* 1 cup distilled white vinegar (or cider vinegar)

    * 1 cup water

    * 2 tablespoons peeled and crushed garlic

    * 2 teaspoons salt

    * 2 pieces of bay leaves

    * half teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

    * 1 pound chicken, cut into serving pieces, Chinese style

    * 2 pounds pork butt, cut into cubes

    * soy sauce

    * oil

Add vinegar, water, garlic, salt, bay leaves and pepper into a large casserole. Bring to a boil.

Add the meat, cover and bring to a boil. Simmer and cook for about 30 minutes.

Sprinkle liberally with soy sauce and cook for an additional 10 minutes. Remove meat and reduce sauce.

Remove sauce to a bowl. Put oil into the casserole and brown cooked meat.

Drain oil from the casserole, and return the reduced sauce back with the meat.