Peep's pride of place

Just as the fatted cow was slaughtered for the proverbial prodigal son, the chicken is often chased down, killed and cooked for an honored guest or a special occasion in China. And this happens everywhere - be it town or country.

Sometimes, there are interesting tales behind the way the bird is cooked - like the legendary beggar's chicken. The story goes that a vagrant stole a stray chicken and was about to make away with his ill-gotten meal-to-be when the owner came chasing after.