Springfield-Style Cashew Chicken

When it first appeared in 1963 at the Grove Supper Club, Springfield-style cashew chicken was an instant success. As an attempt to merge the two worlds, chef David Leong, a Chinese immigrant, modified its native cuisine so that it would appeal to the locals' taste. Instead of stir-frying, he dipped the pieces of chicken meat in batter, deep-fried them, and then coated them with a thickened dressing made from soy sauce, chicken broth, and oyster sauce. The dish is typically served over rice and garnished with crushed cashews and chopped green onions.