Onto the recipe now - I just wanted to let you know that I am omitting two ingredients which are commonly used in this recipe in Thailand. You'll understand why when you see the images! ;) But, if you have a taste for this kind of thing, please add it to your dish and don't let my preferences change that. There are two ingredients commonly used which I am omitting - one is pickled fresh water crabs and the other is small dried shrimp. Have you ever had dried shrimp? I was originally an exchange student with the Rotary Club in Bangkok, Thailand at the age of 16. I lived with a wonderful family and a host-dad who was intimidating and always made me eat the most exotic and strange specialties. So I ate my share of odd foods and dried fish and dried shrimp - and I just don't care for it! Too fishy and I didn't like the texture. The crab which they like to use in this dish - I just can't fathom eating it because I've seen how it's added to this dish and crushed like the other ingredients. I prefer this without any added sea creatures!!!