I think I've ruined Chinese take-out for myself

Kung Pao Chicken

I used my recipe found here . Somehow, it seemed even better this time around.  My little sister gave it a 9/10 ... the deduction becuase she found it a bit on the spicy side for her taste.

Orange Chicken ( Sauteed, not Fried)

I chose to recreate the classic "orange chicken" without frying the chicken in fat. Instead I quickly sauteed it, then simmered it in my homemade sauce. 

The sauce is similar to the kung pao sauce used above. However it differs in that I added orange zest and fresh squeezed orange juice. As the sauce and chicken simmer together the flavor not only intensifies but the chicken absorbs the flavor.

My little sister gave this one a 10/10. 

I officially cannot enjoy either of the above meals from a restaurant any longer -- i tried. But I always say homemade is much better than restaurant food becuase I control the ingredients, the quality and the methods. 

Yes, it has been a while since I've posted regarding food. It just isn't occupying as much of my attention as it used to. There are a few more priorities in life I need to address before I can resort back to one of my luxurious hobbies of cooking/baking.

SAUTEED GREEN BEANS OVER A BED OF BASMATI RICE

Just like the title suggests -- simple and satisfying.

First sautee the onions until they are translucent. Then add sliced garlic, mini bell peppers, and mushroom. Finally, add the green beans and sautee for a couple minutes. You can serve it at this point if you like your veggies on the crisper side. However, if you like them " well done" allocate 1 part white wine to 2 parts broth.  ( ie: 1/8 cup white wine and a 1/4 cup broth). Add the wine and let it sizzle and dance for a moment, then add the broth and cover the pan. Allow it to simmer for another 10 minutes on low heat.

Serve over a bed of white rice. I think it would work great on top of a baked potato as well!

Inspiration: Tiramisu

Layers of coffee cake infused with a brandy caramel sauce and heightened by a marscapone creme filling