Tom Yum

This traditional Thai-style soup is my personal favorite. I love coconuts, and this soup is all about the coco. I like to use different ages of coconut meat to get varied textures. A more mature nut makes a chunky soup, while a younger one makes a creamy soup. I also like to use a variety of hot peppers: jalapeño, serrano, and even the super-spicy Thai chile, just to get a wide range of spiciness. Some peppers are hot as you eat them, others after you eat them; my favorites are hot only when you stop eating them.

1 coconut

7 leaves basil, plus additional for garnish

1 sprig oregano

5 sprigs cilantro, stemmed

1/2 Thai, jalapeño, or Serrano chile, seeded and minced

2 tablespoons Bragg Liquid Aminos or nama shoyu

Open the coconut with a machete, cleaver, drill, or knife. Pour the coconut water into a blender. With a metal spoon, scoop out the coconut meat and place in the blender with the coconut water. Add the basil, oregano, cilantro, chile, and Braggs and blend until smooth. Pour the soup into individual bowls and garnish each with a few basil leaves.

Recipe Credit: www.epicurious.com

Chicken Kabobs

Thai-Spiced Chicken Kabobs

ingredients

• 1 small fresh pineapple ( 3 to 3-1/2 lb.)
• Nonstick cooking spray or cooking oil
• 1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breast halves, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 recipe Thai Brushing Sauce (see recipe below)
• 1 tablespoon butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon packed brown sugar (optional
• Hot cooked rice (optional)
• Fresh basil leaves (optional)
• Whole fresh red chile peppers (optional)

directions

1. Cut off pineapple ends. Halve pineapple lengthwise; cut each half crosswise into 4 slices. Lightly coat pineapple slices with nonstick cooking spray or brush with oil. Set aside.
2. Thread pineapple pieces onto 4 long skewers,* leaving 1/4 inch space between pieces.
3. Place skewers on the grill rack directly over medium heat; grill for 7 minutes. Turn skewers; brush with 1/4 cup of the Thai Brushing Sauce. Discard any remaining brushing sauce. Arrange pineapple slices on grill rack directly over medium heat. Grill chicken and pineapple for 6 to 8 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink and pineapple is heated through, turning once.
4. In a small bowl, combine remaining Thai Brushing Sauce, melted butter, and, if desired, brown sugar; serve with chicken and pineapple. If desired, serve with rice; garnish with basil and chile peppers. Makes 4 servings.
5. Thai Brushing Sauce: In a small bowl, combine 2/3 cup sweet-and-sour sauce, 2 tablespoons snipped fresh basil, 1 teaspoon Thai seasoning or five-spice powder, and 1 minced clove garlic. Makes about 3/4 cup.
6. Make-Ahead Directions: Up to 24 hours ahead, prepare Thai Brushing Sauce, cut pineapple into slices, and thread chicken onto skewers. Cover and store separately in refrigerator.

recipe source: BHG.com