Happy Independence Day Everyone, and X-mas in July too!
Well if it isn't one thing it's another. We have been at a standstill in building The Distillery, again. We've been back ordered for six weeks on delivery of a large, low pressure, multi-ring propane burner to heat the still. The large size we need limits us, and seems to be unavailable in the US, except from one company who imports them from overseas. I have been looking to order a smaller, temporary version that I hope to use for when we build the stills heating unit, called the firebox. It is going to be basically a brick oven that heats the still from below with a direct propane flame. Since we are a commercial space with an indoor set-up we want safety to be the #1 priority. So our firebox has to be well ventilated with an outside air intake and a flue to exhaust the unit up through the roof like a chimney on a fireplace.
I have also been searching like crazy on the Internet for stainless steel fermenting tanks and other pieces of equipment that I hope to get cheap. They're hard to find and expensive, and we need them so we can finish building the rest of the distillery, and maybe get a small bit of brewing done as well. Our brewery permit should come through in the next few weeks and we want to make a small batch of beer for the fun of it. We don't really plan on being a full scale brewery at this time because the equipment is so expensive. So we hope to pick up odds and ends, here and there, over the next few years. I'd love to have a full scale brewery as well as the distillery, but just don't see it happening any time soon.
Last week I was warned by my partners, Mike and Jody, that on Monday I had to have my camera and be ready for a road trip. They wouldn't say where or why, but that I could only make one phone call, if I even had cell phone service. Then they clammed up and wouldn't say more, letting me stew on it all weekend.
It's only July 3rd and my foodie forefathers have already dished out plenty of Independence Day eats in such posts as American Flag Cakes and Delicious Foods for July 4th. But let's be honest: There is no food or cake that can rival the great American tradition of getting rip-roaring drunk. Even Uncle Sam's cheeks wear a warm flush!
But tradition aside, I do not condone drinking to excess, so I have devised a list of patriotic cocktails that are too lovely to chug. In the words of the great George Washington as he crossed the Delaware: Take it slow, kids, take it slow.
Starfruit and Stripes Daiquiri - The fine folks at MaisonBisson came up with this capital idea: Take a traditional strawberry daiquiri, top it with whipped cream and blueberries, then garnish with a slice of starfruit. Ta da! Liquid flag!
Red, White and Blue Sangria - Punctuate some white sangria with blueberries and raspberries for that good ol' U.S. of A. color scheme.
Boston Pops Martini - This Massachusetts-made martini celebrates the famed Boston Pops' national independence day broadcast. The true fireworks begin with the rim that's dipped in - what else? - Pop Rocks!
Red, White and Blue Shot - Although there are a number of variations on this popular Fourth of July shooter, the key is a careful pour to ensure those colors don't run.
Patriotic Margarita - The arbiters of blue vodka put their hued booze to good use with this layered margarita: HPNOTIQ 'rita, topped with strawberry 'rita, dressed up with a coconut rim.
Red, White and Blue beers - According to the results of this poll, beer is the bev of choice for cookouts. So if you want to keep with the patriotic theme, stock up on PBR (in the unmistakable red, white, and blue can) or for something a bit classier, invest in an assortment of Chimay Red, Chimay White, and Chimay Blue.
If you are declaring an independence from alcohol, whip up one of these constitutions:
Patriotic Tea Punch - Try out this tart punch that boasts an iced tea base, pomegranate juice, and gobs of fresh fruit.
Bomb Pop Mocktail - This red, white, and blue pousse-cafe layers cranberry juice, blue Gatorade, and diet 7-up to mimic everyone's favorite patriotic popsicle.
Independence Day, or the Fourth of July, is coming up. It's time to get out the picnic-safe salad recipes and clean the grill. While you're at it, don't forget the patriotic desserts! Here are some ideas on what you can do to end your Fourth of July meal with a bang!
1. Here's a neat idea from Imperial Sugar, with a recipe and everything. 2.I know I said cakes, but these patriotic Jello creations are worth a mention! 3. A beautiful flag from Cakeism. 4. Dish'n'That has a fun example for you. 5.How about flag cupcakes? 6. This one from a Chick Chat contest is awesome. You have to scroll down a bit, but it's the topsy turvy, multi-tiered one from RockStarMommy. 7. No instructions on this rice crispy treat flag, but I'm sure you could figure it out! 8. How about something a little different? An Uncle Sam Ice cream cone, perhaps?
Every July 4th, I find myself at a barbecue eating the usual: a hamburger, a hot dog, some potato chips, guacamole, and a few beers. This year, I want to celebrate Independence Day the same way, but with the best condiments, drinks, and chips. Below are 8 delicious foods that are perfect for July 4rth:
Chips d'Allauch - What could be more patriotic than honoring the French who helped us fight the war of independence? These French potato chips are the best I have ever tried. They come from Provence and are made from golden yellow Bintje potatoes that are fried in peanut oil. They're only available at Formaggio Kitchen.
June Taylor tomato ketchup - The mixture of rich organic tomatoes, spices, and vinegar make this ketchup the ideal accompaniment with your burger, barbecued chicken, and hot dog. You can purchase it from June Taylor online.
Bar Harbor blueberry Ale - The Atlantic Brewing Company crafts this beer in Bar Harbor, Maine. Enjoy this creamy fruity American ale that has a blueberry aroma.
Vegeta's cranberry mango salsa: This zesty sweet and spicy salsa is sure to rock your palate this July 4rth! You can purchase it from Amazon.com.
Peter Luger Steakhouse old-fashioned steak sauce: This classic sauce for chicken and hamburgers is also great over fresh tomatoes.
Fentimans Victorian lemonade: I know this is not an American lemonade, but it's so good! This British refreshment is mildly sweet and acidic and will definitely cool you off.
Grafton three year cheddar: This American cheddar from Grafton, Vermont is great melted on your burger.
Heritage burgers: Heritage Foods sells grass-fed beef burgers on their website. They're a must try this July 4rth at your barbecue.
If you're entertaining this July 4rth, I highly suggest the foods above. What items will you be eating this Independence Day?
I'm spending my Fourth of July doing what much of the country is doing. Going to the local small town parade, hooting and hollering a bit, and then a huge chicken BBQ. Finally when the day is done and it's getting dark, then it's time to watch the fireworks and go Ooooh and Aaaah as they light up the sky and make you jump from the sound of the explosions.
For me it's the Thomaston, ME celebration; a parade where thousands come with chairs and coolers to line the streets six deep for half a mile. After the parade many of the folks are off for home to tackle either the grill or lobster pot. The others wander over to the celebration food stalls for hot dogs, burgers, French fries, enormous onion rings or blooming onions, flavored shaved ices, and since this is Maine, the obligatory lobster or crab rolls.
I started with a nice "Lobtsa Roll" and my first blooming onion. The first was excellent, the latter was a nightmare. Well I learned my lesson. No more blooming onions for me. I would love to hear what everyone else is eating on this day of the celebration of our Independence and of summer time.
After the jump a pictorial essay of food and people on the Fourth of July.
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