Say it isn’t Tso! Okay, I realize that was a horrible play on words but I’ve officially lost my patience with 2016. It seems that it wasn’t enough to take a score of Rock music notables from us so now its decided to take not only the creator of the Big Mac hamburger Jim Deligatti but now also Peng Chang-kuei who is the man long associated as the creator of the fabulous General Tso’s Chicken dish. Mr. Chang-kuei died of complications from pneumonia the other day as well and he was 98 years old so surely he had an awesome run on this plane. We thank him so kindly for one of our most favorite Chinese food offerings. It really is one of my very favorites and after Chicken w Broccoli became my standard after years of only eating Shrimp with Lobster Sauce. My Mother will confirm that for many years that was the only choice I would make or Pepper Steak. The last one is a rarity for me based on the intolerance that I have for onions nowadays. For some reason the dish has become one that is loaded with onions and so much so that it should be renamed. Sigh.

My photo below is of my dinner from last night and ordered from the nearby Ha Ha Chinese Take-out restaurant. They are one of my constant go to places for such fare along with the longtime staple of Pearl Of China. I had just returned from a comic convention and was exhausted and the Ha Ha place is on my corner while the other was a big of a walk. I needed food and sleep after the Con for sure. Obviously its an order of General Tso’s Chicken with Fried Rice. Ha Ha makes it with a slight tang but not too hot. I always end up adding a healthy dose of Sriracha to it when I assemble my plate. I love that stuff.

You can learn more about the history of the very famous dish by clicking the Wiki entry down below. Information about Peng Chang-kuei is also linked in that entry and makes some interesting reading. Rest In Peace Chef Chang-kuei and thank you for recipes.

Official Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/General_Tso%27s_chicken