SPRING ROLL DIPPING SAUCE (NUOC MAM)
Source: From Kim Son Restaurant in Sugarland, TX

3 cups water
2 cups sugar
1 cup rice wine vinegar
4 tablespoons fish sauce
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
GARNISH:
finely grated carrots
mint sprigs (or chopped mint - releases more mint flavor)
chopped chili peppers* (optional)
finely chopped peanuts* (optional)

Combine water, sugar, and rice wine vinegar and cook for 3-5 minutes stirring to dissolve sugar.

Remove from heat and add fish sauce and cayenne pepper. Add shredded carrots and mint. Taste and add more fish sauce and cayenne to taste. Cool before serving.

*Chopped chili peppers and finely chopped peanuts may also be added. Warm sauce again and then allow to cool.