Aloha Tiki Tiki Chcken

We lived in this little out of the way  place 30 minutes from Los Angeles growing up. Well, it was out of the way back then- rumor has it that the first time my folks drove out there to look around, they thought "Who the heck would live all the way out here?"

Now?

It "the " destination suburb for all those looking to work in LA< but live outside the big city.

But, back then, we had one store, a five and dime and a hardware store.

Oh, and McDonalds.

When I was 20, the grocery was running a contest for a trip to Maui. My mom faithfully entered it multiple time when she went it to shop- I entered it one time on a whim.

Once,

And guess who won!

My parents decided we were all going, so they paid an upgrade for a third person. Dad and I fell in love with it, and started making plans for me to move there when we got home, and for them to retire there.

Needless to say, we had some big plans, great conversations but none of it ever came through.

What i did take away from the trip, other than a great pair of earrings and some even better memories, was the love for the flavors of  the islands.

In cruising blogs a few weeks ago, I came across this simple recipe that embodies everything fruity and yummy, and island-like. Unfortunately, I don't remeber the name of the blog I saw it on- so if it was yours? Let me know in comments and know I'm eternally grateful.

Aloha Chicken

Chicken pieces of your choice - I use boneless, skinless thighs
1 quart Pineapple juice
2 cups brown sugar
Pineapple rings
Rice

Marinate the chicken in the pineapple juice and brown sugar over night.Or, throw it otether in the fridge first thing in morning if you forget- like I did.

About an hour before you're ready to eat, fire up the grill and BBQ the chicken slowly . Turn it the least amount possible to seal in those juices. Just before they're done, toss the pineapple rings onto the top shelf or coolest part of your BBQ for a minute to grill.

Serve  the chicken over rice, topped with the gripped pineapple rings.

Eat island style with no silverware, seated on the floor with some Don Ho playing in the background.

Enjoy!

For more great recipes visit Saturday Stirrings.