Friday Fave or Fail . . . chicken a la Judy

I'm faving myself today... is that okay? And since this is normally a restaurant review, I'll keep it more photo focused. (and share one little recipe, too)

We had our sweet friends Ginny and Kyle over the other night for dinner. We were in charge of the food, they were in charge of the drinks and we just chatted and chatted all night. Such a good time! There's SO nothing better, in my opinion, than getting together with people you love over a MEAL. Good for your soul, good for your body, good for your community... I say call your pals up now and make plans for tonight!

Homemade sliders for starters! Broiled buns, bottom coated with our ever- so- famous avocado hummus spread, burger topped with white cheddar, caramelized onions, romaine hearts and topped with ketchup and golden grape tomatoes!

Skewered with a toothpick and topped with a sweet, hot pickle! (we used Famous Dave's but I HIGHLY recommend you ordering Tony Packo's, straight from my hometown of Toledo!)

Beyond presentable AND delicious!

 The side salad: finely chopped romaine mixed with soft chevre, fresh raspberries, pomegranate seeds, golden raisins, drizzled with extra- virgin olive oil, a dash of balsamic vinegar and finished with cracked black pepper and a hint of sea salt. Might have been my favorite item of the night.

 Sweet Ginny making our drinks! First was muddled plum and apricot mixed with fresh lime juice, vodka, tonic, simple syrup and a sprinkle of sea salt.

Momma's corn souffle (modified) going in the oven...

 And out of the oven!

 And the main... Chicken a la Judy! Judy is my mother in-law. ;)

The marinade for Chicken a la Judy: for about 2 lbs of chicken.

• little less than 1/2 cup brown sugar... although next time we're trying honey or agave
• heaping 1/2 cup ketchup, a.k.a. tomato sauce ;)
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• few generous dashes of teriyaki or oyster sauce
• 2 fresh cloves of garlic, minced
• lots of generous dashes of hot sauce... we, of course, used Valentina. And a LOT of it. :)

Marinate preferably overnight and grill! Serve with a side salad, a fresh fruit salad, and a fun, All- American side like corn souffle and you've got yourself a really great picnic meal!

Happy Friday, friends... grill away and enjoy your weekend!
(really great recipes in that book below)

xox