Recipe: Summer Flower Rolls

Makes 12 rolls.

Note: Rice paper wraps come in many sizes, but the most common are 9-inch rounds. They are made with rice starch, tapioca starch or a combination of the two. In general, tapioca-based wraps are thinner, more delicate and more transparent. These rolls are best served immediately, but you can cover them with a wet paper towel and wrap them for up to a day. From Robin Asbell.

• 24 nasturtiums or other edible flowers

• 1 large carrot, shredded

• 1/2 c. slivered red cabbage

• 4 oz. thin rice noodles

• 2 tbsp. rice vinegar

• 1/2 tsp. salt

• 2 green onions, chopped

• 12 (8.5-in.) rice wrappers (see Note)

• 1 large avocado, peeled and cut into slivers

• 1 bunch spearmint leaves, washed and dried

Bring a pot of water to boil. Pat the flowers dry, pluck the petals to use, if necessary. Combine the carrot and slivered red cabbage in a medium bowl.

Cook the noodles in the boiling water until just tender, about 3 minutes, depending on the thickness of the noodles. Drain and rinse with cold water.

In a large bowl, stir the rice vinegar, sugar and salt, and add the cooked noodles and green onions; toss to mix well.

Fill a large bowl or baking pan with cool water and place next to a cutting board. Spread a smooth textured towel on a cutting board. Have a large plate ready for the finished rolls.

Dip each rice wrapper into the water and swish it just until it starts to become flexible, then place on the towel. For each roll, place a couple of slivers of avocado across the center, leaving 2 inches bare on the left and right sides. Cover the avocado with the carrot mixture, then mint leaves, then place about 1/4 cup of the rice noodle mixture on top of the pile. Carefully place the flowers in a row just above the rest of the filling, gently pressed onto the rice paper.

Nutrition information per roll with 1 tablespoon sauce:

Calories135Fat2 gSodium380 mg

Carbohydrates26 gSaturated fat0 gTotal sugars6 g

Protein2 gCholesterol0 mgDietary fiber2 g

Exchanges per serving: 1 starch, ½ carb, .

Note: Think of this as Vegetarian Nuoc Cham, a variation on the traditional Vietnamese sauce served with rolls such as these. From Robin Asbell.

• 1/2 c. freshly squeezed lime juice

• 1/4 c. sugar

• 1/4 c. apple juice or water

• 1/4 c. soy sauce

Directions