Spring (Rolls) Come Early to Belmont Public Library

The faint smell of hot oil is not something usually associated with the four seasons or the New Year but on Tuesday, Jan. 14, the Assembly Room at the Belmont Public Library was filled with residents who came prepared to learn more about spring. 

Spring rolls, that is as the Friends of Belmont Public Library opened the library's doors to Chef Gerry Connolly as he took participants by the hand to learn about making and serving fresh spring roll in preparation of the coming Chinese New Year – that would be 4712, the Year of the Horse – celebrations beginning on Jan. 31.

A graduate of the Cambridge School of Culinary Arts' Professional Chef Program and a personal chef and event caterer for the past 20 years, Connolly set out the vegetable ingredients for patrons – mostly rank beginners – to use in filling the rolls before lightly frying their creations over hot oil. 

The second Asian-themed cooking demonstration will be learning the technique and tips for making sushi on Tuesday, Feb. 4.