Jaden, over at the Steamy Kitchen is having a birthday on Friday & in honor of her birthday, she is giving a away a Flip Ultra Video thingy, to one lucky person! Yes, that is right folks, SHE is giving a gift away for her birthday! Not only is the challenge fun, but it is really easy. All you have to do is come up with a quick (15 minutes or less) Asian Inspired dinner, Bittman Style!

I have a pretty busy week and my man is traveling, which means I usually do not really cook all that much when he is gone. Lucky for you and lucky for me, Jaden, completely inspired me last night, to toss away bad habits and to hit the kitchen running or chopping, in this case. As well, we, are all about the 15 minute healthy dinner, especially with our busy schedules recently.

I thought about what I would make all day, in fact, I woke up thinking about it. I have a few ideas; but what did I really want? My tastebuds are SCREAMING for very fresh veggies that are slightly spicy. As well, I have been craving Spring Rolls, ever since we had Viet food last Friday night. Mind you I never really cared for them, well, I actually never really ate them until we learned how to do it ourselves over at Diane & Todd’s. I always was kind of creeped out by the texture of the wrap, reminded me of, well, a condom on food – yuke! Anyhow, mind out of gutter, my tastebuds are SCREAMING for very fresh veggies that are slightly spicy, so I decided to make veggie spring-rolls. So, I set the timer, started chopping and attempted to make them in 15 minutes or less, just made it at the 15 minute mark.

Drum roll …………..

Steamy’s Birthday Spring Rolls

Dipping Sauce ~ Combine 1/8 c. soy sauce, 2 T. Candied Kumquat juice, 1 tsp. Sesame Oil, diced red chili (to taste) and one diced candied Kumquat. Mix, pour into bowl. Thinly slice some cucumber, green onion, and red pepper. Grate 1 carrot. Put out lettuce leaves, sprouts, and herbs (used cilantro, Thai Basil, Lime Basil and mint). Soften a rice paper round in warm water for about 10 seconds. Lay on cutting board, top with lettuce, herbs and veggies. Fold over one end and then tuck and roll, tuck and roll. Serve with dipping sauce and icy cold beer!

Verdict – Organic & local to boot, fresh tasting, crip, bursting with flavor from all directions, a party in your mouth. Very very easy! There you have it, a healthy & Vegetarian dinner in 15 minutes! EM of the MEM, stopped by, they loved them, so they are also kid friendly!