One of the things I really enjoy is sweet & spicy chicken. The spicier the food, the better! I did learn very quickly how to “cool off” my mouth after eating spicy food and believe me…it’s not with water!! That makes it worse! Someone told me to eat a piece of bread and another person told me to drink a glass of milk. But…nothing works better than a spoonful of sugar! I now have the sudden urge to watch Mary Poppins…

**I had the pleasure of visiting Northern Michigan as part of a press trip. My airfare, hotel and activities were provide. All stories and opinions are 100% my own. This post may also contain affiliate links**

When I was visiting Northern Michigan a couple weeks ago, I had the pleasure of visiting Fustini’s, an oils and vinegar shop. To be completely honest, before going to this store, I had NO IDEA that there were different flavors of olive oil or different flavors of balsamic vinegar, but there are! Lots of them! While we were there, we sat through a cooking demonstration for lemon drop biscuits, topped with vanilla balsamic strawberries. I will admit, as I was watching vanilla flavored balsamic vinegar be poured over the cut strawberries I couldn’t help thinking, “there is no way I will eat that“. But I did and it was so delicious. In fact, I am kicking myself that I didn’t buy the vanilla flavored balsamic vinegar so I can make this for my family! However, I chose a different oil and vinegar to bring home:

Remember how I told you I liked spicy food? The Cayenne Crushed Chili Oil is there HOTTEST oil they offer! I thought it would pair nicely with a Pineapple Balsamic Vinegar.

About Fustini’s

The company was founded by Jim and Lane Milligan. They took many family vacations to Traverse City, Michigan and fell in love with Northern Michigan. Through his travels, Jim had the opportunity to experience oil and vinegar shops in the “Old World,” and that is when he got the great idea to bring the healthy and flavored balsamics and extra virgin olive oils to the States!

In 2008, Fustini’s opened in Traverse City, Michigan! The shop was named Fustini’s because in Italy, “Fustini” are the stainless steel containers that the olive oils and vinegars are stored! Fustini’s became so popular that you can now find stores in the following cities:

• Petoskey, Michigan
• Ann Arbor, Michigan
• Mackinaw City, Michigan
• Holland, Michigan
• Maui, Hawaii

Fustini’s offers a wide variety of events. Be sure to check their calender of events for more details!

Now you didn’t think I would tease you with a picture of the oil and vinegar I chose without sharing the delicious recipe I made, now did you?!?

Sweet & Spicy Chicken

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup Fustini’s Cayenne Crushed Chili oil
• 1/4 cup Fustini’s Pineapple Balsamic vinegar
• 1/2 tsp Ginger
• 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder*
• 2-3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Directions

1. Combine the first four ingredients and mix well.
2. Place the chicken breasts in a large Ziplock bag and pour the marinade over top of it. Place in the fridge for at least 2 hours.
3. Preheat the oven to 400° F and place a baking rack on a baking sheet with sides (I covered the baking sheet with foil for an easy clean-up).
4. Bake for 35 minutes or until the chicken is done.

*The garlic tasted good, but I think next time I may add a little more garlic or use minced garlic.

Doesn’t this sweet & spicy chicken sound so good? I can’t wait to make it again!

Visit the Petoskey area Culinary Trail at http://www.petoskeyarea.com/culinary-trail-131/ for more information!

Please visit www.michigan.org to plan your trip to Northern Michigan…and you should plan a trip there! Stay tuned for more about my #PureMichigan Press Trip!! I can’t wait to share all the amazing things we did and saw!