Fun Facts & Hot Seasoning for July 4th, 2011!

HISTORY OF JULY 4th: Variously known as the Fourth of July and Independence Day, July 4th has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1941, but the tradition of Independence Day celebrations goes back to the 18th century and the American Revolution (1775-83). In June 1776, representatives of the 13 colonies then fighting in the revolutionary struggle weighed a resolution that would declare their independence from Great Britain. On July 2nd, the Continental Congress voted in favor of independence, and two days later its delegates adopted the Declaration of Independence, a historic document drafted by Thomas Jefferson. From 1776 until the present day, July 4th has been celebrated as the birth of American independence, with typical festivities ranging from fireworks, parades and concerts to more casual family gatherings and barbecues.

Did You Know?  John Adams believed that July 2nd was the correct date on which to celebrate the birth of American independence, and would reportedly turn down invitations to appear at July 4th events in protest. Adams and Thomas Jefferson both died on July 4, 1826--the 50th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence.

 
(Source: The History Channel website. Retrieved June 30, 2011 from:  http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/congress-adopts-the-stars-and-stripes)


LET'S GET OUR GRILLS HEATED UP FOR INDEPENDENCE DAY:  Jerk seasoning is actually a delicious, tropical way to barbecue.  Use it to season either pork or poultry; simply rub it into the meat, marinate overnight in the refrigerator, grill or bake, and then enjoy!  This great recipe that we've selected is from "Too Many Chiles" by Dave DeWitt, Nancy Gerlach and Jeff Gerlach.  Permission to print granted by Golden West Publishers, 4113 N. Longview, Phoenix, AZ 85014.

DRY JERK SEASONING

• 1 tsp. dried ground HABANERO CHILE or substitute other hot powder such as cayenne
• 2 Tbsp. ONION POWDER
• 2 tsp. ground THYME
• 2 tsp. ground ALLSPICE
• 1 tsp. coarsely ground BLACK PEPPER
• 1/2 tsp. ground NUTMEG
• 1/2 tsp. ground CINNAMON
• 1/2 tsp. GARLIC POWDER
• 1/4 tsp. ground CLOVES

Combine all the ingredients and mix well.  Store the seasoning in a glass jar.
Yield:  About 1/4 cup     Heat Scale:  Hot