Squash Coconut Curry Soup over Shrimp and Rice and Oh! , Obama!

Hi everyone! I am off to see Miranda Cosgrove (i Carly), in concert with my ten year old. Before I go, I wanted to leave you with a cute story. Never underestimate the power of a woman and her skills, whether they be her ability to cook, her ability to manage a household or pump up her husband in front of the world. My sister Peggy just sent me this:

One night President Obama and his wife Michelle decided to do something out of routine and go for a casual dinner at a restaurant that wasn ‘ t too luxurious. When they were seated, the owner of the restaurant asked the president ‘ s secret service if he could please speak to the First Lady in private. They obliged and Michelle had a conversation with the owner.
Following this conversation President Obama asked Michelle, why was he so interested in talking to you. She mentioned that in her teenage years, he had been madly in love with her. President Obama then said, “so if you had married him, you would now be the owner of this lovely restaurant”, to which Michelle responded, “no, if I had married him, he would now be the President”.

Maybe you can become president if you master this divine dish I created. Go ahead and try this!

Squash Curry Soup Over Shrimp and Rice:

2 medium butternut squash, roasted bout 1 hour at 450 ir until tender
1 1/2 TBS red Thai curry paste
1 can coconut milk
1 quart veg. or chicken broth
2 cups thai basil or regular basil (hai Basil is sold at Asian food stores)
5 kaffir lime leaves or a small lime’s juice (can get Kaffir leaves at Asian food store)
1/4 cup sugar

In a blender, place roasted squash and chicken or vegetable broth. Pureee until smooth.
Place mixture in a large pot over a simmer flame.
Add the coconut milk, curry paste, sugar and lime juice or kefir leaves
Stir until combined and hot.
Add basil and let simmer while stirring for about 15 minutes until it reduces a bit (gets thicker)

Serve over a mound of brown or white rice with chopped chicken or shrimp. Yum!