Fourth of July

Fourth of July

Today Americans will be celebrating our glorious national holiday, Independence
Day.  On the anniversary of the birth of our nation we are grateful for our forefather’s aspirations for freedom and thank the American signers of the Declaration of Independence at Philadelphia on July 4, 1776.  We give thanks that the American spirit lives on.

The Fourth of July is celebrated in every city and town in the United States by
patriotic gatherings, parades and speechmaking. The national anthem and other songs are sung, the voices of free people singing a free song.  The knowledge that freedom had been defended in the past and might have to be defended again on nights far from peaceful and with weapons far from harmless.  For me it produces an emotion that is humbling and sentimental. 

Independence Day food it most often of the picnic and/or grilling variety which is correct for a holiday that is usually spent outside. There are traditional dishes originating in George Washington’s Virginia.  One such is a breakfast specialty called Rice Waffles.  Another traditional dish of the day is poached salmon with egg and caper sauce that is served with green peas and mashed potatoes. It was traditional to serve the first salmon of the season, but we know that this menu of soft foods was prepared for George Washington because of the discomfort caused him by his ill-fitting set of false teeth.  The traditional July 4th desserts were Watermelon Pickle and the Independence Day Cake, which is a yeast cake covered in white frosting gilded with boxwood leaves.

For the July 4th holiday I like to make my Blueberry Crisp.  It is always a big hit and everyone seems to want the recipe.  Whatever you’re making today have a wonderful and safe day.