Warm and pleasant greetings. We hope you had a good July 4 celebration and this week is going well for you.
While all of us know about July 4, there was once a holiday on July 5. When slavery was abolished in New York, the Black people there decided that they would celebrate their freedom on July 5. This day was chosen because other Black people were still enslaved across the nation. So July 5 became a day when they celebrated their emancipation and made plans to abolish enslavement elsewhere.
This day is important because it reminds all of us that when some of us struggle in our community, then our entire community suffers. In a time when there is so much division, please remember that your neighbors and those around you are part of all of our communities. With Christ, we are all connected.
The world continues to turn, and the month of July brings us to half past 2023. July is time for more swimming, grilling and reuniting with family and friends. It’s picnicking time, too. You know that’s an occasion that involves taking a packed meal to be eaten outdoors. Why not picnic at least one time during the year?
Picnics can be fun and enjoyable with two or many more people. I’m planning a picnic just for inspiration and to get away. It may not get much farther than I thought, but it won’t be a Martha Stewart plan, just something I can pull off smoothly. I’ll let you know. For me, it will be simple, one or two more and me, no decorations and no on the ground service. Maybe one day soon it will feel like it’s a good day for a short outing.
July is watermelon season. At one time I thought everybody should like watermelon. I can name several individuals I know who simply do not and will not eat watermelon. I like a seeded red and coarsely flesh watermelon. No seedless or yellow meat watermelon for me. Watermelon can be cut into triangles, into batons, cubes or in half or quarters like our son Reggie likes to devour. No matter how you slice it, it’s fun.
Sometimes it’s intimidating cutting a whole watermelon. I like cutting a whole melon into eight triangle pieces so each has a good portion of the solid center. I enjoy watermelon occasionally. Reggie classifies watermelon as the epitome of summer. I’ll devour my portion while he’s here in July.
Remember to always gently wash the rind (a little soap and water wash is fine) to remove any bacteria that could get into the interior while cutting. I like to use a serrated knife or a chef knife to cut watermelon.
While you are grilling, you want to stay safe and enjoy the whole process. I don’t particularly like and won’t eat what is called burnt food. I will eat some charred vegetables from the grill. The question is, is charred (burnt) food safe to eat? Some experts say yes. There is still research unknown around this topic. I also suggest it’s best to eat grilled charred food in moderation. Some individuals simply cannot eat charred food from the grill or it’s a trip to the ER. I’m hung up with appearance. The presentation and garnishes would make an appeal. Enjoy. It’s OK if you like burnt (charred grilled) food.
Starting with a clean grill means cleaning after each use, before putting it away.
The grill is easier to clean when it’s hot. Lean food sticks when placed directly on the rack. So oil the hot grill with cooking oil using a dampened or soaked paper towel. More tips: Don’t use cooking spray on a hot grill; it’s a hazard. Remember to always check internal temperatures with an instant read thermometer.
Never use the same marinade you soaked the meat in to baste during cooking. Make extra marinade. I know you’ve learned more about grilling from experience than I may know. That’s why they call you grill-er expert! My point is safety during the process and enjoying each experience.
It was the week before when Eva Covington’s crew from Texas came for an overnight gathering. The wedding ceremony of Mrs. Covington’s granddaughter (Greg’s daughter) in Birmingham was the same weekend.
Keep enjoying the summertime. Be blessed.
