General Tso’s Chicken

November 20, 2024

General Tso’s Chicken is a popular Chinese-American dish featuring crispy, deep-fried chicken pieces coated in a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy sauce.

It typically includes ingredients like soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, garlic, ginger, and dried red chilies, often served with steamed broccoli and white rice.

Ingredients:

Chicken:

- 1 to 1.5 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 egg, lightly beaten (for marinating)
- 1 cup cornstarch or a mix of cornstarch and flour for coating

For the Sauce:

- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or water
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar or white vinegar
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 3 tablespoons sugar (brown or white)
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
- 1-2 teaspoons of sesame oil

Optional:

- chili garlic sauce, Sambal Oelek, or red pepper flakes for heat

Aromatics:

- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1-2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Dried red chilies or chili flakes

Directions:

Marinate the Chicken:

- Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
- Toss the chicken in the beaten egg.

Coat the Chicken:

- Dredge the marinated chicken pieces in cornstarch or your flour-cornstarch mix until well coated.

Fry the Chicken:

- Heat oil in a deep fryer or a large skillet to about 350°F.
- Fry the chicken pieces in batches until they are golden brown and crispy, about 4-6 minutes.
- Remove to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Make the Sauce:

- In a bowl, mix together soy sauce, chicken broth, vinegar, hoisin sauce, sugar, and the cornstarch slurry.
- In a clean pan or wok, heat a small amount of oil, sauté garlic and ginger until fragrant, then add the dried chilies or flakes.

Combine:

- Pour in the sauce mixture, bring to a simmer, and let it thicken slightly.
- Add the fried chicken pieces to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly.
- If the sauce thickens too much, you can add a bit more water or broth to adjust the consistency.

Serve:

- Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
- Serve hot over steamed white rice with a side like broccoli.

Notes:

Spiciness: Adjust the heat by adding more or fewer chilies or chili flakes.
Crispiness: For extra crispiness, some recipes suggest double frying the chicken.
Sauce Variation: Some recipes might include ingredients like orange zest or juice for a citrus twist, or use less sugar for a less sweet flavor.

General Tso’s Chicken, while not authentically Chinese in its current form, has become a beloved staple in Chinese-American cuisine, offering that perfect balance of flavors that’s often described as better than takeout when made fresh at home.

Let me know if you want tips on making it spicier, healthier, or where to find the best takeout version near you.

Enjoy!!

Olive Garden’s Zuppa Toscana

Alan

November 20, 2024

Here is a simplified recipe for Olive Garden’s famous Zuppa Toscana:

Ingredients:

- 1 lb Italian sausage (hot or mild, depending on your preference)
- 4 slices of bacon, chopped
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 large potatoes, sliced into 1/4 inch thick slices or diced if preferred
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2-3 cups chopped kale (or spinach if you prefer)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional for additional heat)
- Parmesan cheese for garnish (optional)

Directions:

Cook the Sausage and Bacon:

- In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the fat in the pot.
- Add the sausage to the pot. Break it apart with a spoon and cook until browned. Remove excess fat if necessary, but leave a little for flavor.

Sauté the Vegetables:

- Add the chopped onion to the pot with the sausage. Cook until the onions start to become translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Simmer the Base:

- Pour in the chicken broth. Bring it to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer.
- Add the sliced potatoes to the pot. Cook until the potatoes are tender, about 10-15 minutes.

Combine Ingredients:

- Once the potatoes are nearly cooked, return the cooked bacon to the pot.
- Stir in the heavy cream, simmer for another 5-10 minutes. Do not boil after adding the cream to avoid curdling.

Add Kale:

- Add the chopped kale to the soup. Cook until the kale is wilted but still vibrant, about 3-5 minutes.

Season and Serve:

- Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes:

If you like a thicker soup, you can mash some of the potatoes against the side of the pot to thicken the broth.

For a vegetarian version, you can substitute the sausage with a plant-based sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken.

This recipe captures the essence of Olive Garden’s Zuppa Toscana with its creamy texture, hearty ingredients, and a bit of spice.

Enjoy!

Montana is seeing a sweep of Republican leadership

Alan

November 11, 2024

For the first time since 1897, Montana is seeing a sweep of Republican leadership across the Senate, governorship and congressional seats.

The 2024 election cycle marked a historic change for our state.

Republican Tim Sheehy ousted the long-serving Democratic Senator Jon Tester, marking the first time in over a century that Montana has two Republican Senators simultaneously.

Montana’s congressional seats have been consistently held by Republicans since 1997, with no exceptions in recent elections.

Greg Gianforte, a Republican, has been elected as governor, continuing the trend of Republican dominance in statewide executive offices.

The Republican Party has achieved super-majorities in both the Montana House and Senate, indicating strong control over state policy-making.

This shift has been attributed to several factors:

An influx of residents from traditionally blue states has brought a more conservative voter base to Montana, often referred to as “political refugees” looking for lower taxes and less regulatory environments.

The influence of national figures like Donald Trump has played a role, with his popularity in Montana contributing to Republican victories.

The Montana GOP has been assertive in its political strategy, maintaining a unified front and focusing on issues resonating with the state’s electorate, like less government intervention, pro-business policies, and cultural conservatism.

The political landscape in Montana has thus moved decidedly towards the right, solidifying its status as a red state, especially evident in the complete sweep of Republican leadership across its federal and state offices in the 2024 elections.

State level:

While Republicans dominated statewide offices, Democrats did make some gains in the state legislature.

Democrats are likely to pick up two seats in the state Senate and several more in the House.

These gains are attributed to a newly drawn legislative map and extensive grassroots campaigning.

Despite these legislative gains, Republicans maintain a strong majority in both chambers of the state legislature.

This Republican sweep in Montana reflects a broader trend of political realignment in the American heartland over the past two decades, with the state transitioning from a “purple” state to one where the GOP now enjoys widespread support and control of government institutions.

Federal employees feeling dread after 2024 Election

Alan

November 11, 2024

Federal employees feeling dread after 2024 Election

The sentiment among federal employees regarding the prospect of a second Trump term has been notably tense, as described in recent reports.

There’s a widespread feeling of dread among federal employees across various departments. This anxiety stems from concerns over job security, potential mass layoffs, and the fear of being replaced by political appointees or loyalists, which could significantly alter the non-partisan nature of civil service roles.

There’s particular worry about the reinstatement of Schedule F, an executive order from Trump’s first term that would make it easier to fire federal workers by categorizing them as at-will employees. This could lead to significant changes in how federal employees are hired and retained, potentially politicizing roles traditionally protected by merit-based systems.

During Trump’s first term, actions like the relocation of the Bureau of Land Management headquarters led to resignations and retirements, setting a precedent for potential disruptions in future terms.

Discussions across the internet reveal a mix of sympathy for federal workers facing uncertainty, criticism towards those concerned (suggesting the dread might be overblown or deserved), and others expressing a desire for government efficiency reforms which might include reducing the workforce.

Significant changes could impact over 2 million federal employees, especially those in the DC-Maryland-Virginia metro area, where nearly 449,000 federal workers reside, but also in states that voted for Trump.

The shift towards a more politically aligned workforce could affect the continuity and impartial execution of governmental functions, potentially leading to what’s described as a return to a “spoils system” where political loyalty overshadows competence or merit.

Many federal employees are reportedly considering retirement or are hesitant to accept new positions due to the uncertainty. This situation has led to discussions about the future of federal employment, with some workers feeling anxious enough to label their situation as experiencing “PTSD” from the anticipation of policy changes.

While there’s clear evidence of unease, not all federal employees might share the same level of concern. The narrative could be influenced by media portrayal, political leanings, or the specific experiences of certain departments more than others.

Currently, the discourse around federal employment changes under Trump is politically charged. Critics of Trump might emphasize the threat to the merit system, while supporters could view these changes as necessary reforms for efficiency or alignment with his policy goals.

The situation reflects a complex interplay between policy changes, political intentions, and the personal livelihoods of federal employees, with certain outcomes still up in the air as Trump isn’t due to be sworn in as President until January 20th, 2025.

Yellowstone River Bridge replacement project

Alan

November 9, 2024

The Yellowstone River Bridge replacement project in Yellowstone National Park involves significant infrastructure improvements aimed at enhancing safety and visitor access.

The project is located near Tower Junction along the Northeast Entrance Road. It’s designed to replace a structurally deficient bridge built in 1961, which is part of the park’s only road corridor open year-round.

A new 1,285-foot-long, 175-foot-high steel girder bridge will be constructed upstream from the existing bridge. This new structure will have drilled shafts, concrete decking, sidewalks, and railing.

Road and Area Improvements:

- Approximately one mile of the Northeast Entrance Road will be realigned.
- The park plans to redesign and reconstruct parking, pullouts, and the Yellowstone River Picnic Area to accommodate increased visitor use.
- The intersection at Tower Junction will be relocated 700 feet southeast of its current location.
- The project includes the construction of the Yellowstone River Overlook Trailhead Parking Area.

Construction began in 2023 and is expected to conclude in the fall of 2026 and traffic delays of up to 30 minutes are anticipated during construction.

The project is funded by the Great American Outdoors Act, with an approximately $118 million construction contract.

The bridge site is within a hydrothermally and geothermally active zone, necessitating special construction techniques like the use of sulfate-resistant concrete.

During construction, the existing bridge will continue to be used by regular car and truck traffic to minimize disruptions.

Once the new bridge is complete, the old bridge and road segment will be removed, and the area will be rehabilitated, including the re-establishment of wetlands bisected by the current road.

The Yellowstone River Bridge replacement project not only aims to improve safety but also to reduce the park’s deferred maintenance backlog significantly, enhancing access for visitors and supporting local economies by improving year-round access to the park.