Speedy Simple Summer Rolls

Summer rolls, to me, are perfect for hot weather. First of all, they are served cool, so they feel light and fresh. And they don't involve a lot of cooking - you can use a store-bought rotisserie chicken or chicken leftovers, and just assemble. Asian food may sound exotic and beyond your skill set, but believe me, you can do this. With a quick peanut dipping sauce, they will be a hit with your family, and you will make them again and again.

Ingredients:

• Package of 12 spring roll wrappers

• 1 1/2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken (you can also use sliced tofu, or cooked shrimp, or leftover pork)

• 1/2 head of lettuce - butter lettuce or iceberg

• 1/2 cup chopped cashews or peanuts

• 1 bunch cilantro

• 1/4 cup basil leaves

• 1 red or yellow bell pepper

• 1 carrot

• 1 peeled cucumber

• 1 avocado

• 1 jalapeno or Fresno pepper. if you like more heat

Preparation:

1. First, prep all the fillings, so that assembly is easy and quick. Finely chop the lettuce, nuts, cilantro, basil, and jalapeno. Thinly slice the bell pepper, the carrot, the cucumber, and the avocado. Make thin sticks of them.

2. The spring roll wrappers need to be soaked for 20-30 seconds in warm water. Put some warm water in a bowl, and soak each wrapper individually as you assemble each roll.

3. Here we go: Take the soaked spring roll wrapper and place a tablespoon or two of the shredded chicken in a line down the middle. Add your chopped and sliced ingredients, then fold in the bottom of the wrapper. Fold over one side and roll up tightly like a burrito. Place the roll, seam side down, on a plate.

4. Repeat this process for the remaining wrappers. You can slice them in two diagonally if you like.

Dipping Sauce Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup smooth peanut butter

• 2/3 cup canned coconut milk

• Juice of 2 limes

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar

• 1 teaspoon stevia

• 3 tablespoons soy sauce

• 1 teaspoon finely minced fresh ginger (about 1/2 inch)

Preparation:

1. Just combine and stir ingredients together until smooth. Add a little more soy sauce if you like it (I do).

Any leftover dipping sauce makes a great salad dressing. You can put this on your leftover lettuce tomorrow. Thin it with a little more coconut milk if needed.