Dude, that sounds awesome and you used some processes that I've never tried. I wish you had a photo of it plated. Homemade sweet and sour sauce, what an awesome idea. For some reason, it's one of those dishes I would never think to make at home, but I have enjoyed so many times at a restaurant. It would be akin to making General Tso at home. -A dish I would love to try and make myself. I should.
Just to add a bit. 1) it was my first attempt at sweet and sour. It was incredibly good. It won't be my last. 2) I've been only using homemade tomato paste for the past few months. I highly recommend it. I wouldn't go back to canned after making it myself. It's so much sweeter and more flavorful.
Was there broccoli involved? Did you eat way too much of it and later regret it? If not, it wasn't the General.
