Tip: Spring Rolls

A few months ago I discovered a package of spring roll wrappers in the refrigerated (noodle) section of Ranch 99 that was different from the rest. They looked like lumpia wrappers but didn't specify on the package.

I made spring rolls using these wrappers and they were truly the best spring rolls I've ever made and some of the best I've ever tasted. The wrappers fry to a perfect golden color and are crispy without bubbling up. Hopefully they stock these wrappers everytime! (If I get them next time I go to 99 Ranch Market I'll try to remember to take a picture of the package.)

Shrimp Stir-fry Tip

The other week my husband and I unintentionally had a fabulous meal. I needed to make something quick so I decided on a shrimp stir-fry with walnuts (any excuse to use those fresh walnuts my mom gave me).

I remembered that back in college a friend had recommended coating the shrimp in tapioca starch before frying. I tried it and was impressed with the crispness it provided not to mention how easy it was to coat the damp shrimp in the starch (no egg or flour needed!).

You can find tapioca starch at your local Asian market. Just coat the shrimp in the starch and stir fry in your wok for approximately 2 minutes per side; add the walnuts towards the end so that they toast lightly. Drain on a paper towel while you stir-fry your vegetables and some thin slices of fresh ginger. Be sure not to overcook the vegetables and add the sauce (I recommend a simple sauce of 2 T. soy sauce, 2 T. Shaoxing rice wine, and 2 tsp. of brown sugar) right before serving. Don't let vegetable steam in the sauce for too long or they will get mushy.

I served the shrimp separately from the stir-fried veggies so that they stayed crisp. We piled the shrimp and vegetables on top of a mound of jasmine rice.

It was the simplest and most delicious meal that I have ever prepared that quickly. The tapioca starch not only makes the shrimp crispy but it adds a subtle nutty flavor that's not too overpowering. We ended up eating the entire dish despite the fact that I had made enough for 4 people.

(not the most appetizing picture but you get the idea)

Cara Cara

Next time you're at the grocery store and you see some Cara Cara Navel Oranges for sale: buy some! I just recently tried these mild mannered oranges and was quite pleased. They're sweet and subtle and oh-so-pretty.

Pseudo Panini Press

Well, I'm off to Santa Barbara for a long weekend so I won't be posting until mid-next week. Hopefully I'll have some good eats to share with you.

Before I go..I have to share my new find with you. The other week I found a cast iron grill press that fits perfectly in a round pan for frying bacon or smushing a sandwich into a panini.

The press didn't work quite as well as I had hoped but I only spent $7 for it at Marshalls and I think it will prove to be versatile. Here is a turkey panini sandwich (turkey, avacado, Bavarian swiss cheese, roasted garlic, and sweet honey mustard) that I made yesterday with the grill press:

Have a great weekend!