Yields approx. 2 cups

Many people's first contact with Thai cooking is with skewered, grilled meat (usually chicken, beef, or shrimp), called “satays.” These terrific appetizers are dipped in peanut sauce.

Peanut Dipping Sauce — 2

illustration cup crunchy peanut butter

1½ cups unsweetened canned coconut milk

¼ cup fresh lime juice

2 tablespoons soy sauce

2 tablespoons brown sugar

1 teaspoon grated gingerroot

2 teaspoons minced garlic Ground cayenne or crushed red pepper flakes to taste

¼ cup low-sodium beef broth

¼ cup half-and-half or heavy cream

  1. In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the peanut butter, coconut milk, lime juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, and cayenne.
  2. Stirring constantly, cook over medium heat until the sauce thickens, about 15 minutes.
  3. Remove the sauce from the heat and add the beef broth and cream. Using a hand mixer, blend until smooth. Heat briefly just prior to serving.