Sweet & Sour Chicken

My husband and oldest daughter really enjoy this recipe. It's a bit time consuming , but not hard to make.

SWEET & SOUR CHICKEN

(serves 8)

Ingredients:

*1 (8 ounce) can pineapple tidbits, drained, reserve juice

*2 tablespoon olive oil

*1 green pepper, cut into thin strips

*1 red pepper, cut into thin strips

*1/2 cup carrots, peeled & sliced thin

*1 small onion, sliced (optional)

*1/4 cup cornstarch

*1 1/2 cup cold water
*1/4 cup white vinegar

*1/4 cup cold water

*1/2 cups white sugar

*1/4 cup brown sugar

*2 drops orange food coloring

*6 skinless, boneless, chicken breast halves, cut into 1-inch cubes.

*2 cups self-rising flour

*1 teaspoon garlic powder

*2 tablespoons vegetable oil

*1/2 teaspoon salt

*1/4 teaspoon black pepper

*1 egg

*2 cups water

*1 quart vegetable oil for flying

Directions:

~In a saucepan, combine 1 1/2 cups water, white sugar, brown sugar, vinegar, reserved pineapple juice, and orange food coloring.

~Heat to a boiling.

~Turn off heat.

~In a small bowl combine 1/4 cup cornstarch & 1/4 cup cold water.

~Stir slowly into sauce in the saucepan, until mixture thickens.

~In a large bowl, combine flour, garlic powder, 2 tablespoon oil, 2 tablespoons cornstarch, salt, black pepper, & egg, seal and mix well.

~Gradually add 1 1/2 cups water to make a thick batter.

~Stir until well blended.

~Add chicken to batter and stir until well coated.

~Heat oil in a large heavy skillet to 360 degrees.

~Fry chicken pieces in hot oil until a golden brown. (not all at once)

~Remove from oil, and drain chicken on paper towels.

~Repeat until all the chicken is cooked.

~While chicken is cooking, sauté green peppers, red peppers, carrots, & onions in 2 tablespoons olive oil.

~Cook until veggies are at desired tenderness.

~Add pineapple chunks and heat until warm.

~When ready to serve, layer pepper-carrot-onion-pineapple mixture over a bed of rice.

~Add cooked chicken.

~Pour hot sweet & sour sauce over top.

~Serve immediately.