I have seen Party Small Chops erode the dignity of even seemingly classy and sophisticated people. There is something about seeing those plates pass by with golden delicious goodies that brings out the hunter in us. Waiters would pass by with the staple main party foods and if it doesn’t get to our table, we won’t give them a passing glance, unless of course you are starving. We would just wait till it gets to our turn, but when it gets to small chops (spring rolls, samosa’s and puff puff), oh wow, you see people getting up, stretching their necks, calling out at waiters, then some will remember that the host of the party is their father’s sisters, first cousin’s godmother, and they should be served first, or some would approach the caterer, huffing and puffing their chests, to look important so they and their friends at the table, will be served first.
Watching this display of hands trying to manoeuvre the waiters to their table would give a Ground Controller at an airport runway, a run for his money. Come here, move here, it is our turn, you haven’t served us, hey you, Oga, Madam, look at us now, all sorts of cat calls, that ladies of the night would be proud of. Hahahahahahaha. This is the one time party waiters feel very important. I don’t blame them. Yes, they also look stressed, but I am sure that deep down, they must be chuckling away, looking at all these people whom on a normal day wouldn’t even give them the light of day, now they are in control, determining who gets small chops or not. Hehehehehehehe
Watching this play of people at parties is quite a show. You just need to sit and observe, if you yourself, against better judgement haven’t joined in the parade. It is quite funny really. I have watched many seemingly distinguished people, in their fancy expensive attire, gold and precious stones dripping everywhere, with head ties sky-high, that will reduce themselves to I don’t know the word for it, just for small chops. The need to consume those teeny finger bites is a no respecter of persons. If you are lucky, you get one plate, if your Aunty is the caterer of the party, and all her staff know you, you get side plates passed to you before they go out into gen pop. Thanks to being the niece of Aunty Morenike of Malas Foods (yes, allow me to famz one of the biggest caterers in Nigeria), I was never want of small chops at parties she catered. I didn’t even need to struggle. I just walked up to her with a big smile and she shooed me off to the frying point. Aunty Morenike is a sweetheart of epic proportions and gets along with her Sis in law (my Mum) very well. Her husband is my favourite Uncle, so I have that on lock-down that she is catering my wedding for sure. Family connections. 8 out of 10 Bella Naija society weddings is catered by Malas Foods. Famzer Alert!!!!! Lol. If in any way you are related to her, we are family then. Cousins by marriage, or kissing cousins as they say in England.
So, if my writeup above, just described you perfectly, well, make your own spring rolls at home and sit down like the diva that you are at your next party. No big deal eh!. Lets Cook.
You will need
Spring Roll wrappers - to learn how to make your own, click HERE
Flour and water to make a paste
Your choice of filling - meat, fish, chicken, veg, shrimp
Oil to deep fry
Ensure that you have all you need ready and set on the kitchen worktop before you start. If you are using store-bought spring roll wrappers, get them out of the freezer, cover with a damp cloth and let it defrost till it gets to room temperature. Keep the damp cloth over it to prevent it from drying out. if you let it dry out, the wrappers will harden and crack.
For your filling, this is up to you really. You can use meat, chicken, fish, or make it vegetarian. Me, I used a combination of stir fry’s made with meat and chicken.
How To
Spring Roll Wrapping Method 2 - this works for both square and circle wrappers
I made and took pictures of this by myself. Working with Ms Joxy a few days ago, gave me the confidence to overcome my Dexterity challenge. Lol. To see Method 1, Click HERE
1. Lay out one spring roll wrapper on your work table. Lay it at an angle such that the edge forms a V, then add the filling. This is if you are using a square wrapper. If you are using a round wrapper, it doesn’t matter which angle you lay it. Just add the filling at an edge
2. Take the edge (v or otherwise) and flip over the filling. This begins the rolling process
3. Continue rolling till you form a log and you can see an Apex V form, like the peak of a mountain. Again, with round wrappers, you can use this same method, and instead of a V, you will get a curved edge
4. Keep Rolling until the V gets smaller
5. Then take one edge of the roll, and flip over on top of the roll, till it gets to the middle of the roll.
Like this
6. Do the same for the other edge, and fold on top of the first one, until you end up with an envelope like looking thing
7. Mix flour with a little water to form a paste. Using your index finger, apply a little of the flour paste on the tip of the last edge you just folded, sealing it to the roll.. See above
8. Then apply the flour paste unto the apex of the V and the body of the roll it would lie on when you fold it over.
9. Fold the last bit over and seal. You can choose to apply a little more flour paste on top to fully seal
10. ………….and this is the back of the roll, all sealed
this is the front. All tucked in nicely. Repeat the process again, as many times as possible based on the wrappers and fillings that you have. Again, this method works even with round wrappers.
You don’t have to fry everything at once, just place some cling fill over the rolls to prevent them from drying out in the fridge and fry when you need, if electricity supply is stable.
Time to fry
Take out when golden brown.
Serve with Rodo Jam and Spring onions for garnish. Recipe for Rodo Jam, Click HERE
No more stretching your neck at parties I hope, treat yourself this weekend. Be on the lookout for how to make your own spring roll wrappers.
Enjoy!!!
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