Cashew Chicken with Asparagus

 I love cooking magazines.. I do.. in fact, like a cook book, they are something of  a fetish to me. I can't throw them away, and am always buying them. Some day I am sure there will be some form of intervention! Well in looking through a tub of Mag's that I have for Mexican idea's for an upcoming grad party, I came across a 2004 issue of Everyday Food. Let me tell you, this August issue has sooo many things in it I want to make!!! and I picked this as my first. The asparagus was not part of the recipe, my own addition as we like to make sure we have Veggies with our meals!  Great recipe, we all loved it!

Cashew Chicken with Asparagus

1 1/2lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-in cubes
1 Tbsp cornstarch
salt and pepper
2 Tbsp canola oil
6 cloves of garlic, minced
8 scallions, white and green parts, separated. each cut into 1-in pieces
2 Tbsp rice vinegar
3 Tbsp hoisin sauce
3/4 c raw cashews, toasted
1 bunch of Asparagus, cut into 3rds and blanched until tender
Brown Rice, for serving

In a medium, toss chicken with cornstarch until chicken is coated; season with salt and pepper.
In a large nonstick skillet, heat 1 Tbsp oil over medium-high heat. Cook half the chicken, tossing often, until browned, about 3 minutes. transfer to a plate.
Add remaining oil and chicken to skillet along with the garlic and white parts of scallions. Cook, tossing often, until chicken is browned, about 3 minutes. Return first batch of chicken to pan. Add vinegar; cook until evaporated, about 30 seconds.
Add hoisin sauce and 1/4 c water, cook, tossing until chicken is cooked through, about 1 minute or so. Add asparagus and toss until heated through. Remove from heat. Stir in scallion greens and cashews. Serve immediately over rice if desired.

I let the mixture cook a couple minutes, once all ingredients were added. Just to heat the nuts and scallions completely. It was a wonderful meal. Mom does not hesitate to say never make something again, and she instead said that I was to definitely make this again! and.. trust me I intend to it was too yummy!