Recipes & Food Styling

“A family in harmony will prosper in everything.” – Chinese Proverb

I never wanted to see the egg roll party end. But when it did, sad as I was, I was left with a long-lasting impression of a beautiful family empowered by love.

Last winter, I got to sample some of the best pork egg rolls ever. They were made during a family’s annual egg roll party. Today, I actually got to take part in the 4 hours of fun of making them during the family’s egg roll party.

Denis’ recipe is based on his neighbor’s egg roll recipe. Everyone is sworn to secrecy. While there’s no food recipe to share here, there is plenty to divulge in the way of an amazing recipe for great family fun and the value of time spent in meaningful ways.

Denis only looked up from his 2 pots of simmering peanut oil a few times during the 4-hour assembly line operation. At least twice he waved an unraveling egg roll in the air with his tongs, chastising whoever rolled it. Probably me.

It was my first go as a wrapper. Over halfway through, I  figured out you need a system for rolling the egg rolls just right so they stay together and the wrapper is spread evenly. Lesson learned!

Darlene mixed most of the filling, which consisted of eggs, ground pork, shredded carrots and cabbage, and more.

Edmund quickly chopped the boiled rice noodles and tossed them into the filling. Later, he carefully ensured each egg roll got sealed with egg yolk before the egg roll landed in one of Denis’ fry pots.

Diane held up to her well-earned reputation as a stellar “wrapper,” artfully rolling each egg roll with enviable precision.

Rosie, Wendy, and Theresa carefully scooped up just the right amount of filling for each egg roll.

Jack entertained with his beautiful drawings.

Denis sent everyone home with 3 dozen egg rolls.

When he called it a “wrap,” I didn’t want the party to end. But, when it did, all that mattered was the tremendous blessing of being able to be there while it lasted. I’m forever grateful for the opportunity to experience such dedication and love of a very special family that knows: “A family in harmony will prosper in everything.”