Rice Rolls

It is reaching up over 100 degrees today in Phoenix, so I am not wanting to eat something hot for lunch. In the summer I would much rather just eat watermelon all day everyday but I love food way too much to do that. This recipe is an inspiration from my younger sister, she makes a version of these for her family. The beauty of this recipe is that once you get your technique down on rolling them up you can fill them with anything! You will quickly become a Rice Roll master, you are only limited by your imagination. I am thinking about putting fruit in them next time. You could even make a desert one with Berry's and mint or something fun! The rice paper can be found at most normal grocery stores, if your does not have them go to Whole Foods they will have them for sure!

Ingredients
Rice Paper Rolls
1 Avocado
1 cucumber
1 block of tofu - any kind you like
1 carrot
3 green onions
(any other stuff you may want to put in)

Directions

• in a pan big enough to put the rice paper sheets in put about 1 inch of water and bring to a boil
• prep all your fillings so they are cut log and thin
• when the water comes to a boil  place one rice paper sheet in until it turns soft, I flipped them over I would say 45 seconds per side.

• remove from the water and lay flat on a plate, let it cool for a second
• then place your fillings in the center and wrap up like a burrito

• let cool and keep this process up until you have made as many as you want
• dip in soy sauce or dressing or whatever you want!

Does anyone have any other great ideas for rice paper wraps ?

Almond Butter Cups

I have not been good about posting lately, I am finding it hard to cook and take pictures, I will work on that. I really like this recipe, it is the time of year for summer party's and this is a perfect dessert to bring to any party. This is my version of a really great recipe that I have made a hundred times from The Kind Life book. In the book the recipe is for peanut butter cups and has different ingredients, but the same general idea. these cups are so rich! next time I think I will make them in a mini muffin form.

Ingredients
2 cups - Cat Cookies (for people) Trader Joe's brand
1/2 cup - Earth Balance
3/4 cup - Almond Butter
1/4 cup - raw sugar
1 bag - Chocolate Chips (dark or whatever kind you want, be sure it is vegan)
1/2 cup any nut milk you have on hand
about 1 cup of whole raw almonds for your garnish

Directions

• Line muffin pan with paper cups (makes 12)
• put the Cat Cookies in the Food Processor, zip them up till the are in little pieces (like making a graham cracker crust)
• melt the earth balance (I did this in the microwave its too hot to turn on the oven in phoenix)
• mix together the melted earth balance, cat cookies, almond butter, and sugar.
• once this is combined divide the mixture between your 12 muffin cups
• melt the chocolate chips and the nut milk together
• divide the melted chocolate between your 12 muffin cups
• garnish the tops with the raw almonds and a sprinkle of raw sugar
• place in the freezer until frozen.

I like to leave these in a Ziploc in the freezer. when you are ready to eat just pull off the paper and go for it. I will tell you these are really rich, so I may make them as minis next time.