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America celebrates 235 years… and still growingBy: By Bill Charles Date Posted: 2011-06-30  Monday marks America’s birthday, and from Alaska to Okinawa to the U.S. Embassy in Zimbabwe, celebrations of all sorts are about to take place. In Okinawa, the American Consulate is hosting an invitation-only old fashioned upscale event, The Seamen’s Club at Naha Port is staging a “Burgermania Meets Americana” classic American foods weekend the 2nd ~ 4th, the Air Force has AmericaFest July 1st and 2nd, and Army, Navy and Marine Corps bases will be having a bunch of activities across the holiday weekend. Military personnel should check with base Morale, Welfare and Recreation offices for specifics. Where did America begin? July 4, 1776 is the official U.S. birthday, although a flurry of events leading to independence began more than a year earlier, and ultimately spanned the Spring and Summer 1776. A series of 13 colonies populated what is now the United States, all under the rule of England’s King George III. Irritation over being taxed without a voice riled the colonialists, and in 1774 they began seeking change. The colonies created a First Continental Congress, but delegates couldn’t agree on what to do about the relationship with England. A year later British troops became forceful and increased their presence in the colonies. The Continental Congress tried again, and again, and finally had enough. A committee in June 1776 composed the document which ultimately became the Declaration of Independence. Nine of the 13 colonies favored independence, two—Pennsylvania and South Carolina—were opposed. Delaware couldn’t decide which way to go, while New York opted to abstain. The Declaration of Independence was signed July 4th, published in a Philadelphia newspaper, the Pennsylvania Evening Post, two days later, and read in public in Philadelphia’s Independence Square July 8th. The document wasn’t fully legal until early August, when all congressmen had signed. Still, the decision was made to make July 4th THE day. July 4, 1777 marked the first birthday celebration, and from there the traditions grew. Fireworks were added to the parades and picnics in the early 1800’s. By 1870, Independence Day was the biggest secular holiday in the young country. From the Atlantic coast to the newly founded forts and outposts in the rugged west, the holiday was loudly celebrated. The official signing was complete until early August, but July 4th was adopted as the day freedom came to America. The first Independence Day celebration was July 4th, 1777, and they’ve never stopped. Parades, family outings and picnics, and fireworks became part of the traditions. Barbeques and mom’s apple pie have become traditional favorites, and Japan Update offers a couple recipes for making this weekend’s festivities a complete success. Mom’s Apple Pie (makes two) First, homemade crust is essential. 4 cups all purpose flour 2 teaspoons salt 1 1/3 cup Crisco or other shortening 15 tablespoons cold water Mix shortening, salt, and flour until crumbly. Add the water and mix well. If too dry, add more water in very small increments Apple Filling 15-16 Macintosh or Granny Smith apples, pared, cored and thinly sliced 4 tablespoons all purpose flower 1 ½-2 teaspoons ground cinnamon 2 cups sugar, 4 tablespoons butter Combine sugar, flour and cinnamon in bowl, add apple slices and mix together. Take half the pastry and use rolling pin to roll flat. Line two 9” pie pans with the pastry, fill with the apple mixture, and apply dollops of butter across the top. Then take second half of pastry dough, roll flat and place across the top. Pinch the edges, and take a knife to cut steam slits in top. Bake for 45-50 minutes in 400-degree oven, or until crust is brown. Enjoy. The heart of the barbeque is in the sauces and glaze. Here are the Japan Update favorites: Beer Marinade 1 Quart beer 2 cups brown sugar 1 cup vinegar (cider style is best) 1 teaspoon chili powder 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon dry mustard 2 teaspoons hot red pepper flakes Mix ingredients in a large pan, heat, then bring to a boil, then allow to cool. Pour marinate over ribs, allowing to marinate for 18-24 hours in refrigerator. Place ribs on grill or oven rack and cook 6-8 hours, until tender. Baste with marinade every half hour. Barbeque Glaze 3 cloves chopped garlic ¼ cup olive oil 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper ¼ teaspoon dry oregano 1 teaspoon basil leaves (fresh chopped, if possible) 1 ½ cups finely diced tomatoes ½ cup mild red wine 1/8 cup lime juice (or juice from two fresh limes) ¼ cup honey ¼ cup parsley (fresh chopped, if possible) Saute the garlic in olive oil, then add all other ingredients except lime juice, wine and parsley. Allow to simmer 10-15 minutes. Add the red wine and lime juice and cook slowly another 10 minutes. Add the chopped parsley. This glaze is excellent for all meats and poultry. The United States of America, 235 years old on Monday. Happy Independence Day weekend. |
   
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