Recipes of the Week

I've been slacking again with my recipes. So here are a few. I made the Thai Fried Rice and the Green Beans for dinner last night. We all went to the Gallery Walk downtown, we fed the kids before we went since it didn't start until 6pm. Ryan and I enjoyed the snacks that many of the galleries offer and then we came home, put the kids to bed and enjoyed a dinner by ourselves. The green beans came from Sarah and Dan's garden (They kindly are allowing us to pick from their garden while they are out of town. Thanks!!!) and the basil and jalapeno were from our garden. I've just recently started liking green beans, but only if they are cooked in some exotic way and they have to be fresh.

Thai Chicken Fried Rice with Basil - Kao Pad Krapo

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh Thai red chili pepper *I used jalapeno*
• 8 ounces boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
• 2 cups cold cooked rice *I used Jasmine Rice*
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons chopped shallots
• 1/3 cup Thai holy basil (regular basil ok)
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro

Directions

1. In a wok or large skillet, stir-fry garlic in oil until golden; then add chilies and chicken and stir-fry until chicken is cooked.
2. Add rice, sugar, fish sauce, and soy sauce, and stir-fry, mixing gently.
3. When well mixed, add shallots, basil leaves and cilantro; cook another minute or so, and serve.
4. If you desire, serve with lime wedges, chile sauce, fish sauce, or soy sauce at the table.

Oriental Green Beans

Ingredients

• 1 lb green beans, trimmed
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
• crushed red pepper flakes (, mild is just a sprinkle)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons light soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 teaspoon sesame seed, toasted,garnish

Directions

1. Steam beans for only a few minutes, you want them crisp.

2. Dash beans in cold water to stop the cooking (do this the day ahead if you wish) Heat the oils and saute,over low heat, the garlic& ginger until you can smell that wonderful aroma (the garlic will be golden) Add beans, pepper flakes,soy and water.
3. Cover cook over high heat for a few minutes until the water evaporates and the oils have coated the beans and they are hot Shake the pan as the beans cook.
4. Garnish with sesame seed.
5. 
   

And here's a bonus recipe....I finally made these this afternoon. They tasted pretty close to the original!

Frappuccinos

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup coffee (double strength and cold)
• 1 cup low-fat milk
• 4 tablespoons vanilla syrup
• 2 cups ice (crushed seems to work a little better)

Directions

1. Blend all ingredients in blender and enjoy!