Sweet and sour chicken

Many of you know how I love to make my own Chinese food. Chinese is something that many people are scared to even try. And I do not blame them with many very good take out restaurants in town. Making Chinese food is no different than any other recipe. It also makes for a great change to the same old routine.

Sweet and Sour Chicken

1 boneless skinless chicken breast half per person (cut into pieces and cooked thoroughly)

1 box of TEMPURA mix

water

veggie oil

* Mix water and 1/2 box of Tempura mix until it makes a batter about the consistency of pancake mix.

* Dip chicken pieces in batter.

* Place battered chicken in hot oil. (I use a deep fat fryer for this, but you can do it in a deep sauce pan on the stove.)

* Cook until battered chicken is light brown. Remove and place on plate with paper towels on it to soak up excess grease.

* If needed, mix more batter to cover chicken.

Sauce:

1/2 c ketchup

3/4 c sugar

2 c pineapple juice

1 tsp salt

4 Tbsp cornstarch

3/4 c water

Pineapple chunks (optional)

* Heat on stove top until thick.

* Serve over rice.

NOTE: The Tempura mix can be found in most grocery stores. Walmart has been known to be less than reliable in carrying this product. So I would check places like Albertsons, Smiths, and any Associated Food Stores. Many of your Oriental Markets will carry this as well, however you will not get the same brand as in the picture. Here is what it looks like:

It is also very good for making your own chicken nuggets. My kids will eat these kind of chicken nuggets over any other. Even my little vegetarian. Go figure.

Hawaiian Skewers

With all the snow and cold we have been having, I often reflect on the wonderful trip to Hawaii! I love that place. It was so nice to lay on the beach, hear the ocean lap the shore line and just soak in the sun. Yeah, I really miss it. Amazing enough too, Ms. Kenzi asks when we can go back almost on a weekly basis. For heaven's sakes, she was only 3 when we went, how can she remember it so well? I guess Hawaii has just that great of an impact on you. So onto the recipe. Here is a great dinner that you can enjoy now and make you think of warmer weather!

Hawaiian Skewers

Marinade:

6 Tbsp soy sauce
6 Tbsp brown sugar
4 Tbsp pineapple juice
2 T sesame oil
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp garlic powder

* Combine all ingredients in a shallow dish.

1 boneless, skinless chicken breast per person (up to 4. Any more and you will need to double your marinade)
Pineapple
Mushrooms
Green Peppers
Anything else you would like on the skewer

* Cut chicken into 1 inch cubes and place in marinade. Cover and place in fridge for at least 4 hours.
* Cut remaining ingredients into bite sized pieces just before you plan to grill.
* Assemble skewers anyway you like.
* Place on grill and sprinkle a little bit of granulated sugar on skewers.
* Grill until chicken is completely cooked.

*** Excellent with rice of any kind ***