I had the privilege of being introduced to the legendary Upstate New York gastronomic delight—the spiedie—while visiting Binghamton, NY. I've long ago used the last of the terrific Lupo's marinade I brought back to Australia with me. I searched for years to find a similar recipe and have tried many. This one was posted on a web forum and claimed to be the authentic recipe from someone who used to work there. I've adjusted it slightly and think it's pretty close. This is my favorite football Sunday lunch.
I had the privilege of being introduced to the legendary Upstate New York gastronomic delight—the spiedie—while visiting Binghamton, NY. I've long ago used the last of the terrific Lupo's marinade I brought back to Australia with me. I searched for years to find a similar recipe and have tried many. This one was posted on a web forum and claimed to be the authentic recipe from someone who used to work there. I've adjusted it slightly and think it's pretty close. This is my favorite football Sunday lunch.
My culinary adventures have taken me to many corners of the world, but some of the most memorable food experiences happen unexpectedly, in the most unassuming of places. One such experience was my discovery of the spiedie, a culinary gem from Upstate New York. While visiting Binghamton, I had the good fortune to sample this delicious chicken dish, and it instantly became a favorite. The marinade, a carefully balanced blend of herbs and spices, imbued the chicken with a unique flavor that I’ve been chasing ever since.
My journey to recreate this taste started with a small bottle of Lupo's marinade, a treasured souvenir from my trip. Unfortunately, that bottle was soon empty, leaving me with nothing but a longing for that signature spiedie flavor. My search for a comparable recipe was long and arduous. Countless attempts ended in disappointment, until I stumbled upon a recipe on an online forum, purportedly the authentic Lupo's recipe. While I made a few minor adjustments, the result was remarkably close to the spiedies I had fallen in love with. It's a recipe I've perfected over time, tweaking it to suit my palate, and it has become a staple in my kitchen.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. The key is the marinade, a vibrant blend of olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, and an array of aromatic herbs and spices. The marinade not only infuses the chicken with incredible flavor but also tenderizes it, ensuring that the final product is juicy and succulent. The process itself is straightforward; the chicken is marinated overnight, then threaded onto skewers and grilled until cooked through. It’s the perfect combination of ease and exceptional taste.
The spiedies are incredibly versatile. They're fantastic served on toasted rolls, transforming a simple meal into something truly special. They also work beautifully as a standalone dish, served alongside a fresh salad or as part of a larger barbecue spread. I often prepare a large batch for gatherings with friends and family, and they're always a huge hit. The combination of the savory chicken and the slightly tangy marinade is irresistible, a testament to the simplicity and power of well-chosen ingredients.
More than just a recipe, Lupo's Chicken Spiedies represent a culinary memory, a taste of a place and a time that I hold dear. It's a dish that brings me back to those sun-drenched days in Binghamton, the thrill of discovery, and the simple pleasure of sharing good food with good company. Making this recipe is always a joy, not just because of the delicious result, but because it allows me to relive that special culinary experience, a little piece of Upstate New York in my own kitchen.
This recipe has become more than just a meal; it's a cherished tradition. It’s a dish I make often, always savoring the delicious result and sharing it with friends and family. The aroma that fills the kitchen while the chicken marinates is intoxicating, a promise of the delicious meal to come. And as I thread the marinated chicken onto skewers, I’m transported back to that first taste in Binghamton, a reminder of the simple joys of travel and culinary discovery.
So, whether you're a seasoned grill master or a novice cook, I highly recommend you try this recipe. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, easy to make, and bursting with flavor. It’s a dish that will transport you, if only for a few moments, to the charming landscapes and culinary delights of Upstate New York. And who knows, maybe it'll inspire you to embark on your own culinary adventure, searching for those unique and unforgettable tastes that make life so rich and memorable.
Beyond the deliciousness, this recipe is a reminder of the power of simple ingredients and careful preparation. The marinating process allows the flavors to meld and deepen, resulting in a dish that's far more than the sum of its parts. It’s a perfect illustration of how a little time and attention to detail can transform a humble chicken breast into a culinary masterpiece. And that’s a lesson worth savoring, both in the kitchen and in life.