The Secret of Great Marinade

Do you ever do this? You are staring at a package of chicken (or perhaps a beef roast, or a pork tenderloin) wondering what to do with it. Whether you decide to grill, roast, or sauté it, marinating will make whatever you are cooking tastier. And, if you follow a few simple rules, you can make sure that your food is safe as well.

"To marinate" means to steep food in a marinade. A marinade is a savory acidic sauce in which a food is soaked to enrich its flavor or to tenderize it. The acid in marinades causes meat and poultry tissue to break down. This has a tenderizing effect. The breaking down of the tissue also causes meat and poultry to hold more liquid, making it juicier. Ideally, essential oils are the thing to add zing to your meal.

Rules for Marinating Safely

• What containers to use: For easy cleanup, use food-safe plastic bags during storage, and discard the bags after marinating. You may also use food grade plastic, stainless steel, or glass containers to marinate food.

• Where to marinate: Always marinate food in the refrigerator, never on the counter. If you marinate in container, cover the container during storage in the refrigerator.

• Reusing marinade: Never reuse marinade used on raw meat or poultry unless you boil it first to destroy any harmful bacteria. If you plan to use some of the marinade as sauce for the cooked food, your best bet is to reserve a portion of the marinade before putting raw meat and poultry in it.

• Storing marinated food: If things get busy and you end up not cooking the chicken, don’t worry! You can store marinated poultry in your refrigerator for two days. Beef, veal, pork, and lamb roasts, chops, and steaks may be marinated up to 5 days.

Mediterranean Marinade

¾ cup olive oil

½ cup Braggs Aminos

1 tablespoon red wine vinegar

1 clove garlic, minced

1 drop Oregano essential oil

2 drops Lemon essential oil

1 drop Black Pepper essential oil

Honey Orange Marinade

3/4 cup olive or other oil

½ cup Braggs Aminos

½ teaspoon ground mustard

1 tablespoon honey

3 drops Orange essential oil

2 drops Black Pepper essential oil

Combine all ingredients and pour over chicken or steak in a shallow glass bowl or baking pan. Cover and refrigerate for 1–4 hours before grilling. Discard marinade after use ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper.