Cold Appetizers - Cold Spring Rolls

When planning the party appetizers for a large group it is always best to make sure you have a variety of both hot and cold appetizers. Whereas the final preparations for hot appetizers must be completed just before serving, cold appetizers are great make ahead appetizers, thereby freeing up your time on party day.

While searching through our library of recipes for versatile cold appetizer recipes, we came across this wonderful old favorite - regardless of what the theme is for your upcoming party, these Cold Spring Rolls are perfect party food appetizers for any number of people and are surprisingly easy to make!

Cold Spring Rolls
Increase porportions according to the number of guests.

8 small rice wraps (can be found in Asian food stores or most grocery stores)
2 oz cellophane noodles
8 Boston lettuce leaves
1 large carrot, shredded
1 red pepper, julienne
6 0z bean sprouts
8 fresh mint leaves
8 fresh basil leaves

1. Put cellophane noodles in a medium sized bowl and cover with boiling water. Let soak for 10 minutes and drain. Use scissors to cut the noodles into shorter lengths.
2. Fill another bowl with warm water and place a clean tea towel on your work surface. For each roll, dip a rice paper wrap in the warm water for 10-20 seconds or until softened. Place your wrap on the tea towel and brush off any excess water.
3. For each roll, arrange cellophane noodles, lettuce, carrot, red pepper, bean sprouts, mint and basil 1-inch from the bottom of the rice wrap. Fold the bottom inch overthe ingredients. Fold in left and right sides of the wrap, then roll to create a cylinder. Repeat with the remaining wraps.
4. Serve with dipping sauce.

Dipping Sauce
1/3 cup fish sauce
2 tsp superfine sugar
1 tblsp rice vinegar
2 red Thai chillies, seeded and chopped
2 green Thai chillies, seeded and chopped

In a small bowl, mix all ingredients together. Stir together until the sugar has dissolved.
Serve with Cold Spring Rolls.

For more great appetizer ideas, visit http://www.appetizersunlimited.com/