Thai Salad with Coconut Dressing

I can't get over how pretty the trees have become! Every time I go out, I get so distracted by the gorgeous pinks, bright reds, burnt oranges and what little is left of green on the trees. This afternoon, Charlie and I went on a brisk walk on the trail near our home. Charlie probably thought I was crazy for taking so many pictures. As soon as I thought I had taken enough, I saw another beautiful tree with bright colors and had to stop and snap a few more photos.

As much as I love the trees right now, it makes me nervous about what's coming! I know I'm always writing about the cold, but it's only because I've lived through a couple of the snowy winters here. I think I'll stop talking about it until it's actually here. No need to worry...like they say, worrying is like a rocking chair--it gives you something to do but it doesn't get you anywhere.

Tonight's dinner is thai green curry chicken over rice with asian wok green beans and one of the freshest tasting salads I think I've ever made: thai salad with coconut dressing.

The dressing is good on it's own, and might be ok on a normal salad, but I think what makes it special is the thai salad with cilantro and green onions.

Thai Salad

• romaine lettuce
• mixed greens
• green onions
• cilantro
• cucmbers, thinly sliced

Coconut Dressing

• 1/2 cup coconut milk
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 1/2 tablespoon soy sauce
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

Shake it all up and pour over thai salad. I like some fresh cracked black pepper to top it all off.