Giada's Spring Rolls

One of my VP's recently recommended that I watch "Giada at Home," the cooking show on Food Network. Apparently I fit the profile of one that should be watching this show. So what did I do? I dvr'd it, of course! The first show that I watched featured fruit spring rolls, and they were adorable, looked easy and super healthy! So what did I do? Attempted to make my own of course (:

I found the rice paper at WalMart, and then used what I had on hand to make my own version of the spring rolls. Here's the recipe that I worked from and the link: Fruit Spring Rolls by Giada

Rolls:

1 1/2 cups cooked Pad Thai noodles, cooled and drained*
1/4 cup honey
1/4 packed cup fresh mint leaves, finely chopped
6 (8-inch) rice paper rounds
6 medium strawberries, stemmed
1 mango, halved, peeled, seeded and cut into 1/4-inch thick slices
6 tablespoons sliced almonds, toasted
Dipping sauce:
1/4 cup packed fresh mint leaves, finely chopped
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup fresh lime juice (about 2 to 3 large limes)

Directions
For the rolls: Put the noodles in a medium bowl and add the honey and the mint. Using 2 forks, toss the ingredients together until the noodles are coated. Lay a damp kitchen or paper towel on a work surface. Soak a rice paper round in warm water for 20 to 30 seconds until softened. Put the rice paper on the damp towel. Add 1/4 cup of the noodle mixture in the center of the rice paper and form into a 3 by 2-inch rectangle. Using a paring knife, slice a strawberry lengthwise into 1/4-inch slices. Arrange the slices over the noodle mixture. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon almonds on top. Arrange 2 to 3 mango slices on top of the almonds. Roll the rice paper around the filling and seal the ends with a little water. Repeat with the remaining ingredients. Wrap the finished spring rolls in damp paper towels and store in the refrigerator.

For the dipping sauce: In a small bowl, combine the mint, honey and lime juice. Pour into a serving bowl.

Arrange the spring rolls on a platter and serve with the dipping sauce.

I used spinach, strawberries and goat cheese and rolled it all up in rice paper. I made a quick dipping sauce of agave nectar, red wine vinegar and poppy seeds. The results?

Not bad for my first time! ;) BFlo LOVED them! I can't wait to make all different types of spring rolls down the road, they were super-fun! I def plan to actually make Giada's recipe one day as well.