FAVE RECIPES: December 2015

TROPICAL THAI CHICKEN HAYSTACKS

Tropical Thai Chicken Haystacks

Cilantro Lime Rice (see recipe bellow)

Marinated Cilantro Lime Chicken (or something similar, I marinated cubed boneless skinless chicken breast in cilantro, lime, olive oil, sugar, red onion, garlic,chili paste, salt and pepper).

Chopped fresh cilantro

Sliced fresh green onions

Fresh grated carrots

Pineapple

Toasted coconut

Roasted and salted Cashews (even if you buy pre roasted- stick them in the oven for a few minutes to bring out the flavor).

Thai Peanut Sauce (recipe bellow or use your own favorite recipe or bottle)

I put all of the toppings in bowls and let everyone build their own, that way people can take and leave what they want and everyone is happy. I personally love it with everything!

Cilantro Lime Rice (this is my very favorite rice recipe- I use it for many Asian and Mexican dishes)

4 Cups chicken stalk

2 cups jasmine or long grain white rice

1 lime, zested and juiced

2 tablespoons butter

Pinch of salt (about 1/4 tsp)

1/2 to 1 bunch finely chopped cilantro (personal preference, I love an entire bunch)

In a medium/large sauce pot with a tight fitting lid, bring all ingredients except cilantro to a boil, stirring frequently. Once mixture is boiling cover with lid and reduce heat to low. Cook on low for 12 minutes. Let rice sit covered for 10 minutes, fluff with fork and add desired amount of cilantro.

Thai Peanut Sauce I honestly have make this so much that I never measure, I will measure and post a final recipe soon but in the meantime use this as guideline at your own risk, or wait for the exact recipe.

1 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter

1/2 to 1 cup coconut milk

1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce

Juice of 2 limes

1/2 to 1 teaspoon chili paste, such as Sambal brand. Add depending on desired spiciness.

1/2 teaspoon ginger paste

1/2 teaspoon garlic paste

2 tablespoons dark brown sugar

Puree all ingredients together in a food processor starting with 1/2 cup coconut milk, stream in more coconut milk until desired texture and thickness is reached (the thickness for me depends on the meal, for instance, I like it thinner for the Haystacks so I can drizzle it over top)