of a lettuce leaf on top and add 4 slices of shrimp. 
12. Do not overstuff the roll. Start small then add more, as needed, as you roll each one.
13. Roll them.
14. Gently pull up the bottom of the roll and roll over the filling. 
15. Then, roll and use your hands to tuck the filling in as you go, like you would a burrito. The roll should be very tight. 
16. For easy transport, place in Tupperware between layers of parchment or wax paper.

For cooler months...