I told the mister that if he posed with the cute Marines (lean-mean-fighting-machines) that he could consider the picture my Christmas present from him...he happily obliged. The Marines were up in my neck of the woods collecting toys for the USMC Toys For Tots program and the mister, when he was on active duty many years ago, loved collecting toys for the kids - apparently he had a heart back then...kidding...he still has a heart, small and black as it may be! Giving toys to this program is something he does every year and it's not too late if YOU want to donate a toy for a tot...there are Marine recruiting offices in every city and they would be happy to take your toy...just think of the smile one little toy could put on a kids face!!
This soup has the most delicious flavors...lime, basil, coconut...it's a very happy soup! It comes together quickly if you use cooked chicken because it's a one-pot-throw-everything-in kind of soup.
Thai Chicken-Coconut Soup - Pots and Pins
3 cans (14 oz.) chicken broth
2 stalks celery, finely chopped
1 onion, finely chopped
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, finely chopped
3 teaspoons garlic, minced
salt and pepper to taste
1 lime, zested and juiced
1 cup carrots, finely chopped
1 cup fresh mushrooms, thinly sliced
2 chicken breasts, cooked and cut into bite-sized pieces
1/2 cup fresh basil, torn into pieces
1 can (13.5 oz.) coconut milk
1 package (16 oz.) Chow Mein noodles
Place noodles in a bowl; add enough warm water to cover and let sit until soft, about 15 minutes. Drain. Combine broth, celery, onion, ginger, garlic, lime zest and juice and peels, carrots in a large stock pot. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a simmer and add noodles, mushrooms, chicken and coconut milk. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is heated through. Remove lime peels. Toss in basil and stir. Using tongs, divide noodles between 4 bowls, ladle in soup on top. Serves 4.
"Once again we come to the holiday season, a deeply religious time that each of us observes, in his own way, by going to the mall of his choice." - Dave Barry
