Giada's Fruit Spring Rolls

I used to be infatuated with the Food Network Channel, so much so that it became part of my daily routine. I probably owe to it a big portion of my love of cooking and food. Recently though, my food inspiration has solely come from food blogs. On a nice and relaxing day, I decided to tune into the Food Network once more, for old times sake.

One of my favorite Food Network chef's is Giada de Laurentiis. She's absolutely gorgeous and makes some yummy, yummy food. One of my favorite cupcakes is actually from her! Well, I saw her make this fruit spring roll and I was shocked to say the least! I'm Vietnamese and we do NOT make dessert spring rolls, but if Giada gives it her seal, I'd at least give it a shot.
These were definitely easy and pretty to look at! All those colors make me happy. Tasting it you ask? It was odd. But don't scratch it off your list immediately. The flavors were spot on. The mint and the honey with the fruit, how could you go wrong? I especially loved the lime dipping sauce, which added a subtle zing to the sweetness. I was just surprised by the sweet noodles.

But to be fair, if I has used the Pad Thai noodles it might have tasted better since it has more structure than the vermicelli that I used. Next time, I might just toss all the fruit in the dressing and have at it! I literally love that mint-lime dressing.

Fruit Spring Rolls

Yields: 4 - 6 servings

Original recipe can be found here.

For the rolls:

1 1/2 cups cooked Pad Thai noodles, cooled and drained (I used rice noodles)

1/4 cup honey

1/4 cup packed mint leaves, finely chopped

6 rice paper rounds

6 medium strawberries, stemmed and sliced

1 mango, halved, peeled, seeded and cut into slices

6 tbsn. sliced almonds, toasted

For the dipping sauce:

1/4 cup packed mint leaves, finely chopped

1/4 cup honey

1/4 cup fresh lime juice, 2 - 3 limes

For the rolls, put the noodles in a medium bowl and add the honey and mint. Using 2 forks, toss the ingredients together until the noodles are coated. Dip the rice paper in hot water until thoroughly wet, remove and flatten out on a clean surface. Add some noodles, 3 - 5 strawberry slices, 2 mango slices, and some toasted almonds. Roll the rice paper around the filling like a burrito; first rolling the top over, tucking in the sides, then completing the roll. Repeat with remaining ingredients.

For the dipping sauce, in a small bowl combine the mint, honey and lime juice. Pour into a serving bowl. Serve with the rolls and enjoy!

Happy Valentine's Day!

There may be only a handful of you guys, but I love you all dearly! I don't think I've ever thanked you guys but it's a damn shame because all of you are wonderful, enchanting, hilarious and incredibly sincere. I could keep complimenting but that list would take the whole screen!

It always helps to know that somewhere, out there, someone is rooting you on, despite your failures or triumphs; and when I had a not-so-nice encounter with a certain someone, you guys all outpoured your loving support and it made me happy beyond words. My heart literally smiled, cause ya know... hearts can do that right?

So this Valentine's day I want to dedicate to you guys! Because after all, I ♥ You!

OH, and happy Chinese/ Vietnamese New Year as well :)

And if you happen to be in need of some last minute & easy treats, try these:

The simplest and most effective treat? Chocolate covered strawberries of course! Why not jazz them up a little by coating them in your favorite nuts? Mmmm.

And how about a little bubbly buzz to go with those strawberries? The perfect drink would be these Champagne Raspberry Fizzes. Sweet, decadent and luxurious.

Looking for some good clean fun? Perhaps a nice Valentine's day with the kids or just something to warm you up? Homemade spicy chai; deeeelicious. And how cute are these? Just cut out a heart into a piece of paper and use it as a stencil for cocoa powder or cinnamon :)

And just to spice up your night a little more: some spiced chai snickerdoodles, for your snickerdoodle at home. With these, you'll be impossible to resist. Go get 'em tiger!

Nutella Stuffed French Toast with Maple Whipped Cream

No time for a story, just enough time for some good eats! I never knew French Toast was so, so incredibly easy! Not to mention delicious! Especially this one, since I am a complete sucker for Nutella. But then with bananas too? Oh wait... and maple whipped cream?!?! I've really gone too far with this one, seriously, seriously, seriously delicious. Did I mention that I was serious about this one? Because I am, deadly serious. No sarcasm here. Nope. Just pure Nutella, melt-in-your-mouth explosions of delighful joy.

Nutella Stuffed French Toast with Fresh Bananas and Maple Whipped Cream

Yields: Enough for four

Printable Recipe

3 eggs

1 cup milk

2 tbsn. brown sugar

pinch of salt

1 tsp. cinnamon

1 tsp. nutmeg

1 tsp. vanilla extract

4 tbsn. butter

12 slices of whole wheat bread (or white/ brioche/ challah/ anything will do)

Nutella, amount depends on how much you like 

4 bananas, sliced (optional)

powdered sugar, for topping (optional)

In a medium bowl mix the eggs, milk, sugar, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg and vanilla until well combined. Spread the Nutella onto 6 sliced of the bread, then place the other bread slices on them to make a Nutella sandwich and cut diagonally. Heat a large pan over medium heat. Once hot, drop a tablespoon of butter and wait until melted. Dip the bread into the liquid mixture until coated well on each side (do NOT over soak or else it will become soggy). Drop the sandiwches into the hot pan and cook 4 halves at a time using a tablespoon of butter for each batch. Cook until golden brown, about 3 - 4 minutes on each side. Remove from pan and eat immediately. Top with the fresh bananas and whipped cream.

Maple Whipped Cream

1 cup heavy cream

1/4 cup of maple syrup

1 tsp. vanilla extract

Using a mixer, whip the cream until peaks start to form. While on low speed, slowly add the maple syrup and vanilla. Continue beating until peaks become stiff. Enjoy!