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Welcome to Independence Day at the McCormack's...

Mmmm, mmm...steaks, ribs, burgers, franks, whatever -- cooking on an outdoor grill, could there be any more traditional way to celebrate the 4th of July? But, before diving into the food, a little history...

Independence Day marks the official beginning of the struggle for the United States of America to be "Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown" and to be recognized as free and independent states. On July 4th, 1776, men willing to "pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor" signed...
The Declaration of Independence
Take a few minutes to read the document and refresh the memory. Many of the signers paid with their lives and fortunes...and in so doing, over 200 years later we can live as free individuals in a mutually beneficial union of free states. The signers are long gone, it's now up to us -- The People -- to be vigilant and preserve the freedoms they fought so hard for, and sacrificed so much for, on our behalf.

OK, on to the food...

When I think of Independence Day celebrations, besides the waving flags and patriotic speeches I think of hamburgers, hot dogs, baked beans, potato salad and homemade ice cream. While store-bought ground beef and pre-packaged frankfurters are easier to deal with, I like to take the extra time to grind the beef myself for the burgers; and, grind the pork, mix in my own choice of salt 'n spices, and stuff the meat 'n spice mixture into casings to make my own hot dogs.

Hot Dogs

For the baked beans, I like to start 'em slow-baking (about 225 degrees fahrenheit) in the early morning with chopped onions, mustard, molasses and brown sugar. For the cooking liquid, I use smokey chicken broth made from the carcass of a previously smoked chicken along with a bottle or two of beer...and, I can't think of a better beer to use on Independence Day than Samuel Adams Boston Ale.

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