Chicken, Cashews and Red Pepper Stir-Fry

Manami's Note:

This dish balances salty, sweet, tangy and spicy ingredients. It is truly wonderful! :) Recipe is from Barbara Lauterbach, Cooking Light Magazine, April 2009 edition. She suggests that it be served alongside a quick rice pilaf. Cook a 10 oz package frozen white rice (such as Birds Eye SteamFresh) according to package directions. We had rice already made since there is white rice always around!! Combine cooked rice, 2 Tablespoons drained chopped water chestnuts, 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, 1/4 teaspoon salt (or perhaps one of Mrs Dash's 13 choices) and 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper and a sprinkling of chopped green onions. Make sure you have it all chopped and ready so that cooking it will be a breeze. ;)

• Total Time: 35 mins
• Prep Time: 23 mins
• Cook Time: 12 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 4

• 3 ¾ teaspoons cornstarch , divided
• 2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce , divided
• 2 teaspoons dry sherry
• 1 teaspoon rice wine vinegar
• ¾ teaspoon sugar or ¾ teaspoon Splenda sugar substitute
• ½ teaspoon hot pepper sauce (such as Tabasco) or ½ teaspoon garlic and red chile paste
• 1 lb chicken breast tenders , cut lengthwise into thin strips
• ½ cup coarsely chopped unsalted cashews
• 2 tablespoons canola oil
• 2 cups julienne-cut red bell peppers (about 1 large)
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic (if you have it, use bottled minced garlic, watch it, if you used the garlic chile paste)
• ½ teaspoon minced peeled fresh ginger
• 3 tablespoons thinly sliced green onions

Directions:

1. Combine 1 teaspoon cornstarch, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, and dry sherry, rice vinegar, the sugar or Splenda, & 1/2 tablespoon garlic & red chile paste (or less if you choose) in a small bowl; stir with a whisk.
2. Combine remaining 2 3/4 teaspoons cornstarch, remaining 1 tablespoon soy sauce, and chicken in a medium bowl; toss well to coat.
3. Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Add cashews to pan; cook 3 minutes or until lightly toasted, stirring frequently.
5. Remove from pan.
6. Add oil to pan, swirling to coat. Add chicken mixture to pan; sauté 2 minutes or until lightly browned.
7. Remove chicken from pan; place in a bowl.
8. Add bell pepper to pan; sauté 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
9. Add garlic and ginger; cook 30 seconds.
10. Add chicken and cornstarch mixture to pan; cook 1 minute or until sauce is slightly thick.
11. Sprinkle with cashews and green onions.
12. QUICK RICE PILAF:.
13. Cook 1 (10-ounce) package frozen white rice (such as Birds Eye SteamFresh) according to package directions. Combine cooked rice, 2 tablespoons drained chopped water chestnuts, 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper & a sprinkling of chopped green onions!