It Snowed Last Night

He said it was going to happen.  The weather man even wore his white coat last night signalling the return of snowflakes.  I admit I didn't believe him, but yup, he was right.  It snowed last night and it was a beautiful sight early this morning before the sun came up.  My neck of the woods is so quiet and peaceful on days like this.  Actually it is quiet and peaceful most of the time.  My mother has a hard time babysitting my kids here.  She says it's just too dark and way too quiet.  I'm trying to decide if that's a bad thing, but it definitely freaks her out.  

Snow and cold tends to make me want to......I don't know.  Cook my guts out!  Kind of like nesting or something.  Funny thing talking about nesting.  My granny asked me yesterday if I was pregnant since J and I just got back from a lovely vacation.  (Can you imagine your 81 year old grandma asking that.  She has no shame.)   She just wanted to know if she should live for at least another 9 months.  Granny there is no baby on the horizon, but please live a bit longer.  I don't know what I'd do without you.

On to the cooking.  Soup is on my radar now.  There is no reason not to have a huge pot of something yummy cooking on your stove, and if you haven't heard, soup is my favorite food.  I know I say that about a lot of food, but truly, soup is my fave!

So how about some Tom Ka Kai soup.  Sounds funky doesn't it, but oh is it tasty.  J requested this soup the other day.  Actually he had it at the Thai restaurant on our vacation, and as well as on our date a few weeks ago.  He loves it, and dang it, so do I.  I will say though, my soup tastes better than both Thai restaurants.  Maybe it because I make it just the way I like.  Lots of mushrooms, and basil and a bit sweeter than at the restaurants.  I'm sure I'm prejudiced:)

Tom Ka Kai in English is Chicken Coconut and Mushroom Soup.  It's quick, easy, and tasty.  Only a few strange ingredients are necessary, but once you buy them you'll have them for tasty curries, salads, noodle dishes and Phad Thai.  And most are available in the Asian section of a good grocery store.  If not, find your local Asian market, and buy some ginger candy while your at it.  

Tom Ka Kai (Chicken Coconut and Mushroom Soup)

2-3 chicken breasts chopped into bite size pieces

4-6 c. water

1 c. chopped Shitake mushrooms (regular mushrooms work too)

1 onion chopped

1 14-19 oz. can of coconut milk

1-2 tomatoes cut into wedges (I used the last of my yellow cherry tomatoes, and some red ones too.)

1/2 c. chopped fresh basil

fish sauce or soy sauce to taste (I use a few sprinkles.  Not to much.  It's real salty.  Taste before you add more.)

1 t. green or yellow or red curry paste or curry powder if you don't have paste

sugar to taste (I like mine a bit sweet so I put in between 1/4- 1/2 c.)

1/2 t. red chili flakes or more if you like a little more heat

In a large pan saute the chicken until done.   Add the chopped onion and cook until tender.  Add all the other ingredients except for the tomato and basil.  Bring to a boil and let simmer for about 10-15 mins.  Add tomatoes, and basil and adjust seasonings to taste.   I also love to squeeze some lime on top of the soup.  Next time you go to a Thai restaurant try this soup.  It's good.