Fresh Vietnamese Style Summer Rolls

A healthy light dinner or snack!  This is a fun and different way to serve veggies and leftover protein.

Ingredients:

10 Rice Paper Wrappers (found in Asian food stores and specialty shops)
1 or 2 carrots peeled and cut into matchstick pieces
1 cucumber peeled and cut into matchstick pieces
1/2 of a large pepper - red, green, or yellow- or several mini peppers seeded and cut into matchbook pieces
1/3 to 1/2 cup of cabbage, chopped
1 avacado seeded and sliced
Chopped fresh herbs such as cilantro, basil, and mint
20 cooked shrimp or a cup or two of cooked protein such as beef, chicken, ahi tuna, or tofu cut into matchstick pieces
Several small jalapeños seeded and sliced

Directions:

Put an inch or two of warm water into a baking dish or bowl at least the size of the rice paper wrapper.  Line up all he prepared ingredients within easy reach.

Dip 1 rice paper wrapper into the warm water.  Allow it to soak for 10 to 20 seconds as directed on the package.  Remove the wrapper from the water and allow excess water to drip back into the dish.  Spread the wrapper out on a flat surface.  Being careful not to overfill the roll, place small amounts of the vegetables, avacado, and herbs in a line just above the center or the wrapper, leaving 1 inch of space on each side.  Top with shrimp, beef, or other protein and sliced jalapeños.  Fold the bottom half of the wrapper over the filling. Fold the side of the wrapper in.  Pressing firmly down to hold the folds in place, roll up to the top of the wrapper.  Place on a serving plate seam side down.

Serve with peanut sauce, soy, or hoisin.  Enjoy!

Serves 2 to 3

Cold Brew Coffee

Cold Brew Coffee has become very popular at Starbucks and other coffee shops.  It is said to be lower in acid than traditionally brewed coffee.  Make your own to keep on hand for a quick and easy caffeine boost!

Ingredients:
3/4 Cup coffee beans course lay ground (or the same amount of ground coffee)
4 Cups cold water
1 quart jar or pitcher

Directions:
Corsely grind coffee beans or use already ground coffee.  Put coffee and water in 1 quart jar.  Cover and allow to steep on counter for 10 to 12 hours.  Strain out the coffee grounds and return coffee to jar or pitcher.  Store in refrigerator for up to a week.

Directions For Use:
For hot coffee, heat desired amount in microwave.  Serve with cream, milk, sugar or coffee syrups as desired.

For iced coffee, pour over cubed or crushed ice.  Mix in cereal, milk, sugar or coffee syrups as desired.

Coffee ice cube keep your iced coffee refreshingly cold without diluting the taste.  Make your own by pouring coffee into ice cube treys and freeze.