Pork Belly - not for those watching their waistline!

Wow, this is a pork belly dish my nephew had when we were

recently in Brisbane. I had a taste and it was great, I had a

seafood risotto which was amazing. I usually don't eat

risotto much at restaurants as it can often be stodgy,

but at Verve Cafe Bar it was excellent.  In fact, eating here

was the best meal I had in Brisbane.  The atmosphere was great

the staff were extremely friendly and helpful and everyone loved

their meals.  I would definitely go there again!  It's in Edward St in the city and just around

the corner from where we stayed. 

Rice Paper Rolls

After watching a seafood cooking demo by Sally Jenyns yesterday I am wanting seafood even more!!!  So today I bought some tiger prawns and made these rice paper rolls.  Usually they have cooked vermicilli rice noodles in them but I left these out.  So this is how I made them today... 

 In this bowl is finely sliced red onion, sliced baby cucumbers, red capsicum, garlic chives, coriander and basil leaves and some torn oakleaf lettuce leaves.

1/2 kilo cooked tiger prawns

Peel the prawns and have some soft lettuce leaves torn in half ready to go

Also you will need these

Pour just boiled water into a dish big enough to fit the rice paper sheets.  Using tongs, immerse the sheet in water for a few seconds until soft, but not falling apart.  Remove carefully and put on a chopping board.

place a couple of big lettuce leaves on the rice paper, a small handful of salad mix and 2-3 prawns

fold the sides in first then carefully roll up the rice paper to make a package, make sure the ends are tucked in so it doesn't all fall out.

 

Put on a plate and pour some dipping sauce into a small bowl.  Enjoy

and.. put some in a lunchbox for hubby to take to work.

Yum, I love these and much healthier and tastier than the deep fried spring rolls!!