Polynesian Volcanoes

shared by Patty H. (I ate this tonight at a meeting I attended and it was fantastic.  You just set the ingredients out and people build their own according to their tastes.  The sauce is wonderful and really makes the dish.)

Set the following ingredients out in this order:

1.      cooked white rice (6 cups uncooked rice to serve 12 people)

2.      cooked cubed chicken (4 lbs. boneless skinless chicken breasts for 12 people)

3.      chow mein noodles (1 bag or large can)

4.      hot pineapple tidbits (microwave with juice until warm)

5.      chopped green onions (white and green parts)

6.      frozen baby peas (1 bag, thawed)

7.      thinly sliced celery (3-4 ribs)

8.      drained mandarin oranges (2 large cans)

9.      grated cheddar cheese

10.  slivered almonds

11.  cashew halves or pieces

12.  shredded coconut (small bag)

13.  volcano sauce (keep warm)

 Volcano Sauce  (the recipe said to triple this to serve 12 people but there was a lot left because people just drizzled it over the top; I think doubling it would be plenty)

dry ingredients:

1/2 tsp. ginger
1/4 tsp. garlic powder
9 T. brown sugar
1 T. white sugar
1/2 tsp. dry mustard
1/4 tsp. salt

liquid:
1 T. soy sauce
4 1/2 T. white vinegar
1 1/4 cups water

 thickener:

1/4 cup water
3 T. cornstarch

 Directions:

1.      Combine dry ingredients for sauce

2.      Combine liquid ingredients and mix into the dry ingredients

3.      Bring to a boil and then reduce heat to slow simmer.

4.      Combine the thickener ingredients and add to the simmering mixture.

5.      Simmer until thickened, about 10 minutes.