Monday, June 08, 2009

MONDAY MUSING - MACKINAC ISLAND MEMORIES (LILAC FESTIVAL) ~ ISLAND HOUSE CHICKEN MACKINAC



STREETS of MACKINAC ISLAND

'Somewhere in Time'


GRAND HOTEL






"Grand Hotel is indeed the fitting name for one of Mackinac Island's premier landmarks. The hotel's stately 600-foot veranda is visible from the mainland seven miles away. Grand Hotel's splendor and gracious hospitality consistently place it among the world's finest. It is also the world's largest summer hotel. Since opening in 1887 too provide a destination hotel for rail and steamship passengers, Grand Hotel has maintained its tradition of fine service and elegance, often setting criteria for excellence in dining."

~ MACKINAC ISLAND MEMORIES
(Len Trankina)
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For the history of this popular summer retreat
visit the official Grand Hotel website.
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CHICKEN MACKINAC
~ From THE ISLAND HOUSE (built in 1852 and the oldest hotel on the island) comes this special dish compliments of Chef O'Dell
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4 slices double-smoked bacon (14-16 slices per pound)
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
4 Tbsp olive oil, divided
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (8 oz. each), lightly pounded
1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms
1 cup sliced onion
1 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup Chardonnay wine
2 Tbsp. cornstarch
2 Tbsp. water
4 slices Gruyere cheese
  • Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Rub bacon with brown sugar, then place on baking sheet and bake at 325 degrees for abut 10 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove from oven to cool, then cut each slice in half. Set aside.
  • Heat 2 Tbsp. olive oil in frying pan over medium heat. Add Chicken breasts (if you wish, season chicken with salt & pepper and coat lightly with flour). Cook, turning once or twice, until chicken is thoroughly cooked about 10 minutes.
  • In saucepan, combine remaining olive oil, mushrooms, and onion' cook over medium heat for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add broth and wine and bring mixture to a boil. combine cornstarch and water in small bowl; stir until smooth. When mixture in saucepan is boiling, add cornstarch, stirring constantly. When mixture returns to boil, reduce heat to low.
  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Assemble ingredients as follows: Place cooked chicken breasts on baking sheet. Cover each breast with 2 pieces of of caramelized bacon, then top with a slice of cheese. Beat just until cheese melts, about 2-3 minutes. Place breasts on warmed dinner plates and spoon sauce over each serving. (4 servings)

15 comments:

  1. OK, you have done it again. These are wonderful mosaics. I adore the gateway, framing the door.

    And the sepia....simply lovely.

    Jen

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  2. As usual you have dished up something delicious! I must make this! (We have made your coconut pudding an embarrassing number of times, I must happily confess!) Oh you are a beacon of scrumptiousness, dear Joey! Thank you for always pointing the way!

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  3. What great pictures and you made such great collages out of them. Simply beautiful.
    Debbie

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  4. Amazing pictures...it made me to refresh. Thanks for sharing.

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  5. Hi Joey, What a wonderful collection of photos. They bring back such wonderful memories. But can you believe that, at age 43 and a resident of Michigan since age 4, I've only been to Mackinac Island twice?! And i was 6 the first time, so I really only remember the visit as an adult. It's a wonderful places (fudge shops notwithstanding. I know I'm a freak but I don't care for fudge! ;-).

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  6. I was there many, many years ago but I bet it hasn't changed much. That's the charm of the island, it is timeless. I don't remember the topiary horses, those are wonderful.
    Marnie

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  7. all of these pictures looks like a place i would looovvvveee to visit. how wonderful!

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  8. Thank you, dear Jen. I often think of you and your gifted eye behind the lens.

    Dear Kathryn, thank you. You are a beacon for me :)

    How kind, Debbie. Thank you :)

    Thank you, Jarlin. Your site is also refreshing!

    Hi Michigan Monica ... get your yourself back up there! A national treasure, fudge or no fudge, it's the perfect summer get-away!

    Marnie, you would delight in knowing nothing has changed ... stepping back in time is what Mackinac Island is all about! The Topiary horses are from gifted artists ... delighted to know them and deal with many on a personal basis.

    Oh do come, dear Marmee ... perhaps we could all meet there someday. You would not be disappointed, nor would your children.

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  9. Your photos and post bring back many fond memories of when my children were young and we spent our vacation at Mackinaw Island. What a fabulous and enjoyable place.

    I'll have to try that recipe for Chicken Mackinac.

    We missed having you at the Chicago Spring Fling, Joey. Kylee at Our Little Acre did a great review on her visit to my home and garden.

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  10. Awww... the pictures of the Lilac Festival are pretty. It reminded me of when I went there with my aunt and granma who are not here anymore. Good memories. AND THE LILACS.... THEY ARE TREES!! oh!

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  11. Mackinac Island is grand, isn't it Carolyn! It's impossible to leave without wonderful memories. And my thoughts were with all of you on Spring Fling ... loved the photos, especially the generous offering of your lovely painting. Perhaps one day we'll meet ... a wonderful thought!

    Hello ksr ... thank you for stopping by and including your warm thoughts of Mackinac Island. I have visited many times ... one of my favorite Michigan haunts, especially when the lilacs are in bloom!

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  12. Somewhere in time is a wonderful place...I've never been but always thought it would be a dream of a vacation spot...you've showcased it beautifully....gail

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  13. Have you ever seen the movie, Somewhere in Time, Gail! It was filmed on the island at the Grand Hotel, which is truly 'grand'. Do hope someday will find you sitting on the world's largest 660 feet Grand Hotel's Front Porch ... and the gardens are stunning!

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  14. Makes me want to come visit soon. The Grand Hotel is truly grand. Your pictures are incredible. The one of the view through the gate---just amazing.

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  15. With your love of history, you would be in heaven, Anna! In awe each time I visit ... always something new to experience ... I've only seen 1 of the butterfly gardens and never tire of the bike ride around the island or wonderful woodsy walks ... a summers in northern Michigan are the best!

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