When you're in the mood for something sweet and something sour...

Pineapple Orange Chicken Over Rice


This here is my own little concoction. I took bits and pieces of other recipes and added my own twist and this is what I made.

Cut up a large chicken breast into small bite-size pieces and coat them in batter (flour, seasonings, water) or use store bought tempura batter or Bisquick. Place peices in a pot or wok of frying vegetable oil and cook until golden. (nothing more healthy, I promise ya!) Lay on paper towels to strain off excess oil.

Sauce:
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup ketchup
1/4 cup soy sauce
3 Tbsp. vinegar
2 Tbsp. corn starch
Juice from one can of pineapple chunks
Orange zest (take the small side of a cheese grater and run an orange peel over it a few times)

Combine all ingredients in a saucepan and add whatever vegetables you'd like. (I used a bag of frozen mixed vegetables but fresh carrots, bell peppers, onions, broccoli, beans, peas, etc. work wonderfully.) Bring to a boil. When it starts to thicken, add pineapple chunks and a few orange slices for flavor. Cook until thickened, stirring frequently. Add fried chicken pieces. Serve over rice.


Sweet and Sour Meatballs


Okay this recipe is so old school. It comes from my mom's old Betty Crocker cookbook (copyright 1978.) But don't be fooled, this is a great recipe and very easy to make.

Meatballs:
1 pound hamburger
1/2 cup dry bread crumbs
1/4 cup milk
2 Tbsp. finely chopped onion
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 egg

Mix ingredients; shape into twenty 1 1/2 inch balls. (I use disposable rubber gloves and mix with my hands.) Cook over medium head, turning occasionally, until brown, about 20 minutes. Or cook in ungreased oblong pan, 13X9X2 inches, in 400 degree oven until light brown, 20 to 25 minutes.

Sauce:
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 Tbsp cornstarch
1 can (13 oz) pineapple chunks
1/3 cup vinegar
1 Tbsp soy sauce
1 small green pepper, coarsely chopped

Cook meatballs in skillet; remove. Drain fat from skillet. Mix brown sugar and cornstarch in skillet. Sir in pineapple (with syrup), vinegar and soy sauce. Heat to boiling, stirring constantly; reduce heat. Add meatballs. Cover; simmer, stirring occasionally, 10 minutes. Stir in green pepper. Cover; simmer until crisp-tender, 5 minutes. Can be served over rice. Makes 4 servings.