RECIPE

Thai Chicken Salad with Cellophane Noodles (HSN Dinner Group Winner)

Serves 6

Ingredients:

4 1/2 to 5 ounces cellophane noodles (bean threads available at Asian markets and many supermarkets)

3 pounds of chicken breasts, poached, skin and bones discarded and the meat torn into thin shreds (about 4 cups)

1 cup finely grated carrot

2 cucumbers peelt, seeded and chopped

For the Dressing:

4 large garlic cloves

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 cup soy sauce

1/2 cup lime juice

1 tablespoon sugar

1 tablespoon peanut butter

1 1/4 teaspoons dried hot red pepper flakes

1/4 cup vegetable oil

1/3 cup coarsely crushed roasted peanuts or to taste

Preparation:

In a large heatproof bowl pour boiling water to cover over the noodles and let them stand for 10 minutes.  Drain the noodles and arrange them on a platter or divide them among 6 plates.  In a bowl combine the chicken, the carrot and the cucumbers.  Make the dressing.  Mince and mash the garlic into a paste with the salt.  In a blender blend together the soy sauce, the lime juice, the sugar, the peanut butter, the red pepper flakes and the garlic paste with motor running add the oil in stream, and blend the dressing until it is emulsified.  Pour half the dressing over the chicken mixture toss the salad well and arrange it in the center of the noodles.  The salad may be made 1 day in advance and kept covered and chilled.  Just before serving top the salad with the peanuts.  Serve the remaining dressing separately.  Serve at room temperature or chilled.

Note:  may need to triple dressing.