Living on the Sun with Red Thai Curry Chicken

July 31st I did cook . . .reluctantly. I really didn't want to go anywhere near anything that produces heat. Did you ever see the movie Empire of the Sun? Neither did I. Anyway, it's hot. I went out to Diamond Sports Park for a little softball (i.e. drinking beer, then overthrowing my first baseman) and as soon as I got out of the car, sweat started pouring out of my body. Granted, I couldn't see it because my glasses fogged up (I am the picture of awesome). The game was at 6:40, which according to my thermometer means it's "40 past Hades." There is nothing like the feeling of standing absolutely still and watching all of your fluids just run out of your body. I got dehydrated just thinking about getting out of my car. However, I knew just what to do, drink beer, which escalates the aqua evacuation. By the time the game started, I felt like I was dressed in a collection of fine towels, all soaked in warm water. Shortstop felt like my own personal sauna. I remember a time in the not-so-distant past where we commented on how cold it was. "Wow, we have had 30 degree temperatures for the past week, I sure wish it would warm up." Mother Nature, sitting on her throne made of ivy and pain said, "Ask and ye shall receive," and so as soon as winter ended she lassoed the sun closer to earth so that we may bake from it . . .and it was not good. Sometimes, we get a respite from the heat with a thunderstorm or two, and although we have gotten a couple of good ones recently, my plants seem to think there is a rain conspiracy. Al Gore is saying "I told you so," and Oliver Stone has already begun pre-production on "An Inconvenient Summer" produced my Michael Moore. The movie centers around how everyone starts melting, however the government refuses to believe such nonsense until a scientific loner (played by John Cusack) says, "MY GOD MAN, PEOPLE ARE MELTING!!" Meanwhile, a beautiful, yet quirky meteorologist (played by Helen Hunt) discovers (by accident) a way to induce rain, that way the planet can "finally put out Lake Eerie." The two meet over cappuccinos and put together a plan to save the planet, except the "evil" vice-president (played by anyone that looks like Dick Cheney) keeps his environmental blinders on until his wife (played by Judy Dench) melts during a White House correspondence dinner. What I mean to say is, it's hot, and it's not raining that much. In celebration of the climate coup, I decided to make a Red Thai Curry Sauce to put over some sauteed chicken. I like spicy food - I really do. However, my body has decided in the last 10 years that spicy food is the devil, and should I partake in the devil, I will be spend the next morning on the john singing Sympathy for the Devil. So when I make food with a kick, I tend to take it easy. I got this recipe from a Make it Tonight magazine produced by Fine Cooking. I took three good-sized chicken breasts and pounded the living hell out of them between two pieces of saran wrap until they were all uniform. Then, I seasoned them with salt and pepper and placed them in the fridge. In the food processor, I took 2 tbs of fresh ginger, one clove of chopped garlic, .5 cup of peanut butter (room temp and creamy), .25 cup of rice vinegar (if you see it, buy it, you will use it more than you think), 2 Tbs of sugar, 1.5 tsp of red thai curry paste, and 3 tbs of water. If you are a glutton for punishment, you can add more curry. Blend until smooth and check for taste, add more spice if needed. Heat up a skillet over medium high heat with 2 tbs of peanut or canola oil, and when good and hot, add the chicken. It might be nice to invest in a splatter guard or you may find yourself on fire, just a thought. Cook the chicken for 4 minutes, flip, repeat. Use your best judgement depending upon thickness of the chicken. Once done, remove the chicken and cover with tin foil. Now for the sauce. . . Reduce the heat to low and add .5 cup of coconut milk (pretty cheap, check the ethnic aisle), then add the peanut/thai mixture. Stir and combine until desired consistency, then add 2 tbs of cilantro. Place chicken on plate, pour thai goodness on top, done. I served some steamed asparagus with lemon on the side, you can do whatever you want, I won't judge. Depending upon your spice level, slightly sweet with a kick, or burning hot, this is a nice weekend recipe. You can either add more curry, or lower the amount of sugar, whatever you do it makes a nice creamy sauce for the chicken. FYI, I made Shrimp and Grits tonight. Love this recipe, will tell you about it tomorrow. Also on the menu - Dijon Pork Chops with succotash. Until then, don't melt. PS - Happy 30th Jen