Not Much to Offer

I had a post.

I just don't think that the world is ready for it, yet.

I'll save politics, religion and worldwide readership for a Monday. It was too heavy for a Friday.

I will, however, leave you with this recipe. I've modified it a bit (and for that, you can thank me).

I took the recipe from Tasty Kitchen, but it needed a few tweaks. Also, I didn't use chicken. I substituted shrimp (cause the little people will eat more seafood). The peanut sauce is spicy, hence the name, so if you have little people you should pull out a quarter-cup before you add the chili garlic sauce. The thing that really makes this so wonderful is the cucumber sambal. The ratios of vinegar and sugar are perfect. I always use English cucs or hothouse cucs because they are sweeter and consistently NOT bitter. A bitter cucumber will ruin your week. Oh, and this whole thing can be pulled together in 30 minutes. It is quick and easy.

Spicy Chicken Peanut Noodles

Ingredients

* 4 whole boneless, skinless chicken breasts or 1 lb. raw/peeled/cleaned shrimp

* 8 oz. dry spaghetti or linguine

* 1/4 cups dry roasted peanuts (I use unsalted)

* 1/2 cup chopped cilantro

For Marinade

* 1 T Soy sauce

* 1 T Brown sugar

* 1 T Peanut oil

* 1/2 tsp. Kosher salt

For Peanut Sauce (I doubled it cause I cooked a whole pkg. of linguine and I didn't want to be on the short side of heaven)

* 1/2 c. Chicken broth

* 1/4 c. Creamy peanut butter

* 2 T Brown sugar

* 2 T Rice Vinegar

* 2 T Fresh Lime Juice

* 1 T Soy Sauce

* 1 T Fresh Ginger, minced

* 1 T Chili Garlic sauce (this will make a medium heat level, half it if you prefer mild)

* 1/2 c. Fresh cilantro

For Cucumber Sambal (again, I doubled it. So good!)

* 1 c. cucumber (seed and dice if you don't use english cucs)

* 1/2 c. Scallions

* 1/4 c. Red bell pepper, diced

* 3 T Rice Vinegar

* 1 T Sugar

* 1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes (careful here, mix it in and let it sit before you add more for desired heat level)

* 1/2 T Kosher salt (I put in 1 tsp. because I just don't need that much salt)

Preparation Instructions

Don't be scared by the long list of ingredients. This meal is really easy to throw together. First, preheat grill to medium-high. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the spaghetti. Combine the marinade ingredients in a bowl. Toss with chicken and grill for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Remove chicken from grill pan, and tent with foil while preparing the other ingredients.

Prepare the cucumber sambal by tossing together the sambal ingredients. Set aside till serving.

Cook the pasta according to pkg. directions; drain and return to the pot. Meanwhile, prepare the peanut sauce. Heat broth, peanut butter, brown sugar, vinegar, lime juice, soy sauce, ginger, and chili garlic sauce in a saucepan over medium heat to combine. Bring to a simmer and cook for 1-2 minutes. Off heat, stir cilantro and salt, then pour sauce over pasta and toss to coat.

Top each chicken breast with pasta and cucumber sambal. Garnish with more fresh cilantro and peanuts.