There is no better time on the lake than Summer. Early mornings on the porch are cool and refreshing. I gaze at the still water from my treetop aerie while sipping my morning coffee and reflect on the day ahead. Occasionally a fish will jump creating ripples on the flat surface. The hum of a fishing boat can be heard above the bird song. Pileated woodpeckers, unaware of my presence, peck away at the trees surrounding me. The ski club members are up early as usual and the first ski boat slices through the water pulling the gracefully weaving skier.
But the day’s chores beckon and I return to the kitchen to make lists and organize the house. David starts working on projects. He greets Don, our contractor friend who is helping us. We are making progress on the lower level. Our old bathroom has been transformed into a small spa retreat with a jacuzzi tub and steam bath. The two small bedrooms have new bead board paneling and old hardwood floors that need refinishing after pulling up the carpeting. You can also call experts and avail upholstery cleaning to enhance the look for your home .Sometimes I am the gopher and head to Lowe’s or Home Depot to get building supplies. The day passes with occasional forays to the deck or boathouse to watch the passing parade of boats pulling delightedly screaming children on floats or the local police boat on it’s way to Larkins on the Lake for lunch.
Lately, afternoons have been predictable with darkening skies and rumbles of thunder. But the storms pass quickly and by the time we are ready for dinner the sun is shining, reflecting millions of diamonds on the churning lake surface. It is time to light the grill.
I have many recipes for grilled chicken but this is my favorite. I can’t give credit for the origin because frankly I copied it years ago and do not remember where I got it. You do have to plan ahead because it is best if it marinates for at least six hours. I love what goes into the marinade. The citrus gives it a refreshing flavor and the brown sugar helps create a succulent glaze. We eat on the porch surrounded by the darkening evening sky, the smell of others’ grills, and conversations drifting across the water.
CITRUS GRILLED CHICKEN BREASTS
3 cloves of garlic, minced
3 Tbls grainy mustard
1/4 cup vinegar
1 lime, juiced
1/2 lemon, juiced
1/2 cup brown sugar
6 Tbls olive oil
6 boneless chicken breasts
Combine marinade ingredients in a blender or small food processor and pulse until everything is emulsified and smooth. Marinate chicken in mixture for at least two hours and up to 24 hours. Place chicken on a hot grill which has been brushed with oil. Grill for 5 minutes per side basting often.
Citrus and chicken, a marriage made in heaven. This sounds divine!
This sounds like such a lovely dish. The Japanese use Yuzu to make a similar dish.
That sounds and looks wonderful! I can just picture your setting….it sounds so lovely.
Penny
Perfect chicken Penny and easy too. The marinade helps make the chicken tender and I’m often in a hurry and forget to do it and I’m always sorry later.
Your setting sounds out of this world. We eat on our screened porch often this time of the year. Saw a lot of fire flys the other night and it reminded me of childhood and catching them in a glass jar (no plastic then).
Sam
Hi Again Penny,
Were you at Fresh Market in Hendersonville this Sunday morning around 11:30(today)? I thought I might have seen you walking through the parking lot. I wanted to stop and ask – but I thought if it wasn’t you, the person would think I was crazy…Let me know 🙂
Penny
mmm, what a glaze! really, there’s nothing like grilled chicken–those blackened parts are by far my favorite section. 🙂
The chicken is gorgeous! But, this brings back so many memories of when we lived on the lake, and had a porch and deck and boat…. Great times!
Katy, Yes indeedy this chicken is good. Thanks.
Mary, I am not familiar with Yuzu. What is it?
Penny, That wasn’t me but I have been looking for you too. Glad we are finally going to meet next week.
Sam, Oh, the fire flys! Summer was so magical when we were kids.
Grace, Give me the most blackened thing on the grill and I will be happy.
Katiez, Your life sounds pretty amazing to me right now. Maybe we should do a house swap for a week when we both get our places liveable. Ha!
How utterly perfect – your description of your surroundings as well as your beautifully simple grilled chicken marinade makes me want to move in! (smiling)
Penny this is fantastic. I love grilling with citrus.
I love Summer Grilling ! and your Chicken marinade look so :Delicious!
Thanks for sharing your wonderful recipe:)
Have A great Tuesday~
Hello! Stopping by for the first time from the other Penny’s blog. I have enjoyed perusing your many recipes and look forward to trying some of the ones I saw. Your kitchen is beautiful and must be a joy to spend time in.
Kindly, ldh
Hi Penny, I just dropped by for a visit from the other Penny’s blog! Your kitchen header picture is beautiful & yummm, your chicken recipe looks amazing! ☺ Diane
That chicken is full of flavors. Must be nice to have coffee and look at the water.
I’m so glad that Penny pointed us to your blog! This post made me a little envious…not only of the great food but the location! We vacation in Saluda and love Lake Lure and the surrounding area! We are headed to Florida this year but right now I’m having second thoughts!
Your grill marks look perfect and the marinade sounds delicious!!