Asian Shrimp Pilaf

This light dish can be served warm or cold, so it can be made in advance for an especially hectic night or brought to a potluck or party.  When possible, buy shrimp that are farmed in the U.S. or Canada, which have stricter environmental regulations than Asian and South American countries that often export shrimp to the U.S. Let your kids help you measure the ingredients for the rice pilaf, make the dressing, peel the carrot, and snip the scallions with a pair of scissors. I love the flavor and crunch from the addition of peanuts to the pilaf.  Peanuts pack a serious nutritional punch and offer a variety of health benefits. Peanuts are good sources of vitamin E, niacin, folate, protein and manganese.  We love to add peanuts to trail mix and stir fries, and make peanut butter, banana and chocolate Monkey Milkshakes.