To refute rumors....

... that I have gone to the dark side - off the deep end - whatever - I'm going to leave everyone (and by leave, I mean... take a break until after my beach trip :) with a couple cool, positive, helpful "things" (still experiencing the brain fry that diminishes my vocabulary, however)....

First - made an easy peanut sauce last night that was GREAT. Dipped grilled chicken (though you vegans know you can do tofu - other non-meat eaters who do fish can do shrimp - whatever - pretty versatile). You'll need coconut milk, Thai red curry paste, asian fish sauce, chicken broth, crunchy organic peanut butter, limes - that's IT! Vegans - obviously, forgo the chicken broth and fish sauce - should taste the same with some tweaking or use of vegetable broth.

Take the coconut cream off the top of your organic canned coconut milk (this trick I learned somewhere else - a recipe exchange somewhere??? - it'll come to me) - about 2 tablespoons - stir fry it until oil separates and sizzles in saucepan over med. heat (this will make about a cup in the end, so.... use an appropriately sized pan). Then... whisk in red curry - another tablespoon and a half (more later if you need it - though it is pretty strong tasting - not overly spicy - just strong). When this mixture gets kinda fragrant - feels / smells like it's integrating a bit.... whisk in the following: 1 cup chicken or veggie broth - 1/4 cup coconut milk (though I ended up adding more in the end after tasting) - 1/4 cup chunky peanut butter (the organic Whole Foods brand that I use is not at all sweet, so... to taste at the end.. I had to add some organic sugar bit by bit until I had it right) - 1 tablespoon fish sauce (again, obviously not vegan... but also very strong and pungent - use less if you have a sensitive palate or you'll taste it). Let this mixture simmer for 10 min. or so (until thick - don't overcook) - cool to room temp. - then whisk in lime to taste (I used one really juicy lime). Yummy.

And ... before I say good-bye - a product testimonial..... Neutrogena's basic, over the counter, $5 or so acne treatment is the best. I have had pretty clear skin my whole life... But - after three consecutive pregnancies .... nursing and / or ovulating off and on for like four years straight.... and hitting my late '30's caused an adult acne that, off and on, has made me crazy - would not go away - baffled dermatologists - had other doctors tell me to wait until my hormones stabilized, etc., but.... this stuff worked. When I go off it, the acne starts creeping back. Look for it. I believe it is supposed to be a "spot treatment" but I put it on daily. It does seem to mark or discolor certain fabrics, however, but... can be used with other night / day creams, etc. Fantastic - love it!

Until I'm tanned and rested......