SPRING ROLLS - VIETNAMESE STYLE

Ingredients

SPRING ROLL INGREDIENTS

3/4 pkg. rice flour spring roll wrappers (about 24)

1 c. quinoa, red or other *

2 c. boiling water (less if quinoa is pre-soaked)

1/4 c. toasted sesame oil

1 TBS. fresh grated ginger (or 1 tsp. dry)

1 TBS. chopped garlic

2 TBS. soy sauce

1/2 TBS. rice vinegar (or substitute white vinegar)

1 c. roasted peanuts, chopped (optional)

2-3 carrots

Butter lettuce, Napa cabbage, or other favorite (bean sprouts, shrimp, etc.)

Preparation

PREPARATION, SPRING ROLLS

1. Prep quinoa a day ahead if possible, as soaking removes the bitter (and slightly toxic) saponins. As easy method is to soak it overnight (or for several hours) in a bowl with plenty of water; it will triple in size, so use a big enough container. Strain and rinse the quinoa. If soaked, cook it using less water, and for a shorter length of time.

2. Earlier in the day, cook quinoa. To a 2 qt. pot, add: 1 c. soaked red quinoa (or other color), 1 c. boiling water.

3. If the quinoa hasn’t been soaked, rinse it under cold water for a minute or two, then cook it in a 2-quart pot, adding: 1 c. rinsed red quinoa (or other), 2 c. boiling water.

4. Cook the quinoa about 12 minutes (longer if not presoaked), until light and fluffy. Set aside to cool.

5. Prep veggies to use in assembling spring rolls. Peel carrots, “shaving” large, thin strips off with a potato peeler. Use: 2-3 carrots.

6. Rinse and drain cilantro and other herbs: 2 c. or so total of favorite herbs (cilantro, mint, and/or basil.)

7. Slice lettuce into strips: 1 head Butter lettuce (or Napa cabbage, or other favorite.)

By Jennifer Cote

1/2 bunch of favorite herbs (any or all of the following: cilantro, fresh mint, basil)

SPICY PEANUT SAUCE INGREDIENTS

1/4 c. honey

1/4 c. white vinegar

1/4 c. sesame or peanut oil

1/4 c. peanut butter

1-2 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 tsp. pepper flakes (or hot pepper oil or Tabasco, to taste)

Optional: 1/4 c. chives, chopped (or green onion)

Optional: 1/4 c. red pepper, finely chopped

8. Season quinoa by mixing into it, the following ingredients: 1/4 c. toasted sesame oil, 1 TBS. fresh grated ginger (or 1 tsp. dry), 1 TBS. chopped garlic, 2 TBS. soy sauce, 1/2 TBS. rice vinegar (or substitute white vinegar.)

9. To assemble the spring rolls, soak each wrapper in warm water for about 30 seconds, until pliable. In the lower center of each wrapper, add the following: a few pieces of herbs, a few strips of the thinly sliced carrot, a few strips of lettuce (or cabbage), a sprinkling of chopped peanuts, about 1/3 c. quinoa mixture.

10. Wrap up as if wrapping a burrito. Repeat, to make 24 or so rolls. Cut the spring rolls in half diagonally, if desired. Serve with Peanut Sauce (or even without!)

PREPARATION, SPICY PEANUT SAUCE

1. Warm the following to steep the garlic some. Microwave 1-2 minutes in a small bowl, or heat in small pan: 1/4 c. honey, 1/4 c. white vinegar, 1/4 c. peanut or sesame oil, 1-2 garlic cloves, minced.

2. Whisk in until smooth: 1/4 c. peanut butter, 1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes (or hot pepper oil or Tabasco, to taste.)

3. If desired, stir in the following, to add color: 1/4 c. chives, chopped (or green onion), 1/4 c. red pepper, finely chopped.

DROP-OFF COLLECTION EVENT

September

Hazardous Household

Waste

Residents of West Contra Costa County* Bring proof of residency Remain in vehicle Mattresses too! 2023

SATURDAY Sept 23

Time 8am - 1pm

Location More Info

Galileo Club 371 S 23rd Street Richmond, CA 94804

888-412-9277recyclemore.com/092323

Upcoming Events

Upcoming Events

To submit an event request, email events@ccmarketplacemag.com

SEPTEMBER 5TH & 19TH: “ORIGAMI ON A TUESDAY.”

5:30-6:30PM on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month. It is a free event open to adults. The program is at our Main/Civic Center library dedicated to the art and craft of origami. All skill levels are welcome, so discover the joy of crafting and bond with like-minded individuals in an atmosphere that fosters creativity and community. Richmond Public Library, 325 Civic Center Plaza, Richmond. 510-620-6845.

SEPTEMBER 10: SOLANO AVENUE STROLL

10AM-5PM on Sunday. Since 1974 Solano Avenue and the twin-cities of Albany and Berkeley CA, have hosted the Solano Avenue Stroll, the East Bay's largest annual street fair! A mile long. www.solanoavenueassn.org/events/ solano-avenue-stroll

SEPTEMBER 11: DRIVE-THRU FOOD DISTRIBUTION

9-11AM on Monday. Fresh fruits/veggies. All are welcome, no need to be a senior or a Pinole resident. While supplies last. Pinole Senior Center, 2500 Charles Ave. Pinole.

SEPTEMBER 12TH & 26TH: SENIOR FOOD PROGRAM

10-11AM on Tuesday. Grocery bags include fresh protein, grains, bread, fruits, veggies, canned goods. Registration is available in person. Available for Pinole residents age 55+. Bring proof of residency and ID. Pinole Senior Center, 2500 Charles Ave. Pinole.

SEPTEMBER 13: RODEO-HERCULES FIRE DISTRICT BOARD MEETING

7PM on Wednesday. Join us and engage in District topics including Public Hearing & Approval of the Final FY 202324, Operating Budget, Appropriations Limit Approval for FY 2023-2024, and Consultant Report on the 2023-2027 Strategic Plan. Parking at City of Hercules lot. Council Chambers, 111 Civic Dr.

SEPTEMBER 15: SOUL SPA, EMBODIED SOUND HEALING WITH CELESTI’ANNA

7PM on Friday. Fee is $15pp. Quinan ST. Project, 656 Quinan St. Pinole, CA. https://singwithcelestianna. as.me/?appointmentType=50257255

SEPTEMBER 16: AAUW WEST CONTRA COSTA MEETING — TECH TREK CAMPERS

10AM on Saturday, program starts at 10:30 am. Eighth grade Tech Trek campers from West Contra Costa School District will share their AAUW-sponsored STEM experience at Sonoma State University. At Christ Lutheran Church, 780 Ashbury St., El Cerrito. Free. All are welcome. Presented by westcontracosta-ca.aauw.net.

SEPTEMBER 16 - DIVERSE VOICES: VOLUME 1/ MULTICULTURAL CONCERT, PINOLE

7pm on Saturday, (doors open at 6:30pm). Join Miss Smith and Christ the Lord Church for a concert highlighting the wonderfully diverse and rich pool of performing artists in our local Bay Area community. Composers of color, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and minorities make up our vibrant and thriving artist scene. Come celebrate with us! Tickets are $20 and available in advance at DiverseVoices1. at 592 Tennent Ave., Pinole.

SEPTEMBER 16: COASTAL CLEAN-UP DAY

9-12PM on Saturday. All ages welcome! Great opportunity to earn community service hours and help protect our shoreline. Bring reusable buckets, work gloves, and water bottles. Bayfront Park, Pinole.

SEPTEMBER 21: BLOOD DRIVE

9-3PM on Thursday. Pinole Youth Center, 635 Tennent Ave. 1 Tennent Ave. Pinole. To make an appointment, log on to RedCrossBlood.org and enter the sponsor code: PCYC or call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

YOU CAN ALSO FIND OUR EVENTS ONLINE AT CCMARKETPLACEMAG.COM

Offers services for planning ahead related to the mortuary.