Unusual

My grandson and great nephew have a most unusual relationship.  They are about a year apart in age and have some of the same interests.  They have never lived close to each other or seen each other on a regular basis, yet during the twice a year visits they mesh totally. There is not doubt they are friends and it is uncanny how they fall into their "play" with such ease.  Is this what is meant by the phrase "blood is thicker than water"? 

Wouldn't it be nice if all relationships were as comforting and easy?

The past week of celebrating Independence Day was filled with eating, visiting, and remembering.  Filled with love and laughter we all had a great time.  Hubby even got the grill and the smoker filled up and we enjoyed a bit of everything.  I liked the smoked salmon and talapia best, but the ribs, wings, roast, burgers, chops, and hot dogs were not to be ignored.  Of course, I had to sample it all and the flavors were greatly enhance by brother-in-law's barbecue sauce.   

I have to put in a plug here for the best marinate and basting sauce I have found.  "Moore's" has both a buffalo wing sauce that is out of this world and also a steak sauce that enhances the flavor of fish, steak, and chicken without overpowering the meat's flavor.  I don't precook (boil or fry) anything.  Anytime you boil meat, you cook out the natural flavors stored in the bone and fat.  If the meat is cooked slowly and thoroughly and kept moist (we use a spray bottled filled with olive oil, water, and vinegar) it is tender, flavorful and juicy.  Then the meat is placed in a roasting pan and covered in the barbecue sauce of your choosing and return to the grill to simmer, allowing the sauce and the meat juices to mesh.  It makes me hungry all over again!

I think the next big cookout will be a low country boil and I have already started gathering ingredients.  This is Hubby's 50th birthday!  We will try to fix him up a good pot of soup!  Blast the oil spill - the cost of shrimp and crab legs are already climbing so he may be stuck with corn, potatoes, onions, and sausage.  He won't mind though, it is the good company and spending time with family and friends that are important!

I hope your holiday was filled with joy.  Thanks for visiting and until next time . . .

Happy reading!
Belle