Proud to be an American, where at least I know I can grill!

Today is the day where we, Americans, can celebrate the successes and bravery of our forefathers. We can hold our heads up high knowing how fortunate we are to live in this great country where we have so many freedoms. Today, we are proud; we are patriotic; we are one. We are one because today there is comfort in knowing that no matter who you are or what your background is you, like me, will be BARBECUING! Whether it is on a little cement patio in the city, a roof deck, a big green backyard, in the mountains or near the beach, we all will either be barbecuing, assisting the barbecue or grill master or simply partaking in the delicious barbecued feast.



Outside we grill, with cold beers and beverages, games-a-plenty, and the sounds of some good American music. We grill hamburgers, hot dogs, sausage, pork, ribs, chicken, lamb, vegetables, and fruit. Some keep it simple with the standard fair of hamburgers and hot dogs, while some take pride in their barbecue skills by slow-cooking racks of sweet and spicy baby back ribs. We eat grilled corn or kabobs mixed with beef, chicken, peppers, onions and tomatoes. Guests bring side dishes and salads to offer or someone is inside finishing up the potato salad, pasta salad, corn salad or baked beans. We snack on chips and dips and cheese and crackers while we wait to indulge in our fine American cuisine. We feast and we feast and end our meal with a good old American blueberry pie, a strawberry shortcake, an ice cream sandwich or an icy pop. Then we find our way to a place in our town or city where we can relive the power, the excitement and fear that our forefathers must have felt during the American Revolution, by watching an explosive firework display. We all look up into the sky in awe, hearts pounding with every loud boom, tears in our eyes from the rockets red glare and the emotion of it all. At the end of this glorious day, we will reflect upon our nation and all of its qualities, the good and the bad. Even with our many flaws, today on Independence Day, we are grateful and joyous because we are Americans.
















Today, I will be grilling and celebrating my freedoms on my patio. On the menu, we will have grilled meatball skewers half made with beef and the other with buffalo. Skewers stacked with every kind and color pepper under the sun will grace our grill, while we snack on mini skewers of tomato, fresh mozzarella, and basil and watermelon and prosciutto. A spinach, herb, and feta pesto orzo salad with go along side as well as some yummy kettle-cooked chips from Gramercy, Louisiana. Today, enjoy celebrating your American freedoms and grill something good!


HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!