Sweet and Sour Shrimp

Ingredients
6 tablespoons chicken stock or water
3 tablespoons ketchup
3 tablespoons sugar
3 tablespoons pineapple or orange juice
2 tablespoons vinegar
2 teaspoons soy sauce
3/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
2 teaspoons cornstarch
1 pound shrimp
2 teaspoons minced ginger
2 teaspoons minced garlic
2 tablespoons peanut or vegetable oil
1 cup thinly sliced onions
1 cup 1-inch chunks green bell peppers
1 cup pineapple chunks
12 maraschino cherries
6 tablespoons thinly sliced green onions
Hot white rice, accompaniment

In a large bowl, toss the shrimp with the ginger, garlic, and remaining 1/4 teaspoon pepper flakes. Set aside for 10 to 20 minutes.

In a medium bowl, combine 1/4 cup of stock, the ketchup, sugar, juice, vinegar, soy, and 1/2 teaspoon of the pepper flakes. Set aside.

In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch with the remaining 2 tablespoons of stock and stir to dissolve. Set aside.

Heat a large wok over high heat. Add the oil, swirling to coat the sides and bottom of the pan. Add the shrimp, garlic, and ginger and stir-fry until pink, about 2 minutes. Remove from the pan. Add the onions and peppers and stir-fry until crisp-tender, about 2 minutes. Add the sauce and cook, stirring, until the sugar dissolves. Add the cornstarch mixture and bring to a boil. Return the shrimp to the pan and add the pineapples, cherries, and green onions. Cook until the sauce is thick, about 1 minute.

Remove from the heat and serve over rice.