Skewered Chicken with Pineapple and Peppers

I had a perfectly sweet and fragrant pineapple on my counter that I wanted to use for dinner, so I made these richly-flavored grilled chicken kabobs.   The whole family enjoyed them, in fact, the kids wanted more when they were all gone! I served them with brown rice and a big spinach salad.

Skewered Chicken with Pineapple and Peppers

Marinade:
2 tablespoons honey
3 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce (such as San J's Reduced sodium Tamari Soy Sauce)
2 tablespons pineapple juice ( I just squeezed some out of my fresh pineapple)
4 teaspoons fresh lime juice
2 teaspoons minced fresh ginger
2 teaspoons oil
1 1/2 teaspoons curry powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 garlic cloves, minced

Kabob:
1 pound skinned, boned chicken breast, cut into 32 bite size pieces
1 cup red bell pepper pieces
1 1/2 cups cubed fresh pineapple

Prepare grill.

Combine the first 9 ingredients in a large bowl.  Add chicken and bell pepper, tossing to coat.  Thread chicken, pineapple, and bell pepper alternately onto each of 8 skewers. Cook about 10 minutes or until chicken is done, turning occasionally.

If you are serving this with brown rice, be sure to start the rice first, as it takes 45 minutes to cook.  The rest of the meal can be prepared while it is cooking.   I buy the soy sauce (which is gluten free for those of you with Celiac's) at Target.  I love the flavor of fresh ginger and keep it on hand for use in drinks and recipes like these.

Coconut Milk Soup

This is a very TASTY soup.  Lime, cilantro, ginger, shrimp and chicken in a coconut milk broth, with a touch of chili paste to spice it up a bit...   served over a scoop of delicate jasmine rice.  The flavor combination in this soup is amazing!   Who would suspect that such a quick and easy soup could offer such rich and complex flavors?    After dinner my husband said...  "I feel like I just ate at a really nice restaurant!"  Next time I'll make this with short grain brown rice.

Note:  You can use all raw shrimp in this recipe, which makes it VERY easy (I used Walmart's frozen raw shrimp), or you can  make it with just chicken.  I like to use a combination of both.

Grocery store tip:  Coconut milk can be found in the Asian food aisle of the grocery store. As I've said before... I love coconut milk in soups, stir-fry's, cakes, and rice.  It's great to have on hand!   The chili paste and fish sauce can be found in the Asian aisle too, and are also good ingredients to keep on hand for a variety of Asian inspired dishes.  Light coconut milk can be found at most grocery stores, but my Walmart does not carry it.

Coconut Milk Soup

• 2 Tbs chopped peeled fresh ginger
• 1 teaspoon fish sauce
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 1/2 teaspoons grated lime rind
• 3/4 teaspoon chile paste with garlic
• 9 ounces medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 cups diced potatoes
• 2 raw chicken breasts, cut into bite sized pieces
• 6 cups less-sodium chicken broth
• 2 1/4 cup light coconut milk
• 2-3 Tbs chopped green onions
• 2 Tbs teaspoons chopped fresh cilantro
• 3 teaspoon fresh lime juice (or juice of 1 whole lime)
• hot cooked jasmine rice

Combine the first 9 ingredients in large saucepan, and bring mixture to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer, uncovered, 10 minutes or until potatoes are tender.

Remove from heat; stir in coconut milk, onions, chopped cilantro, and lime juice. Spoon rice into a soup bowl; ladle soup over rice.

Fresh Fruit Salad with Honey Ginger Lime Dressing

This is a light and refreshing way to dress up a fruit salad. The lime and ginger in the dressing add pizazz but don't overpower the natural flavors of the ripened fruit. Use this recipe for an easy side dish or a nutritious dessert, either way, you can't loose.

Fresh Fruit Salad with Honey Ginger Lime Dressing
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1 1/2 tablespoons honey
1/4 teaspoon minced peeled fresh ginger
2 cups sliced peeled peaches (about 2)
1 cup strawberries, quartered
1 cup seedless red grapes,

Combine first 3 ingredients in a small bowl; stir with a whisk.
Combine peaches, strawberries, and grapes in a bowl. Drizzle juice mixture over fruit mixture; toss gently to coat. Chill at least 1 hour.