Sister # 2
Sister # 2 is the most organized cook I have ever known. She menu plans, grocery shops from that plan, batch cooks to leave in the freezer for her family when she travels and also portions out meals for extended family members. Her kitchen is exquisite and well suited for our big family gatherings and is a place where her children’s friends are always welcome.
I have heard from her daughter’s friends that the dinner party that she puts on to celebrate her daughter’s birthday is perfection. I promise to get pics and menus.
On this particular night, we were gathering to celebrate a number of family milestones-her daughter and boyfriend’s return from Mexico, the upcoming family wedding and the departure of our daughter on her mission trip. Supper was Sweet and Spicy Cashew Chicken from the Best of Bridge and here is the recipe:
Ingredients:
Sauce
1/2 cup ketchup
4 tsp. soy sauce
1/2 tsp. salt
2 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
3 Tbsp. sugar
1 1/2 tsp. sesame oil
1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
1/2 cup chicken broth
The Rest
2 Tbsp. cornstarch
1/2 tsp. sugar
1/4 tsp. salt
3 whole boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into cubes
1/4 cup oil
2-3 Tbsp. minced fresh ginger
1 Tbsp. minced garlic
1 small onion, thinly sliced
2 red peppers, cut in strips
2 carrots, thinly sliced on diagonal
2 cups snow peas
1 1/2 cups cashews
sprinkling of sesame seeds, toasted
Instructions:
Combine sauce ingredients and set aside. In a bowl, combine cornstarch, sugar and salt. Add chicken and toss. Heat wok or frying pan to highest heat. Add oil. Heat to hot, not smoking. Add chicken, ginger, garlic and onion. Stir until chicken is opaque (about 1 minute). Add peppers and carrots. Stir 2-3 minutes. Add peas and sauce. Cook until sauce comes to a boil. Add cashews and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Serve immediately. Serves 6.
She prepared a chocolate fondue for dessert. It reminded us of the time she made the same dish to top off our New Year’s Eve dinner when we traveled together to Isla Mujeres. We assembled on the 3rd floor roof of Glady’s Apartments for a feast of chili barbecued shrimp (fresh from the dock), roasted potatoes and veggies, pork tacos and a chicken baked in lime mayonnaise.
There were our two extended families and American girls who were also staying in the apartment building. They invited friends they had met in the hostel and were in sore need of a meal. My son was the bartender and we lugged three blenders to the roof for a choice of margaritas. It was a night I will forever remember.
My Daughter #2 and Sister #2's Daughter #1
