Red Dragon - Bangkok, Thailand

Happy Monday!  One of the nights in Bangkok we went to eat at Red Dragon.  There was a large group of us, and we ate family style (which is how a Thai meal is usually served) over large round tables.  It was cozy and interesting to say the least.  You will have to forgive me when it comes to describing this food, I'm going to try my best and remember, but there were a lot of interesting things that will be hard explain!  We started with fried duck skin, jicama, rolled into a burrito.  

Here's a picture of the table, and my wine of course!

My plate with a variety of choosings: duck, pork, fish stomach..the usual.

Duck lettuce wrap.  A native told us throughout the meal they bring out all the different parts of the duck cooked differently.  We were onto the meat part for this course.

Also many different kinds of soup.

This was shark fin soup -- pretty interesting!  Tasted like calamari.

Black sesame dough balls in a warm soup was part of dessert.  Different and very strong flavor that was new to me.

And of course a large platter of fruit to round out dessert. 

I really enjoyed this meal, especially because we were eating with a few Thai people that were able to explain some of the dishes to us.  Still can taste that fruit -- so amazing!

Bangkok Part III

Welcome back to Bangkok - where your shoes must be removed before you head into any temple. 

The Golden Buddha.  Very interesting fact, many of the Buddhas that were made of gold or any other valuable mineral were painted over during war times,so that if it was taken the captures wouldn't know it's worth.  The Golden Buddha has that history, and when they found out it was gold they must have been pretty excited!

From the Golden Buddha we moved on to the Reclining Buddha.  To say it's big is an understatement.

Pretty spectacular.

The feet were mother of pearl and have a very unique design on them,

Wat Pho, where the reclining Buddha lays, is a beautiful area.  The architecture is amazing, and there is so much to look at!

We found out when we got there that all these little temple buildings are graves where the ashes of the deceased are placed.

We walked around for a while just admiring all of the colors and shapes!

There were some Thai kids walking around asking us questions in English and we had to write our response on their piece of paper.  Great way to practice their English and it was pretty cute too.

A monk walking around the temple.

Happy Thursday!

Chicken Spaghetti

Who doesn't love creamy pasta with cheese and chicken?!  It's comfort in a bowl!!  I found this recipe on Pioneer Woman, who ismthe ultimate website for comfort food.  It sure hit the spot.

Boil the chicken breasts on the stove.  Once cooked through remove from the heat and let cool.  Shred into pieces and set aside.  Reserve 2 cups of the water. 

Cook pasta al dente then drain.

To the pasta add onions....

and green pepper.

Then add all but one cup of cheese, soup, pimentos and seasoning.  Mix until well combined.

Place in a casserole dish and top with remaining cheese.  Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and cook for around 45 minutes until it starts to bubble. 

I added some pepper on top for some extra spice.  This dish is a bowl full of delicious.  Sometimes you just need some comfort!

Chicken Spaghetti

Adapted from Pioneer Woman

Serves 8

2 cups cooked shredded chicken

3 cups spaghetti - or whatever pasta you wish

2 cans cream of mushroom soup

3 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese

1/4 cup diced green pepper

1/4 cup diced onion

1 4oz jar pimentos

2 cups reserved chicken broth from pot

1 teaspoon Lawry's seasoning salt

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

salt and pepper to taste

Boil the chicken breasts on the stove.  

Once cooked through remove from the heat and let cool.  

Shred into pieces and set aside.  

Reserve 2 cups of the water. 

Cook pasta al dente then drain.
Add all the ingredients except 1 cup of cheese to the pasta and stir until well combined.
Place in a casserole dish and top with remaining cheese.  
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and cook for around 45 minutes until it starts to bubble. 
Serve and enjoy!