Had you worried?

For those of you who know my accident-ridden history, breathe easy. My recent snowboarding venture isn't responsible for my silence. I've just been busy. Very busy. "Doing what?" you say. I'm so glad you asked.

• If you have a couple of minutes to spare, you can check out My Big Fat Snowboarding Lesson. This video was taken at Mont Tremblant, Quebec for my work with Nomadik.com. Sorry girls, cute instructors are not part of the lesson, just luck of the draw.

• My love of scones has taken flight, with articles published in Relish and a sample cooking video for TasteLife.com who are looking for a host chef.
  

I know that last time I promised you a recipe for crepes, but with the storm blowing in, the schools closing and businesses shutting down all over the area, I think a nice hot soup would be more appropriate. In keeping with my New Year's resolutions, let's make it Thai...

Thank Amy Thai Chicken Noodle Soup
Printable recipe
Serves 4

My friend Amy Baskin gave me this recipe. She says it's very forgiving, which makes it perfect for frazzled people like me.

Ingredients

• 1 tsp vegetable oil
• 1 tbsp finely chopped lemon grass (lemon rind is an acceptable substitute in a pinch)
• 1 tsp finely grated lime rind
• 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
• 6 cups chicken stock
• 2 chicken breasts, thinly sliced to bite-sized chunks
• 1 red pepper, diced
• 1 carrot, grated
• 1 tbsp fish sauce
• 1/2 tsp hot chili paste (If you have fussy eaters, omit this and add hot sauce to individual bowls)
• Handful of rice vermicelli
• 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro (or not)
  

Instructions

1. Heat oil in large sauce pan. Over low heat, fry the lemon grass, lime rind and ginger for 30 seconds or until fragrant.
2. Add chicken stock and bring to a boil.
3. Add chicken pieces, red pepper, carrot, fish sauce and hot chili paste (if using).
4. Reduce heat and simmer 5-10 minutes or until chicken is cooked. (If making ahead, you can stop here and refrigerate the soup)
   
5. Just before you're ready to serve, add pasta to hot soup. Cook until noodles are tender (about 5 minutes, depending on thickness of noodle).
6. Stir in lime juice, salt to taste, and fresh cilantro.
7. Serve immediately.
   

Variations

• Substitute raw shrimp for some or all of the chicken.