Get Your Grill On

By: June Owens
Grilling is perhaps one of my favorite summertime evening activities. Besides the awesome aromas and the tasty foods, grilling simply has many health benefits. Produce choices are usually fresher and can simply be placed in foil and heated alongside the protein of choice. Vegetables and meats both retain higher nutrients and less fat is needed when cooking since moisture is locked in when using a grill. And the best health benefit, grilling can get the family away from screen time and outdoors to be a little more active. Why not kick a ball around, shoot a few hoops, or break out the badminton rackets while dinner is on? Here’s one of my family faves!

Items Needed
For Marinade (NOTE: Marinade needs a minimum of 4 hours but can be overnight) …
• 1 c brown sugar (we use Splenda brown sugar to decrease carbs)
• 1 ½ c catsup
• 1 c low sodium soy sauce
• 2 c pineapple juice
• 2 Tbs grated ginger
• 4 cloves minced garlic

Additional…
• 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 large pineapple, sliced into halved rings
• 2 tsp extra virgin olive oil (although canola or vegetable can be substituted)
• 1 bunch green onions, chopped

Preparation
• Combine the first 6 ingredients in a large bowl, whisking thoroughly.
• Add the chicken, cover, and place in refrigerator.
TIP: Pour into large Ziploc bags for easy rotation or a shallow baking dish with the marinade poured over to ensure all is covered well.
• When ready to cook, turn the grill on high and oil the grates to prevent sticking.
• Remove chicken from marinade and place on grill, basting with leftover marinade and grilling for approximately 8 minutes per side.
• Coat pineapple lightly with oil and grill for 2 minutes per side.
• Garnish with green onions and serve with favorite summertime vegetable.

So, get out of the kitchen and onto the patio, enjoy some delightful summer evenings, and say aloha to creating backyard memories with your family. Oh, and yes, Bon Appetit!