And they followed me to Chiang Mai...

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The rain clouds, that is. It was raining a little the day we got into Chaing Mai. More like I'm following the rain... Sigh. Nonetheless, the rainy weather makes Chiang Mai even greener and more lush. The air is much cleaner as well.

Perfect for a rainy day, J and I signed up for a full day's cooking class at "Best Thai Cookery" (how can you go wrong with a name like that?)! We had a great time - I would highly recommend it (9:30 AM - 4:00 PM, 800B per person).

Cooking class:

The teacher picks everyone up at their respective hotels/guesthouses and first takes us to the local market to show us the Thai herbs and veggies. Saw different eggplants, basils, how coconut milk/cream/juice is processed, etc. Teacher was super cheesy and kept laughing at his own jokes. Amusing. He was high energy, had good English and was overall very enthusiastic. There were 15ish people in the class. Everyone can choose what they want to make from a fixed menu. I chose the following dishes:

1. Tom Yum Soup - I liked this one, easy to make, and ingredients I could find at home.
2. Green Curry - delicious, but too much of a pain to make, too fattening too.
3. Chicken Cashews - nice dish, would make this too.
4. Pad Ke Maew - thick pan fried noodles. Mine turned out tasting a bit odd. I need to work on this one.
5. Mango Sticky Rice - my favorite. I will bring this to my next potluck.
6. Egg rolls - too much oil involved.
7. Papaya Salad - I will attempt to make this. I need a mortar and pestle though. I bought the special grater.

We were so, so full after the class. 😊 We spend the evening walking off our calories at the Sunday Walking Market. J and I walked three hours browsing all the little vendors, souveniers, food stalls, local crafts. I bought three hair clips for my niece and some tiny paper flowers for card-making. I'm an unsuccessful shopper!

We are going on a two day trek tomorrow. Sounds like fun - hiking, elephant riding, visiting some local hilltribe (and staying overnight there) and some bamboo rafting. Hope it doesn't rain.

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Photos

Adventure Cooking
"Stand back! I'm cooking!"

Market Trip
The teacher brings the class to the local market to look at the veggies and herbs.

Yummy Soup
This is probably the only thing I would make again.

Thai Cooking Class
We had fun! I'll practice and you can taste what I've learned. :)

Comments

[christina]

come make me mango sticky rice and yummy soup when you come back!

[tc]

menus
thxgiving at cf's w/ papaya salad and tom yum soup!!! yeah!!!!! you can use my mortar /pestle.

[ellie]

mmmmmm.....can't wait for the dinner you're going to cook us....