Opening Day (for grilling season)

LISTEN TO THE PODCAST


With the weather (finally) improving, it's time to think about grilling outside.  Chris Schlesinger and John Willoughby, who both wrote the Big Flavor Grill cookbook, stopped by Tonia's Kitchen to talk about their Grilled Chicken Thighs with Chunky Peach-Bourbon Barbeques Sauce, and Hot

and Sour Lime Slaw.  If that sounds like a mouthful, you should try the chicken itself!  The sauce provides a spectrum of flavors from sweet to spicy, and both say the slaw, which is sour, gives a nice counterpoint to the sweetness of that sauce.  Also, if you have enough left over, it's great on hot dogs!

GRILLED CHICKEN THIGHS with

CHUNKY PEACH-BOURBON BARBECUE SAUCE and HOT and SOUR LIME SLAW

Curve Ball #1

PREP

While the fire heats up, make the barbecue sauce. Cook in a sauté pan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for 3 to 4 minutes:

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 peach, diced small

Add and cook for 1 additional minute, stirring a bit more frequently:

1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger

Remove from the heat and stir in:

1/4 cup bourbon

1/4 cup cider vinegar

Return the sauce to medium heat and cook for an additional 2 minutes, then add:

2 tablespoons brown sugar

1/2 cup ketchup

1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper

Cook the sauce, stirring frequently, for a final 3 minutes, then set aside to cool to room temperature.

Now make the slaw. Combine in a medium bowl and toss together well:

2 cups grated green cabbage (about one-quarter of a medium head, cored)

1/3 cup fresh lime juice (from 2 to 3 limes)

1 tablespoon sugar

1 to 2 tablespoons minced fresh chile pepper of your choice

1 tablespoon cracked coriander seed

Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste

GRILL

Follow the recipe for Super-

Basic Grilled Chicken Thighs on page 104.

TOSS and TOP

When the chicken thighs come off the grill, place them in a big bowl, add the barbecue sauce, and toss to coat. Put them on a big platter and either top each with a tablespoon or two of the slaw or pass it separately for folks to help themselves.