Duck Bacon Spring Rolls
Just this past week I decided to go back and read some of the entries on my son’s facebook page. I thought it might give a glimpse of who and where he was in his thoughts around the time of his accident. Today’s blog post is inspired by something he wrote just 1 month before he died. I imagine he was thinking of his Weapons Company brothers, lost in Afghanistan, when he penned this important reminder……..”Don’t Let the Memory of Them Drift Away”.
The quote brought tears as it reminded me of how much William and I are alike. The need to remember those who have been lost was as important to him as it is to me. In fact, this blog was born out of my biggest fear that people would eventually forget who William was and what he stood for. Or maybe I am afraid that I will forget…..the sound of his voice, the smell of his hair, the strength in his hug…..sigh.
That the person who has died will be forgotten is a common fear among those who have suffered loss. Here are just a few suggestions to help preserve the memories:
- create a photo book of memories and publish several to share with family and friends
- make donations to your favorite charities in your person’s name
- start a scholarship or fund-raiser that celebrates your person
- check with your local parks that may allow adding a commemorative bench or an inscribed brick to a walkway
- offer remembrance flowers to your church’s Sunday or holiday service
When it comes to cooking and baking it is awful to forget an ingredient in the mix. That is why most good cooks use a “mise en place” or set-up to organize the necessary ingredients and equipment before starting a recipe. What helps me insure the perfect outcome of a recipe is this:
- read the complete recipe before starting
- check to make sure I own the necessary equipment (can’t make waffles without a waffle maker)
- prep and measure all ingredients
- put my ingredients out in order of use
Duck Bacon Spring Rolls
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Makes 6 servings
Ingredients
6 strips duck bacon
1 ounce uncooked Asian vermicelli bean thread noodles
6 (8 ½-inch round) spring roll wrappers
6 small, crisp romaine lettuce leaves (I use the leaves from the heart)
¼ cup thinly sliced fresh Thai basil plus sprigs for garnish
2 tablespoons thinly sliced fresh mint, plus sprigs for garnish
1 small carrot, julienned
1 small bunch fresh chives, trimmed
¼ cup mayonnaise
1 to 2 teaspoons sriracha sauce
1 teaspoon fresh lime juice
bottled Thai peanut sauce
Instructions
- In a large skillet, cook the bacon over moderate heat, turning, until crisp. Transfer the bacon to paper towels to drain. Cut bacon strips in half.
- Soak the noodles in very hot water for 5 minutes; rinse under cool water and drain well; set aside.
- To prepare spring rolls, set out a 10-inch pie dish with 1-inch of warm water.
- Using one spring roll wrapper at a time, dip the wrapper into the water for 3 to 5 seconds. Lay the wrapper out on a plate.
- Place two pieces of bacon across the bottom third of the wrapper leaving a half-inch border on both sides.
- Top the bacon with some lettuce, 1/6th of the noodles, an even sprinkle of basil and mint, and a few carrots and chives in an even layer.
- Lift up bottom edge of the wrapper and roll over the top. Turn in the sides and continue rolling to opposite side.
- Repeat with remaining ingredients.
- To serve: slice a spring roll in half on the diagonal and arrange 2 halves on individual serving plates.
- In small bowl, stir mayonnaise, sriracha to taste and lime juice; serve with spring rolls. Serve Thai peanut sauce as an option for those who like their dipping sauces less spicy. Garnish plates with fresh basil and mint. Makes 6 servings
Notes
Serve Thai peanut sauce as an option for those who like their dipping sauces less spicy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: appetizers
- Method: stovetop
Keywords: spring roll, duck, bacon, Asian, Vietnamese, noodles
I love these ideas and I want to visit Will’s Bench with you one day!
Will’s Bench is a beautiful place and thanks to all my friends that made it happen.
Lisa, you are such a wonderful writer! And I know William is watching over and looking down on you with love and pride, thinking “that’s my mom! She gets it right every time!”
Thank you. Simply doing the best I can with what I got and I do believe he is watching.
That picture of the spring rolls came out great. They look so good. I could have ate the whole plate on Thanksgiving when you used lobster meat instead of duck bacon, lol.
This recipe made it to the finals of a contest, but in the end did not win anything. Next time I will enter with the lobster!
Will Never forget Will! He is still one of the most impressive young teens, young man I have ever known! We have such found memories of Will from a infant to his short lived life! we will Never forget my friend!
Thanks my friend. I know you always keep him safe in your prayers. You give me strength.
<3
This is a great “loser” recipe and I love the duo dipping bowl…so cool! Never seen anything like that before. I think your blog is a wonderful tribute to William and a great way to keep your memories of him alive. I can feel him everytime you write…it’s like I’m getting to know him through you and that is lovely! xoxo
William would have loved hanging with you especially if you cooked him all your delicious recipes. He had an adventurous appetite and always willing to taste test experiments.
Lisa and Bill, even though I did not know Will, I have a strong memory of him as part of both of you..strong images of him as a rolly polly 6 month old; I think of him because he was between my two kids; I think of him because of your being part of the delivery of both of my kids. I think of him saying hello before he went to play video games; I think of him in your family Christmas cards; and I think of him each time I look in my backyard and see Will’s tree..planted for climbers. And also I now think of him and worry all the mothers and fathers that have lost children and for all of those that will and I thank God for love.
I love all the ways you remember William and especially with the climbing tree. Thanks for your love and devotion, my friend and may your beautiful Liza and Martin grow and live very long happy lives