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Thai Peanut Pasta Salad

Rachel Sherwood
Thai Peanut Pasta Salad
Thai Peanut Pasta Salad

3/4     lb         chicken breast cooked and sliced into strips

1/2     lb         cooked Spaghetti, cooked and cooled

1/3     Cup     shredded carrots

4          Each    green onion thinly sliced

1/3     Cup     dry roasted peanuts chopped

1/3     Cup     soy sauce

1/4     Cup     canola oil

2          Tbsp.   white vinegar

2          Tablespoons  creamy Peanut butter, do not use natural

2          Tablespoon    sugar

1          teaspoon        sesame oil

2          Tablespoons  toasted sesame seeds to sprinkle on top

dash                of crushed red pepper into the dressing if you want a little spice

Instructions:

In a large bowl combine chicken, pasta, carrots, green onions, and peanuts. Mix the remaining ingredients until well combined to form a thick dressing. I have found that a blender works very well for this

Toss dressing with chicken pasta mixture and stir well, refrigerate covered for 2 hours.

Success Tip: To break the pasta into thirds wrap the uncooked noodles in a dishtowel and break pasta in thirds over the side of the counter. I like this size for ease of serving and eating.

Brandy Smash, perfect for summer

Summer Drinks, Brandy Smash

Rachel Sherwood

There is nothing better than relaxing on a warm evening with an ice cold summer drink. This has been a long time family favorite, I actually remember sipping on these as a kid the non- alcoholic version of course. What I love about this summer drink is like most recipes I share, it can be made it advance to have on hand when you need it. If you are like anything like me the last thing you want to do on a hot day is more work. This is best made in large batches and kept frozen so when you feel like a treat all you need to do it scoop it into a glass. It makes a perfect drink if allowed to melt a little or serve it as granita/slushy for dessert. You will love it by yourself or when entertaining a crowd.

Brandy Smash, perfect for summer
Brandy Smash, perfect for summer

This recipe is the perfect summer drink or adult dessert.  Whip up a batch to have one hand for those hot summer nights and you will be the hit of the neighborhood.

7 cup water

1 cup sugar

12 ounce can frozen lemonade

12 ounce can frozen orange juice

2.5 cups Brandy

1 teaspoon almond extract

In a small saucepan heat 1 cup of the water with 1-cup sugar and bring to a boil. Stir until sugar dissolves completely to make a simple syrup.

In a large freezer safe container add the remaining ingredients along with the simple syrup and mix to combine.

Store in the freezer at least 8 hours until frozen.

To serve scoop slushy mix into glassing using a large spoon or ice cream scoop and enjoy. Garnish with fresh mint or drizzle with fresh raspberry sauce for un upscale look and taste.

*option to make this without Brandy for the kids to enjoy. Just use water in place of the Brandy and continue as directed. This mixture will be more solid so allow it to thaw a bit before serving.