Vietnamese Fresh Spring Rolls

These spring rolls are a refreshing change from the usual fried variety. They are great as a cool summertime appetizer, and are delicious dipped in one or both of the sauces.

INGREDIENTS:

* 2 ounces rice vermicelli
* 8 rice wrappers (8.5 inch diameter)
* 8 large cooked shrimp - peeled, deveined and cut in half
* 1 1/3 tablespoons chopped fresh Thai basil
* 3 tablespoons chopped fresh mint leaves
* 3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
* 2 leaves lettuce, chopped
* 1 pc shredded carrots
* 4 teaspoons fish sauce
* 1/4 cup water
* 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
* 1 clove garlic, minced
* 2 tablespoons white sugar
* 1/2 teaspoon garlic chili sauce

DIRECTIONS

1. Bring a medium saucepan of water to boil. Boil rice vermicelli 3 to 5 minutes, or until al dente, and drain.
2. Fill a large bowl with warm water. Dip one wrapper into the hot water for 1 second to soften. Lay wrapper flat. In a row across the center, place 2 shrimp halves, a handful of vermicelli, basil, mint, cilantro and lettuce, leaving about 2 inches uncovered on each side. Fold uncovered sides inward, then tightly roll the wrapper, beginning at the end with the lettuce. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
3. In a small bowl, mix the fish sauce, water, lime juice, garlic, sugar and chili sauce.
4. Serve rolled spring rolls with the fish sauce and hoisin sauce mixtures.

SAUCE:
For an easy and excellent peanut dipping sauce, mix 1 part crunchy peanut butter to 2 parts hoisin sauce. Whisk over medium heat until blended, adding a few splashes of water to make the sauce less thick. This sauce truly MAKES the dish!