Fish makes a smart meal this time of year and straight through until spring. Why? Because cold-water fish provides us vitamin D - a nutrient we would normally get from the summer sun. Vitamin D helps to keep us healthy and happy (yes, vitamin D is the happy vitamin!). In addition, fish provides omega-3 and other oils which are essential to good health and soft skin/hair. For a fish recipe that never fails to disappoint, try one of these Top Thai Fish Recipes ! They're so flavorful plus beautiful to serve both family and guests. And as a bonus, you'll also get lots of tips to help you cook this delicate protein source just right. ENJOY! (shown here: Thai Herb-Crusted Fish)

Curry is one of the most popular dishes in the world, and as a result, packaged and bottled curry pastes and sauces have sprung up at pretty much every North American supermarket. But good curries don't come from a package - the best ones are made from ingredients in your refrigerator and pantry, as in this Classic Yellow Curry Chicken Recipe. That doesn't mean it's difficult to make - not at all (try this recipe and see how simple it can be!). This beautiful chicken curry makes a wonderful, warming dinner on a chilly February night, and it's also extremely healthy, providing you with the protein, greens, good carbs, and all the antioxidants (in the form of both dry spices and fresh herbs) you need to keep those nasty winter flu bugs at bay. So try my homemade curry recipe and put the freshest, most wonderful-tasting curry on your table tonight! (shown: close-up of Classic Thai Yellow Curry Chicken with potatoes, photo and recipe by D.Schmidt)

Noodles are a wise meal choice while the weather is still chilly, as a good serving of carbs can help keep you feeling warm and energized (and by the way, if you're craving them these days, that's why!). If you enjoy Asian noodles, but not sure how best to make them, try checking out these delicious Thai Noodle Recipes, which include everything from world famous Pad Thai Noodles to Basil Noodles, coconut noodles, and vegetarian/vegan/gluten-free noodles. Just follow my simple instructions and you'll be soon enjoying perfectly wonderful Thai noodles that you'll love to cook (and eat!) again and again. ENJOY! (shown: new Chicken Pad Thai made without tamarind, by D.Schmidt)

Celebrate Valentine's Day by creating something deliciously spicy and oh so sensual, like this exquisite, yet easy-to-make Mussels in Coconut-Basil Sauce. This dish is the perfect way to start your special meal, or make it the star player by serving a crusty loaf of French bread on the side for dipping into the sauce (you'll love it!). Thai food is now the cuisine of choice for most American "first date" couples, according to a recent men's magazine poll, and personally I'm not surprised. The fragrance, exotic taste, and sensual beauty of Thai cuisine makes it the perfect choice for a romantic meal. So check out all of my Valentine's Day Recipes, and be prepared to fall in love with more than just your date(!) ENJOY. (pictured: Easy Thai Mussels in a Coconut-Basil Sauce, photo by D.Schmidt)