It's Thursday and today... we celebrate life!!!

I am fortunate enough to work with a great group of people here in Boston. One of my coworkers, who I am proud to call “friend”, hosts a “Big Fall Bash” on her property in Wayland, MA on the first Saturday in October every year. The guest list for this little gathering can easily be compared to the prominence of the ET Emmy Party this year… she surrounds herself with family, friends and all those dear to her heart. This coming Saturday is when the 6th annual BFB was scheduled to take place but, unfortunately, we’re supposed to get a nasty storm this weekend so my friend was forced to cancel the festivities. She had previously told me that she had never had to cancel and that it was always a great day.


She announced the postponement today (‘til October 2nd, 2010)… her signature smile unfaltering, yet we all knew there was nothing insignificant about her decision. She is a breast cancer survivor; she started this joyous celebration 6 years ago when she learned that she has a LONG life ahead of her. No amount of wind or rain could ever change that fact but still, the cancellation of her celebration of life was unquestionably disheartening. That’s where my coworkers & I came in! We have deemed today, Thursday, October 1st, the “Celebration of Life Day” and today… we celebrate with her! So… what comes to my mind first??? FOOD of course!!! What could I prepare for her that was delicious, healthy and festive??? Got it!!! Thai Vegetable Rolls w/Spicy Peanut Sauce… these little gems would definitely send a ray of sunshine her way...

Thai Vegetable Rolls w/Spicy Peanut Sauce

Vegetable Rolls:

Large Flour Tortillas

Fresh Spinach

Snow Peas

Red Bell Peppers

Zucchini

Carrots

Scallions

Do not cook spinach; simply soak in hot water or microwave. Julienne peppers, zucchini and carrots into match sticks. Microwave all veggies except spinach and scallions for 3-5 minutes (they should still be crunchy). Fill first third of tortilla with the veggies. Grab veggies and tortilla and roll as tight as you can. Seal edge with warm water or peanut butter. Wrap each roll very tightly in plastic wrap. Repeat with remaining tortillas and veggies. Refrigerate for a few hours or as long as overnight or freeze for just an hour. Remove rolls from plastic wrap and cut slices about two inches wide on a slight angle. Arrange rolls on a platter on their sides so the colorful veggies show. Serve with peanut sauce.

Spicy Peanut Sauce:

Store Purchased Asian Marinade and/or Dressing

Creamy Peanut Butter

Brown Sugar (to taste)

Tabasco or Red Hot (to taste)

Chili Powder

Combine dressing and peanut butter in blender. Blend on medium speed for a few minutes. Mixture should have the consistency of a smooth cake batter. Add a generous amount of brown sugar and hot sauce and continue to blend for a few more minutes. Just keep tasting until it’s to your liking. Pour in bowl and place in center of platter. Sprinkle the Peanut Sauce with chili powder and garnish platter with some sliced scallions. If you want to serve with two sauces, ranch dressing makes a decent second choice.

The perfect nibble to remind us all of the bright colors & vast flavors of life! We love you Sue!!!