Spring Rolls

1 pkg round rice paper (can be found in the ethnic food isle)
1/2 lb or 500 grams chicken, beef, pork or shrimp/prawns (optional)
1/4 cup green onion, sliced
1/2 cup bean sprouts
1/2 cup carrots, thinly sliced or grated
1/2 cup Chinese cabbage (wombok), shredded
1/2 cup red pepper, thinly sliced
Fresh Mint Leaves
Spring roll dipping sauce or sweet chili sauce

1) The veggies can be left raw if you want them cold or or stir fried if you prefer them hot. If you choose to leave them raw just put them into a bowl and mix them together. If you want to stir fry them, heat a wok or frying pan with about 1 tablespoon of oil. When it's hot, add all the veggies except the green onions and heat them stirring constantly until they are hot. Don't overcook the veggies... they should still be crisp. Place them in a bowl and then stir in the green onion.

2) If you're going to use meat, first cut it into thin slices and then cook it in a frying pan or wok with a little oil. Place it in a bowl and set it aside. If you want you can stir a tablespoon of bbq sauce or soy sauce into the meat for extra flavor.

3) Fill a mixing bowl with lukewarm water and soak one of the rice paper rounds. It will take a couple of minutes for it to soften. In the meantime, dampen a small towel and lay it out on the counter top. When the rice paper is soft, lay it flat over the damp cloth then place another rice paper round into the water.

4) Put about 1 tablespoon of meat and 2 to 3 tablespoons of the veggie mixture in the middle of the rice paper. Don't over stuff it or it will rip*. Place a two or three mint leaves over the top then fold the sides of the rice paper in and roll it like a burrito. Serve them with the dipping sauce on the side in a small bowl.

*If the rice paper rips, don't panic. Finish wrapping it as best as you can and carefully set it aside on the edge of the towel. When the next rice paper round is soft, place it flat on the towel then take the ripped spring roll and place it in the center and wrap the whole thing in the second piece of rice paper.