I promised Shells that I would post some Asian dishes,in particular Malaysian. If any of you are tempted to try them please bear in mind that the Asian palate compared to most of ours is different, their tongues are made of asbestos.they like the food spicy and HOT. You may like to err on the side of discretion initially.No point in buying expensive sea food,to find its inedible.

I have modified some recipies that call for prawns/shrimp,as they like to eat them whole.heads tail shell and all,whereas we usually like to devein,remove head ,maybe tail and shell. same with crabs, they do remove the dead mans fingers but eat eveything else. I would advocate buying crab fresh where possible and having it prepared by the fishmonger.Alternatively where lump crab is used buy canned.

Some ingredients may be foreign to you,but are very necessary for the authenticity of the dish,where an easily sourced alternative is available.I will mention it Some items have no alternative like ..Belechan(Dried Shrimp) Tamarind .Curry leaves Chilli Paste,however its readily availble from Asian shops and via the Internet.I hope you enjoy it and I have not put you off but I think its necessary to put the warning in place.

I will put the recipies in the appropriate forum,maybe weekly,will start with the Crab,as its now the Dungeness Crab season on the West Coast,but in some recipies you can substitut Tiger/Jumbo prawns and or lobster should you be inclined!!

Next week ;  Dim Sum,dumplings,potstickers,wontans.with some suitable dipping sauces.

Im so sorry Cindy

But do not worry Ive some nice dishes to come and I am sure we will find some to titillate your taste buds. Keep reading