Friday, September 7, 2012

Skip to Malou in the Lou | Vietnamese Summer Rolls

A year ago, my husband got me on a flight bound for St. Louis.  I left San Diego filled with trepidation, as I did not know what adventures lay ahead.  I viewed one last time the beautiful So Cal coastline accentuated by the waves from the Pacific.  I will miss San Diego, the beaches, the weather, the park, the food and the friends we have left behind.

As our plane touched down that Friday afternoon in September, I had my first look and see what my new city is all about.  It was the end of summer and all our kids were off to college, so we thought that moving to a new city was very timely.  But just like in any move, adjusting to a new place, forging new friendships and building a new home can be very daunting.  But after a year, I am glad St. Louis has treated us well - way beyond our expectations.  I have fallen in love with St. Louis and its people.

We now enjoy the company of new friends...



Got a chance to have lunch with the Mayor:


Becoming one with Cardinal Nation...




Trekking to Food Truck Fridays...



And having a brief Taste of St. Louis...


... Continuing to be uplifted during Sunday services at the majestic Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis...


Even my blog has evolved, I've added a new segment on All Things St. Louis.

Now I've developed a new Modern Asian Cooking Series that I teach at Whole Foods and will soon have at the Kitchen Conservatory in the winter.


Another highlight is appearing on KSDK NewsChannel 5  and I look forward to another guest appearance on September 29, 2012.  



As my blog has brought me the opportunity to interact with a lot of friends and new acquaintances interested in Filipino and Asian cooking, I am reaching out to the local community to preach the wonders of Filipino and Asian food.  I want to share the unique flavors and dishes of Filipino cooking and broaden the palates of the community by highlighting Asian cuisine.  Not only is it quick and easy to prepare, but the ingredients are also readily available.

Anyone can prepare Filipino and Asian dishes that are very simple to make.  I hope you could join me in my next class Sept.11 at 6:30pm and we can start our journey to learn more about Modern Asian Cooking. Here's a link on how to register... for those not based here in STL, allow me to share with you another easy recipe called:

VIETNAMESE SUMMER ROLLS



8 sheets rice paper
green lettuce leaves, hand torn into pieces
1/2 pack rice vermicelli
1/2 bundle of cilantro, chopped
large cocktail shrimp (ready to eat from the store)
1/2 cup chicken strips, cooked (I used left over roast chicken)

Dipping Sauce
1 tablespoon premium fish sauce
3 tablespoons chicken stock
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
1/2 teaspoon Chirashi sauce
1 tablespoon  sugar
2  tablespoons hoisin sauce
1 tablespoon finely chopped peanuts
2 cloves garlic, minced

DIRECTION
Boil rice vermicelli in a pot of chicken stock for 5 minutes or until al dente.  Drain and set aside.
While others dip their rice paper in a bowl, I use a brush dipped in a bowl of warm water, then let the wet brush make the wrapper pliable.
On a flat surface, lay the wrapper and layer lettuce, rice noodles, cilantro, chicken and shrimp.  Traditionally, summer rolls have mint, so feel free to add but for me, I omit the mint.
Roll the rice paper.

SAUCE:
In a small bow, mix the fish sauce, hoisin, Chirachi sauce, chicken stock, lime juice, garlic, sugar.  Season according to taste.  Sprinkle chopped nuts and minced garlic.

Best served cold

20 comments:

  1. Wow one year has gone by fast. I remember I asked a recipe from you when you just moved there and that was a year ago? Congratulations you are making all your dreams come true. Way to go.

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    Replies
    1. Yes Ann, it's been a year. Your roast to impress has been a year... or almost.
      Thanks for dropping by.
      Malou

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  2. You are amazing. I didn't know you've been in St. Louis for a year. Such an impressive accomplishment/s. You make me proud. More power.

    Your fan,
    Helena

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Helena. Your comment inspire me. I hope to see you around.

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  3. Oh, I wish I could attend your cooking lessons.. I guess I will just have to watch on the internet :)

    I love summer rolls and I pay a lot of money to have when..I should really just try making them :) doesn't sound that complicated :D

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    Replies
    1. You are so sweet Medeja and even though you are not based here in STL, you being with me online gives me a wonderful feeling. Thank you!

      Malou

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  4. So happy for you Malou. You are one talented lady. I have been to St. Louis several time and love the city. Wish I could take a class from you. The summer rolls look delicious.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Penny! Thank you for the kind words. Great to see you stop by.
      Hugs,
      Malou

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  5. Wow, na-extra pa ako dito! hehehe! Thank you my NFF! Can I feature this in my blog?? These summer rolls are my fave, gotta try this soon! thank you and mwah!

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    Replies
    1. But of course NFF.Sure please do share.happy weekend.

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  6. Wow, Malou! How wonderful that so many good things have happened to you in STL. Isn't it amazing how your love for cooking has opened so many doors for you? Wish you more blessings in all your endeavors, no matter where you are! BTW, I wish I lived next door to you, seeing all these good food you're cooking up :-)Thanks for the blog-visit & kind comments!

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  7. thanks for coming over too Betty. And oh it's always a pleasure to see what's cooking in your kitchen too. Happy weekend!

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  8. Those enrolled in your classes should consider themselves fortunate. I'll wager you are a great teacher! I'm so glad you have been able to make a new home in St. Louis. I hope you have a wonderful weekend. Blessings...Mary

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    Replies
    1. thank you so much Mary. It means so much to me especially coming from you! Happy weekend!
      xo,
      Malou

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  9. Great recipe, wonderful post. You've been here only a year? You certainly have picked up the vibe of the city in a hurry!

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    1. Yep been only here for a year... and looking forward to spending the years ahead!
      Thanks for dropping by.
      Malou

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  10. What a great blog post. I love to hear of how well the move has worked out for you. It sounds like the people of St Louis have really embraced you. Your cooking demonstrations and TV appearances sound really exciting. I love rice paper rolls and make them as a starter for Asian inspired dinner parties. I put cooked pork fillet in mine and always a bit of mint! These look great Malou xx

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    1. I cannot thank the new friends that I have here in STL enough. They've been uber sweet and helpful.
      Thanks you for the kind words. I know I could have not done any better without friends like you who are there "virtually" with me in this journey.
      Thanks Charlie!
      malou

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  11. That's so cool that you're on TV! I've been to St. Louis (a loong loong time ago) and loved it! Enjoy it!

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  12. It must be a Filipino thing to use chicken and shrimp in fresh summer/spring rolls :P I think they look super tasty, especially the dipping sauce to tie it all together. Congratulations on your success!

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Thank you for stopping by and oh I would be thrilled even more if you could leave a comment... :) Cheers!

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