I usually never tell ppeloe there is fish sauce in the stuff before they try it because most likely they will say they don't like it just because it is in their mind, just psychological I guess. Anyway I use MAESRI brand egg roll dip. You can use the dip right out of the bottle, it's pre-made with shredded carrots. Your husband will probably like it, but it is a little to sweet/heavy for my taste. Most of the families I know including mine, will use the dip as a base and add the ingredients you mentioned such as crushed red pepper, more carrots, fish sauce ,sugar, water, lime(we use lime instead of vinegar, but it is your choice) and crushed peanuts.If you can't get a hold of egg roll sauce and stores near you don't sell it, you can make your own by putting sugar in a pot and turning the heat on low. You will have to constantly mix slowly until it turns reddish/brownish dark color and liquidy. Whatever you do, do not taste the sugar when it's hot! I almost did when my mom was showing me how to make it, and my mom yelled at me. I guess it didn't click that hot sugar can burn really bad, and worst, it sticks. When the sugar has turned a red/brown color and liquid, you can add the rest of the ingredients and mix together.MAESRI products are from Thailand. The following ingredients in the MAESRI brand egg roll dip are: Sugar 42%, Water 40%, Distilled Vinegar 6.8%, Turnip 3%, Carrot 3%, Salt 3%, Fresh red chilies 2%, Thickener (E 415) 0.2%