I did something really cool this week.

I got to scrub in on a cochlear implant surgery! I use the term “scrub in” loosely.. yes I was wearing scrubs and shoe covers and a hair net, but I didn’t get to touch the tiny bone drill. I did get to look through the microscope and I did get quizzed by the surgeon about the music on his iPod, but there was no risk of me killing the small patient on the table.

Which means I’d continue to scrub in on these weekly. It was amazing. Four hours at the hospital and I was remotely involved in a life-changing surgery. Also, I can’t wait to wear scrubs every day.

These sandwiches also involve about four hours of standing around doing nothing.

See what I did there? Loose connections. This is why I’m not a surgeon.

Hawaiian Chicken Sandwiches

adapted from The Chew

1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs

1 cup cola

1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce

1 tbs chili garlic sauce or Thai chili sauce

2 cloves garlic

1/4 cup chopped cilantro

1 tbs corn starch

3 scallions

1 mango

whole wheat hamburger rolls

Combine the cola, soy sauce, garlic, chili garlic sauce, and cilantro in a blender.

Marinate the chicken in the liquid for at least 2 hours- I left mine for 4. You can use any meat for this. The original recipe actually called for pork tenderloin, but when I went to the store and saw that pork tenderloin was 17 dollars I picked the $4 chicken thighs instead.

Mix the diced mango with the chopped scallions and a little salt and pepper. Set aside.

 

Cook the chicken on the grill, stove, oven, etc. Strain the marinade and put in on the stove. Once it’s lightly simmering, stir in one tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with one tablespoon of water. You can skip this step, but it will smooth out the sauce more. Allow it to fully come to a bubble to make sure that any bacteria is cooked out, and so that the sauce will thicken.

Gently shred the chicken with your fingers, and combine with the sauce.

Stack the chicken and mango salsa on top of the buns, and enjoy!

And if you’re getting major surgery done, I will definitely come watch. And bring cookies.