Summer Supper

This big old house is too hot! I am totally over Summer. I have spent the last week searching out cool places to visit and I don't mean cool as in hip but COLD: the library, the grocery store, my DH's office, etc. just to get out of our hot house. This has been a bit of a bummer as I love to be at home puttering around. Hopefully, next year we can afford to have central air installed. (Note to self: probably need to play the lottery.) I am really ready for Fall to arrive but in the meantime I am brainstorming and searching the Internet for recipes that don't require having to use the stove.

This morning, I went to the Food Network's website for ideas. Giada De Laurentiis is one of my favorite chefs. I have tried many of her recipes and I really can't think of one that hasn't been delicious. I decided on her recipe for Vegetable Rolls with Chili Mayonnaise. You can see the recipe here.

They look as pretty as they tasted! The sauce (inside the roll) was delicious. I almost stayed true to the vegetarian recipe but for the love of my DH, I added some cooked shrimp (purchased from the deli). For me, I added fresh avocado. It took me a bit to get the hang of rolling the rice paper but I think I got better with each attempt. I rolled alone but next time I think this would be a fun dish to prepare with friends.

Along with the summer rolls, we had a classic chilled Tomato, Basil and Mozzarella Salad. I know this simple combination by heart but here is a link just in case. I know, I know, these recipes originate from two different countries but my theme was CHILLED, so it was perfect. Enjoyed with very cold Dos Equis beer and we were in heaven. Very cool. :)