Guest coming over

By: 
Keith Bryant
 This past weekend we invited our neighbors over for dinner. Introducing yourself as a cook or chef sometimes has implications on guests coming over for dinner. I am not a person that puts on a show or one that likes a lot of attention on myself. I love cooking for others and hope that I can leave a smile on their face and a good memory of time spent with Sharon and I.
 That being said, it is also not in my nature to open a box or a can to produce a meal. Keeping it simple, but nice and memorable, is the key to making a good dinner for guests. You can really get creative with a few items and a really simple recipe. As we eat with our eyes and nose first I thought this would-be a meal they would remember.
 This recipe is super easy, just make sure you check your cupboards for all the ingredients (had to go back to the store twice). It took less than 30 minutes to prepare and the neighbors loved it. Presentation is everything.
Sticky Pineapple Chicken
Prep: 15 minutes. Cook: 15 minutes. Yield: 4 servings.
INGREDIENTS
½ cup pineapple juice
1/3 cup low sodium soy sauce
1/3 cup low sodium chicken stock
1/3 cup hoisin sauce
½ cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon minced fresh garlic
2 teaspoons cornstarch
1 tablespoon olive oil
8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs cut into 1-inch cubes
1 cup diced pineapple
½ cup roasted, salted cashews (optional)
Rice, for serving
 In a medium saucepan, whisk together the pineapple juice, soy sauce, chicken stock, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, garlic and cornstarch. Bring the mixture to a boil and cook until the mixture has reduced to about 1 cup and is the consistency of thick syrup. Set the sauce aside.
 Add the olive oil to a large nonstick skillet set over medium-high heat. Add the chicken to the pan and season it with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken, stirring, until it is no longer pink, about 5 minutes. Drain off any liquids then add the sauce to the pan and stir until combined. Add the pineapple and cashews and cook, stirring, for an additional 1 minute.
 Serve the chicken atop a bed of rice.

Signal American

18 E. Idaho St.
Weiser, ID 83672
PH: (208) 549-1717
FAX: (208) 549-1718
 

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