Spring Time Spring Rolls with Dipping Sauce!!

   Finally spring is starting to show itself! The weather is starting to warm up to the perfect temperature and flowers are peeking up in my yard. Everytime spring hits everyone wants to eat lighter meals. Not heavy or greasy meals. Plus summer is right around the corner and we all know what that means. Swimsuits!!! The horror! 

I decided to make you all something a little lighter and fresher than usual. Plus after my near panic attack thinking about swimsuit weather this lunch was much needed. Plus who doesn't like a meal that's actually good for you? 

I am in love with fresh dishes and this one hit the spot perfectly! I may or may not be obsessed and making this every day this week. 

   Now you can pick out your favorite veggies for this. This is the mixture I chose: 

* Romaine lettuce

* Carrots

* Green onions

* Bean sprouts

* Cilantro

* Avacado

And you'll need: 

* Rice paper

* rice noodles (optional) 

 

For the dipping sauce: 

* 1/4 cup soy sauce
* 1/2 tsp sesame oil 
* 2 garlic cloves
* A couple green onions
* 2 Tbsp water
* 2 Tbsp hoisin sauce
* 1/2 inch fresh ginger
* A dash of sugar

   Start by making the dipping sauce first. You want to let it mingle in the fridge while you make your spring rolls. 

Just mix everything together until your sugar is dissolved then stick it in the fridge. 

   Now this is the first time I've ever used rice paper and I was quite proud of myself. My first spring roll came out nearly perfect. A few little tears on the edges were just rolled up. The rice paper I bought had "blemishes" around the edges but it didn't effect my rolls. 

Before you start cook your rice noodles. Cook them per the directions on the box. After I drained them I drizzled a little sesame oil over them. My favorite!! 

   Start by making a little work station. This makes it so much easier so you can just "grab and roll". 

   Now that everything is ready to be rolled start soaking your rice paper. Dip your sheet into a bowl of water for 10-15 seconds and then lay flat on your surface. Don't soak your sheet until it's completely limp because that makes it really hard to work with. It will finishing soaking up water while you are filling it. 

   Now stuff with your favorite stuff. This would be AMAZING with grilled chicken or shrimp in it. That's exactly what I will be doing next time. 

 

   Now roll that baby up! Fold over the end closest to you then fold in the sides and roll nice and tight. 

 HELLO BEAUTIFUL!!! Keep rolling until you have your desired amount. Serve with your dipping sauce. 

These were so colorful, crisp and light. Perfect for a spring or summer lunch! 

I hope you guys enjoy!  

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Cheesy Potato Casserole!!

   I am currently working on another post for you guys but I wanted to share this with you as soon as I could. I made it tonight and if you are looking for the perfect side dish to make or bring to Christmas dinner this is it! 

Let jump right into it. 

Here's what you'll need:

- 6 tablespoons butter (divided)

- 1 medium yellow or white onion 

- 3 large cloves garlic

- 1 tablespoon dry rosemary (or fresh)

- 3 heaping tablespoons flour

- 1 1/2 cups chicken stock

- 1 cup whole milk

- 3 cups sharp or extra sharp cheddar

- 1 bag frozen country style potatoes

(Ore-lada or similar)

- 1/2 cup sour cream

- 3 cups corn flakes

- salt and pepper 

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. 

Start out my chopping up a medium onion. Soften it in a few tablespoons of butter and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Season with salt.

   Chop or grate in a few cloves of garlic. Add a tablespoon of dry rosemary. Fresh is best in my opinion but I had dry on hand. 

   Once the onions are softened add 3 heaping tablespoons of flour and stir together. Let it cook out for about a minute. 

    I eyeballed this part but after you let the roux cook out for a minute add 1 1/2 cups chicken stock while whisking. After that's all combined whisk in a cup of whole milk. Let this thicken up for about 5 minutes. Make sure you whisk it frequently. 

   After it's nice and thick turn the heat off and leave on the burner. Stir in about 3 cups of sharp cheddar until melted. Now is a good time to check your seasonings. 

   Stir in your bag of country style potatoes. Once combined add 1/2 cup of sour cream. Now just add it to your baking pan. 

   Melt a few tablespoons of butter in the microwave while you crunch up about 3 cups of corn flakes with your hands. Make sure you buy corn flakes and not frosted flakes! I have a feeling they wouldn't be as pleasent. :) 

Now pour your melted butter over them and mix together. Top your potato mixture with the corn flakes. 

   Bake for 40-45 minutes. Once you pull it out of the oven let it stand for 15 minutes so it can thicken up a bit. 

As you can see we were so ready to eat I forgot to take a picture of it when I pulled it out of the oven. Oops!!! Good thing we didn't eat it all! 

   I hope you guys try this. It was fantastic! And it's the holidays so why not splurge a bit?! 

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