A Slice of Thai

I always laugh when I think back to when Jake and I started dating and reflect on how far his pallet has come.  When I met Jake, let’s just say, he wasn’t as open minded about trying different foods as he is today! I recall having a conversation turned heated debate as I tried to convince Jake to give Chinese food a try.  This debate went on with no avail for a year. Finally one evening I decided to make Jake my version of stir-fry (which is not even comparable to what you find in a restaurant).  I’m not sure if it was this culinary experience or just him tired of me nagging, but finally Jake caved and we were off to try Chinese! He actually liked it!  He liked it so much that he now is the one that craves it and suggests we go out or prepare Chinese cuisine on almost a weekly basis!  This is not the only food Jake has been hesitant to try – it took some convincing but he also tried Sushi and again it didn’t kill him!  Thai is next on the conquer list!

I would really like to try this cuisine - in a restaurant, cooked by people who actually know what they are doing!  In the mean time, while I wait for Jake to decide to give it a try, I have been trying to prepare meals with hints of Thai in hopes he will be inspired!  Tonight I made Burgers with Peanut Dipping Sauce and Fresh Pineapple Salsa.  The sauce was a perfect combination of salty and spicy.  The pineapple salsa helped add a sweetness that was just right! (I adapted this recipe from iowagirleats.com)

As a side note: Jake has been a trooper the last few months as I have been experimenting in the kitchen and has been very open to trying these new foods! He is a brave man to try some of the things I dream up!  Who knows maybe he will be up for Thai sooner than I think.

Thai Burgers with Peanut Dipping Sauce and Pineapple Salsa

Ingredients

1 lb. Burger or Ground Chicken

1 tbsp. cilantro chopped

Romaine Lettuce Leafs

Peanut Sauce

3 tbsp. creamy Peanut Butter

1 ½ tbsp. soy sauce

1 tbsp. water

1tsp. chili sauce (rooster sauce)

1tsp. sesame oil

1 ½ tsp. honey

1 clove garlic

Pineapple Salsa

½ c. pineapple chopped

½ c. mango chopped

1 jalapeño chopped

½ cucumber seeded and chopped

½ tbsp. cilantro chopped

½ juice of a lime

Preparation

1. Combine cilantro and burger and grill

2. Combine all ingredients for Peanut Sauce in food processor and blend

3. Add all ingredients for salsa in bowl and set aside.

4. Place a lettuce leaf on plate and spread peanut sauce on leaf. 

5. Place burger on top of sauce and top with salsa.

6. Fold lettuce over and enjoy!

Is there a type of cuisine that you would like to try but haven’t yet?