Chinese foods have captured hearts of many Americans, just as much as they keep our office drawers warm with take out menus.

     We tend to appreciate the 'breather' the government grants us in our eight hour work day than gain an over standing of the 'breather's culture'?

     'Breather's culture'?

      What are you talking about?

      Many Americans have the activities they do on their 'breathers'...

      Breaks, lunches, vacations ... the moment you can detach from work - that is a 'breather'.

      In this instance, we don't appreciate an all time taste buds watering favorite breather - food.      Chinese food.

      Why?

      It's quick.

      You're familiar with the food. 

      Did we mention, it is ALWAYS hot!

      How familiar are you with the Chinese culture? The food? 

      Inventor and creator of the Chinese dish, General Tso's Chicken, Chef Peng Chang-kuei passed from pneumonia on November 30, 2016 at the age of 98.

      The founder of known Hunan-style restaurant chain, Peng's Garden Hunan Restaurant came from humble and knowledgeable beginnings.

      At the age of 13, Peng began his culinary arts training under world known Chef Cao Jing-Chen, who was family chef to prime minister of the Nationalist Government, Tan Yan-kai.

     The famous Chinese dish, General Tso's Chicken, was created in 1952, during a visit by the US Seventh Fleet Commander, Admiral Arthur W. Radford. Challenged by creativity, Peng diced chicken in chunks to fry crispy and golden and elevated the newfound dish with combinations of extraordinary sauces and seasonings. The inventor chose to pay homage to General Tso, a famous military leader from Hunan who helped put down the Taiping Rebellion as well as rebellions in the 1800's during the Qing Dynasty. In addition, Tso had a huge impact in Chinese agricultural science and education.

     In 1973, Peng went on to opening a restaurant in New York City, where his famous dish receive recognition from prestigious officials such as US Secretary of State, Henry Kissinger. 

     In 2014, a documentary film, entitled,"The Search for General Tso" was released. Director Ian Cheney wanted to explore the origins of the iconic dish across the world.

     Many times, we appreciate things in the moment, under appreciating the purpose of the creation and the inventor.  Peng leaves a culinary legacy that will continue to live forevermore through cultured food chains worldwide.

     For more details on Peng's impact, visit the article here.