Eat Heal Thrive’s Ginger-Lime Sticky Chicky (Paleo, AIP)
Happy Weekend, my friends.
I didn’t say Happy Memorial Day because the spirit of the day isn’t exactly happy. I think of it as a day for reflection and remembrance and even grief. Some people fret about the barbecues and partying that mark the holiday but I liken it to the meal after a funeral – gathering together with loved ones to comfort each other and celebrate the life of those lost.
And to celebrate that life goes on.
The autoimmune protocol (AIP) blogging community lost a dear soul this past week. Martine Partridge of Eat Heal Thrive passed away and it hit extra hard because she was so young and so vibrant and so full of LIFE.
Martine was very open about her battle against Crohn’s Disease. She was diagnosed as an adolescent and suffered for years – including almost losing her life as a teen – until she discovered and incorporated a healing diet into her overall care plan. She still faced setbacks, but she also experienced periods of remission and her gratitude for the autoimmune protocol is woven into her blog posts and recipe writing.
Gratitude is so magical and beautiful and if you ever need proof of its power, read her posts and Instagram account and see just how many people she helped and inspired with her delicious recipes and funny, positive, and loving words.
The reality is that 1 in 5 Americans suffer with autoimmune disease and rates are rising.
Severity varies, of course, but for anyone on the autoimmune path or caring for someone who is, it’s at times extremely frustrating, tiring, painful, and disheartening. Voices like Martine’s – and so many of the AMAZING autoimmune bloggers in the AIP community – are vital to establishing friendships, sharing knowledge, celebrating with safe, nourishing, and delicious food, and finding gratitude.
I made Martine’s now-famous (because it is SO GOOD) recipe for Ginger-Lime Sticky Chicky the day after I learned of her passing. A blog as a legacy is a pretty fascinating thing. Her family is leaving it in place so the cooking and learning can go on. I see people all over social media making her recipes and reflecting back on funny things she said or words of encouragement she offered. In some ways, leaving behind a well-loved blog is even better than leaving behind a book – it’s more interactive, and people can comment and talk with each other. I think it’s a wonderful legacy in the face of a tragic loss.
In fact, it’s healing, which is exactly what Martine hoped to share.
Please jump over to Eat Heal Thrive for Martine’s Ginger-Lime Sticky Chicky recipe. I’ll add that sometimes I follow her recipe as written, and sometimes I use the sticky glaze for wings, which I did here. To do that:
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, toss wings with avocado oil and a generous sprinkling of salt.
- Roast wings for 15 minutes. Turn and continue roasting until nicely crispy, another 15-25 minutes.
- While wings roast, stir together sauce per Martine’s recipe. I add the arrowroot starch dissolved in water right to the sauce and whisk it all together.
- When the wings are done, transfer them to a large skillet or Dutch oven and set over medium heat. Pour sauce over the wings and heat and toss until sauce is thickened and sticky and coats wings.
- Serve with cauliflower rice, rice, or Martine’s favorite celeriac rice.
If you’re interested in donating in Martine’s memory, this memorial fund has been established. The proceeds will be divided between the Crohn’s & Colitis Canada organization, in honor of Martine’s steadfast life as an autoimmune warrior, and to her local Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), in honor of Martine’s deep love for her dog, Henry.
Rest in peace, Martine.