Pie Tad, anyone?

Oh wait, I mean Pad Thai. Our family might be slightly dyslexic, and instead of calling it Pad Thai we call it pie tad. Talk about a tongue twister; and now, even when I try to say it correctly, all I can think of is pie tad. I guess it is okay though since 2011 has been declared the year of the pie. Any way you say it, this is a great recipe.

Pad Thai with Chicken

1 14 oz. box of rice stick noodles

3 to 4 chicken breasts cut to bite size pieces

1 tablespoon soy sauce

2 1/2 tablespoons Asian sweet chili sauce

2 tablespoon vegetable oil

3 large eggs

1 cup water

1/4 cup fish sauce

1/4 cup lime juice (2 large limes or 4 small ones)

1/4 cup brown sugar

1/4 to 1/2 cup of peanut butter (I used JIF extra crunchy)

1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes

1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro

1/4 cup chopped roasted peanuts

1. Bring a large pot of water to boil. Take off heat and add noodles. Let soak until softened but not fully tender (a little less than twenty minutes). Drain.

2. Place chicken in a bowl with soy sauce and 1/2 tablespoon of chili sauce. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until done, about 2 to 3 minutes per side and then set aside.

3. Add just enough oil to coat the pan (The amount will depend on how much you have left from the chicken). Cook the eggs, about one minute, stirring constantly and afterwards set with the chicken.

4. Add water, fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, chili sauce, peanut butter, red pepper flakes, and cayenne pepper to pan (feel free to add as much or as little of the hot stuff as you like). Stir and let thicken about two minutes. Add the noodles. Stir until they are well coated. Add the chicken, eggs, and cilantro and continue to cook (and stir) for about two minutes (this all depends on how soft you want your noodles). Serve with the roasted peanuts on top.

My best suggestion for this recipe is to be creative. Add as much heat, peanut butter, or additional ingredients (bean sprouts, broccoli, etc.) as you like.