Thai cooking made easy.

Eye-popping colors of glossy red chili peppers, green bell peppers, julienne carrots stirred over flames with garlic and spices (you can almost smell it) and an assortment of greens and seafood leave viewers hungry as Chaowasaree previews the dishes they will soon be creating themselves.

The videotape makes the process look extremely easy, with dishes finished in about 5 minutes. This only happens in the magical reality of TV cooking shows where green papaya appears readily shredded and all the necessary ingredients are conveniently at hand.

Still, the ingredient lists are kept relatively brief, and in spite of the exotic nature of Thai cuisine, most of the basic ingredients - chicken stock, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, sugar - are staples in any local kitchen.

The video runs 95 minutes, with Chaowasaree covering 17 appetizers to main dishes such as Thai Spring Rolls, Blackened Ahi Summer Rolls, Tom Yum (Spicy Lemongrass Soup), Mahimahi Bangkok Style and his signature Lobster Thai Style.

A mini cookbook is included with the package, so there's no need to pause the tape to write down the ingredients.

Between demonstrations, there are segments featuring the graceful Royal Thai Dancers, and scenes from Thailand. "The Signature of Thai" is $21.95 and available at the restaurant, Liberty House, Compleat Kitchen and Executive Chef.

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