Drawing by Ted Martin

The Thigh's the Limit Contributed by Janet & Greta Podleski Authors of Looneyspoons: Low-Fat Food Made Fun! (Granet Publishing Inc. 1996) Messy Gourmet book review

Marinated chicken thighs that soar to new flavor heights. Remember: Removing the skin means you won't blimp out. And that's not a bunch of hot air!

• 12 skinless chicken thighs (about 3 ounces each)
• 3/4 cup salsa( mild, medium, or hot)
• 1/3 cup honey
• 1/4 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce and orangejuice
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 1 1/2 tablespoons grated ginger root
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Arrange chicken thighs in a single layer in 13 x 9-inch baking dish. In a medium bowl, mix together salsa, honey, soy sauce, mustard, orange juice, olive oil, and ginger root. Pour over chicken thighs. Turn thighs to coat both sides with marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Bake chicken and sauce, covered, in a 400° oven for 40 minutes. Transfer chicken thighs to a serving platter and keepwarm. Carefully pour sauce into a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Mix cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water until smooth. Add to sauce and stir until mixture thickens, about 1 minute. Pour thickened sauce over chicken and serve immediately.

Makes 4-6 servings.
PER SERVING( based on 6 servings):
310 calories, 8.1g fat, 21.4 g carbohydrate, 32.1g protein, 787mg sodium, 140mg cholesterol
CALORIES FROM FAT: 25.3%

Trivial Tidbit:
The expression" to get a lucky break" is believed to have originated nearly 2,500 years ago from the familiar custom of two people making a wish, then tugging on a dried chicken "wishbone"( actually the clavicle) until it breaks in two. Even today, many still believe that the wish made by the person who ends up with the larger piece will come true.

Messy Gourmet Editor's notes: This chicken does NOT taste like vulcanized rubber!

Stains: Salsa

1. Mix one teaspoon of a mild non alkaline non bleaching detergen with a cup of lukewarm water
2. Blot
3. Mix one tablespoon of household ammonia with a half cup of water
4. Blot
5. repeat step 1 if necessary

Movies for inspiration: Blues Brothers (1980)
Soul Food Cafe Owner: "Best damned chicken in the state!"