It was a real scorcher the day Ten Speed Press sent me the offer for this book, and I couldn’t wait to get down to East Shore Park with Ayla to celebrate and cool down in Cayuga Lake. The shorefront throbs with sunbathers all summer, emptying only after the sunset. I found myself drawn towards the grill, curious to see what smelled so good. A tall man in swim shorts was bobbing to the beats coming from his portable speakers, rhythmically turning something with long tongs. We watched the smoke spiral up into the still air. My mouth started to water. “Watcha making? It smells soooo good!” I said, my voice almost squeaking with excitement. He raised his shades and scoped us out. “Cute baby,” he said. “Thanks!” I replied. “I’m writing a cookbook about camp food. I’d love to know what you’re cooking.” He offered, “You wanna try some?” I was too shy to take a bite, but he let me in on the main ingredients in his marinade: rosemary, balsamic, and garlic. We dashed back home to make our own variation, only stopping to pick up chicken. Thank you, Mr. Griller, for your juicy, tender and flavorful grilled chicken!
Chicken thighs, juicy and dark, are the most affordable and forgiving cut of chicken for cooking on the grill. The longer you let them marinate, the better the final dish!