Quick and Easy Appetizers and Snacks using Egg Roll Wrappers that are Kid Friendly Too
A versatile and quick component for a variety of menu options are egg roll wrappers. Their unassuming taste acts as a delivery mechanism for an unlimited number of flavor combinations aside from the all-too-familiar one you’ll find at your corner Chinese restaurant.
Try these recipes the next time you are entertaining or need to feed a hungry crowd. The kids enjoy making them almost as much as eating them!
You can purchase egg roll wrappers, or wraps, in the produce section of most supermarkets; they are about 6 inches square, and usually contain at least 20 pieces of dough. A brief instruction on filling the wraps goes like this:
1) Place a single wrap in front of you so that it looks like a diamond.
2) Place the filling diagonally across the wrap (point to point).
3) Do not overfill the wrap–about 2 tablespoons of filling is the most you should use.
4) Fold the bottom corner over the filling.
5) Fold the left and right corners into the center without pressing the filling together.
6) Wet your finger in a bowl of water and moisten the top flap then roll up completely.
Place the completed rolls flap-side down on a plate. These instructions are found on the back of the wrapper package.
I like to fry them in a heavy skillet with about 1/2 inch of canola oil heated to about 350 degrees F. You can try baking them for a low-fat option, but I would spray the rolls with some cooking oil first to make them a little crispier; otherwise they will be too chewy and dry. The rolls will only need to be fried for about 2 minutes per side, or until the dough is golden brown.
Chicken Fajita Rolls
1/2 pound of cooked chicken–grilled would be good, but not necessary
1/2 cup grated cheese, Cheddar or Monterey Jack
Yellow Onions, sliced and sautéed
Red or Green Bell Peppers, sliced and sautéed
Minced Garlic, minced and sautéed
Cilantro leaves (optional)
Lime juice
Fajita seasoning
Combine chicken, onions, peppers, garlic, and seasoning in a bowl. Add a teaspoon of lime juice and mix well. Add about 2 tablespoons of filling to the wrapper, sprinkle on the cheese, and fold according to the insstructions above. Fry for about 2 minutes per side. Cut roll diagonally in the center and serve with salsa and sour cream.
See my salsa recipes at http://factoidz.com/a-collection-of-fruit-and-tomato-based-salsas-and-black-bean-chili-salsa/ (I would recommend the Pineapple Habanero, Mango, or Tomato salsa for this recipe.)
Pizza Rolls (Every child’s favorite)
This is so easy; you probably have everything you need in the refrigerator right now. Except for the wrappers.
Jar of Spaghetti or Pizza Sauce
Mozzarella Cheese, either shredded or in a block; cut into strips about 1/4 inch thick.
Dried Oregano and/or Basil, if desired
Add 2 or 3 pieces of cheese, and use a spoonful of sauce per roll. Too much sauce will leak out the ends, so try not to use too much. You can always heat up some extra sauce and place it in a dipping bowl.
Fold up, and fry the same way as the Chicken Fajita Roll.
Philly Cheese Steak Rolls
1/2 pound rib-eye or top round, sliced very thin or shredded
American or Provolone Cheese
Mushrooms and Onions, sautéed, optional
Add 2 spoonfuls of beef and about 1/2 slice of cheese. Add a tiny bit of mushrooms or onions if you’d like. Fold up and fry same as above. Serve with ketchup on the side. Hot peppers go well with it too.
Bean and Cheese Rolls
Refried beans, or canned black beans if you prefer, rinsed
Cheddar or Monterey Jack, shredded or sliced
Fajita seasoning or chili powder
Spoon in about 2 tablespoons of beans and add the cheese and seasoning. For a spicier option, add a few thin slices of Jalapeno. Fry and serve with Tomato Salsa.
Apple Fritter Rolls
A great desert option.
2 Granny Smith Apples, peeled, cored and cubed to about a quarter inch dice.
2 Tablespoons op Butter
1/8 Teaspoon Cinnamon
1 Tablespoon of Sugar
1/2 Teaspoon Lemon Juice
Melt butter and sauté the apples in a large pan for about 3 to 4 minutes. Add remaining ingredients and cook for another 2 minutes or until sugar is completely dissolved. Set aside to cool.
Add about 2 spoons of apple filling to each wrapper and fry as before. Dust with powdered sugar.
You can experiment with these as well:
Ricotta Cheese and Mozzarella to make a Calzone Roll
Substitute cooked Ground Beef for chicken in the fajita roll to make a Beef Taco Roll
Add crumbled Italian Sausage or slivered Pepperoni to the Pizza Rolls
Ham and Swiss Roll
Margherita Pizza Roll (Add fresh basil leaves, diced fresh tomato and fresh mozzarella)
Greek Roll – Feta, black olives, and tomato
You can anything you’d like as long as it isn’t too wet. In just a few minutes you can have an amazing treat that will impress your friends and family.
Enjoy!
