Crunchy Peanut Noodles

I found this recipe on Two Pink Hippos

Serves 4 (officially, it serves 4, but they were pretty skimpy servings, so I'm gonna say serves 3)

3 tbsp reduced-fat peanut butter, smooth
2 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
1 tbsp water
1 tsp dark sesame oil
1 tsp sugar
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
4 oz uncooked linguini (I used 4 oz Pad Thai noodles)
1/2 medium red bell pepper, seeded and cut into thin strips
1/2 lb snow peas, fresh, trimmed and cut on diagonal in half
1/4 small cucumber, peeled, seeded, and diced
2 medium scallions, finely chopped
2 tbsp cilantro, chopped
2 tbsp unsalted dry roasted peanuts, chopped
2 tsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, vinegar, soy sauce, water, sesame oil, sugar, and crushed red pepper until smooth and creamy. Set aside.

2. Cook the noodles according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold running water.

3. In a skillet, cook the garlic and shrimp, over medium-high heat, until shrimp is pink and opaque.

4. Combine the shrimp, linguine, peanut sauce, bell pepper, snow peas, cucumber, scallions, and cilantro in a large bowl. Toss gently to mix. Sprinkle with the peanuts before serving.

Results: I had high hopes for this one, because I love anything involving peanut butter, but this was a little disappointing. It didn't taste bad, it just didn't "WOW!" me.

Chicken Saté with Peanut Sauce

Serves 4

Saté:
1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cut into strips
1 tablespoon light brown sugar
2 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 teaspoons bottled ground fresh ginger
1 teaspoon grated lime rind
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
2 garlic cloves, minced

Sauce:
1 tablespoon light brown sugar
1 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
1 garlic clove, minced

Cooking spray
Wooden skewers (soaked in water for at least one hour)

1. Prepare grill.
2. To prepare saté, combine chicken and next 6 ingredients (through 2 garlic cloves) in a medium bowl. Let stand 10 minutes.
3. To prepare sauce, combine 1 tablespoon brown sugar and the next 5 ingredients (through 1 garlic clove) in a medium bowl, stirring until sugar dissolves.
4. Thread chicken strips onto wooden skewers. Place chicken on grill rack coated with cooking spray; grill 5 minutes on each side or until chicken is done. Serve chicken with sauce.

Served with sautéed endives (I was feeling daring...not sure I'll try those again) and peas for the boys.

Results: I've made this one before and love how quick and easy it is to make. It's also very yummy, especially if you have a kid who likes peanut butter. Henry was very proud that he made the peanut sauce, and let us know (no fewer than five times) that "I made the sauce!" We also got a big "Mmmmmmmmmmm!" from him when he dunked his chicken in the sauce. Fake gagging from Steven, who wouldn't even try it.