Adventures in Cooking

Several months ago I bought a packet of seasoning mix for General Tsao's chicken.  I've been meaning to try it, but somehow, the packet always got pushed to the back of the shelf.

This morning I found it and decided to make it tonight.  I thawed the boneless chicken breasts.  This evening, I took the packet and turned it to the back to read the instructions, which were very clear by the way.

Unfortunately, I rushed through the directions and added the oil to the sauce mixture, then I realized that the oil was for browning the pieces of chicken.  Oh well, I can live with a little extra oil.

I put the sauce together, browned the chicken.  While all that was being done, I made the rice and opened a can of noodles.  This was going to be a wonderful dinner.

I put everything together on the plate (which I forgot to photograph), poured a glass of wine and sat down to eat.  I couldn't understand why so many people are afraid to order this, it was so bland.  It was OK, but even with some crushed pepper flakes, there was no particular flavor to it.  I was very disappointed.

I just finished cleaning the counter, putting the dishes in the dishwasher and wiping off the counter.  I picked up the packet of seasoning and thought it seemed a little heavy.  Then I discovered the reason for the bland dinner - I had forgotten to add the seasoning.

I was so intent on getting all the ingredients together and preparing the chicken that I had forgotten one of the most important ingredients for this dinner - the seasoning for the sauce.

I must learn to slow down when making a new dish and go over each step several times to insure proper cooking.  I rush though things much too much.  Or maybe I was distracted because both Crash and Burn were meowing at my feet even though they had their afternoon snack earlier.  Yeah, that's it, the cats made me do it.