Summer Roll in a Bowl

the recipe to cool you off in the mid-summer madness

We went from days and days of rain to sweltering heat over here in the ATL. August 1^st marked the first day where the sun was in full effect along with the first day of school. That first week of school is preluded with chaos, endless school supply lists, and big emotions. After 2 grocery runs, a trip to Costco and several trips to Target, I was wiped. The ramp up to the big day always feels like a lot, and it is, especially when one of your kids is just entering Kindergarten for the first time. Last year when Roen started Kindergarten, there were a lot of nerves and feelings coming up for him. He managed to acclimate beautifully by the second or third day. Reya, our daughter, on the other hand, is nicknamed “the fearless one” for good reason. She really goes into any situation with a confidence that is pretty impressive and is always excited for something new.

After we dropped them off and watched them walk in wearing backpacks bigger than their bodies, we looked at each other and uttered a sigh of relief. Another milestone in the books. That first quiet cup of coffee when we got home felt celebratory and might I add, tasted more delicious than usual. The house went from buzzing to serene, and as much as I missed them, it felt great. Since I’ve become a parent, the first day of school holds more weight than New Year’s Eve. It’s one of the little perks of being a parent that no one tells you about…the ability to witness the growth of a human you created. Parenting is crazy, cool, exhausting, and delightful all at the same time. It has been my biggest lesson in acceptance and patience, and I continue to learn so much through their eyes. When John and I met them at the bus stop after the big day was done, they were sweaty, smiling and beaming with joy. Success.

With the house feeling so serene, I felt some kitchen creativity creep up immediately which is always a welcome feeling. The two weeks leading up to August 1^st weren’t filled with many innovative meals because, plain and simple, I didn’t have the bandwidth. I was turning to my own recipe index for dinner ideas which I’m thankful exists on weeks where I just need some direction. Weekend Pancakes, Chicken Souvlaki and the Peach, Cucumber and Burrata Salad have been in heavy rotation over here. As a recipe creator, I keep a running log of ideas on my notes app of things that pop into my brain to make or things that I’m currently craving. For almost a year, I’ve wanted to share a recipe for Vietnamese inspired Summer Rolls. It just never happened. Also, I think the idea of people actually making the summer rolls by hand for dinner, seemed a bit daunting. I had an “a-ha” moment when I peeked into my pantry and found a bag of rice noodles. The wheels got turning and this week’s recipe was born, and I’m obsessed with it. It has all the flavors and textures of a summer roll, and it really hits the spot amid these long hot days we’re having.

this new Trader Joe’s ingredient is a winner, run don’t walk, it has a real kick!

I totally cheated this one and used some shredded rotisserie chicken, but this would be great with grilled or poached shrimp or grilled chicken. The combination of flavors and fresh herbs are really lovely. This recipe has a kick so if you don’t love spicy, use less yuzu kosho and go easy on the chili. This recipe will serve a hearty portion for 2 people but would also be great as a side dish for a grilled protein as the main event for dinner and could easily serve 4.

Summer Roll in a Bowl

Serves 2 as a main or 4 as a side

Ingredients:

• 3 cloves minced or grated garlic