You know what always intimidated me? Making my own fresh rolls. Amongst a lot of other things that at once confused or intimidated me, it was unfounded. Because once I set out to use those thin rice paper sheets, I realized just how easy they are to use. And then these summer rolls with peanut sauce were born! Sure, it takes a little practice, but trust me, once you get the hang of it, you're gonna be a rice paper rolling pro.

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Summer Time Fun

I am not sure how we are already mid-July? Where exactly is time going and can it please slow the eff down! I know, people say this all the time, but seriously, the summer is flying by and it would be great if time could just chill. When I think back to what my life looked like a year ago, I could never imagine I'd be where I am now. I was in a long term relationship (you can read more about self care after that breakup here) and life was pretty easy going. And when I say easy going, I kind of mean boring. There is nothing wrong with boring (sometimes), but I was stuck and I didn't even realize it at the time. Most of my summer was spent indoors waiting around for my boyfriend to come home so we could do something together. I wasted a lot of time doing things that weren't really moving me or my business forward and deep down I was pretty unhappy.

Looking Back One Year Ago

It wasn't until just recently (within the last two months) that I started to notice how happy I am now. When my relationship ended, I didn't think I'd ever be happy again, like truly, deeply happy. But here I am, and I can honestly say that this breakup was the best thing that could have happened to me. Not saying that I needed to have it all go down the way it did, but now looking back, I realize that I was unhappy. It showed on my face and in my body too. I was actually holding onto weight and inflamed because of it. When I look at pictures of me from just last year, I don't recognize that person anymore. It isn't all about the physical transformation, because truly I don't care about my weight anymore. But, I look like a different person because deep down I am a different person. Have you ever looked back at yourself a year ago and felt such a huge transformation?

Getting Out of My Comfort Zone

One thing that I want to do more of, is doing things that scare me or push me out of my comfort zone. Although these summer rolls with peanut sauce are just a small thing, they definitely pushed me out of my comfort zone a bit. And the results were 1000% worth it. I wanted to make a variety of different summer rolls so that you can choose to make whichever ones look best to you.

Shrimp Summer Rolls with Peanut Sauce

The first one I created was this shrimp fresh roll. If you want to make these ones, be sure to buy pre-cooked shrimp to make life easier. I suggest getting these frozen at your local fish market and then letting them defrost when you are ready to start rolling. Another tip is to cut them in half lengthwise otherwise they may be too big for the roll and won't close properly, or the rice paper could rip. Plus you can get more out of them this way too! I kept the filling ingredients basic for this one with just cabbage, cilantro (or use mint), and sliced pepper. The peanut sauce is where it is at with these rolls, so feel free to make the full batch and dip until your hearts desire.

Mango, Avocado and Noodle Summer Rolls with Peanut Sauce

The second option to make are these mango ones. Mango and avocado work really well together here, and if you want to make it a bit more filling, add the thin vermicelli noodles. If you are using the thin noodles, you don't even have to cook them. You can simply add the amount you want to a large bowl and soak in just boiled water. I use my kettle for this as I find this method the easiest. Then you can just soak them for a few minutes, rinse with cold water and they're good to go.

Crispy Tofu Summer Rolls with Peanut Sauce

If you made me pick a favourite, it would probably be these ones, but shhh don't tell the other rolls. Cook the tofu ahead of time to make these summer rolls quickly. The method I use for cooking tofu is always the same. First, it is important to get all of the water out of the block of tofu by pressing it. To do this, I simply wrap the block of tofu in some paper towel, then place a tea towel over top and put it on a plate. Then I place my cast iron pan on top of the tofu and let is sit for about 10 to 15 minutes. This extra step helps to make sure a lot of the water is removed so that it can absorb all the flavours you want to put into it.

Summer Rolls

Are you ready to start rolling?! Don't be intimidated by the rice paper, once you get the hang of it, you'll be a pro. I do have a few tips on working with rice paper, so see below for what worked for me!

• Soak each rice paper in hot water for about 20-30 seconds.
• Fill a large bowl with hot water (just use tap hot water) that is large enough to dunk the rice paper in.
• Once you have soaked the rice paper, remove and drain a little of the excess water off.
• Use a clean counter surface to place the soaked rice paper on.
• When filling the rice paper with your ingredients, try and keep the ingredients to the centre of it.
• When you are ready to fold and roll, take the bottom piece (closest to you) and lift up and fold over the filling ingredients. Keep it held in place while you fold each of the sides over once. Then just roll it up until it's closed and sealed.
• If you find your rice paper is getting a little sticky and difficult to handle, wet your fingertips with a little bit of water to help make it easier.