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Memorial Day 2013
 Memorial Day means more than just a 3-day weekend or marking the start of summer!
Originally known as Decoration Day, it was established in 1868 to commemorate the dead from the Civil War. Over the years it came to
serve as a day to remember all U.S. men and women killed or missing in action in ALL wars.
Without their sacrifices, we would not be free to ask questions, to challenge our political leaders, and to take an
active role in our system of government.
To all our military men and women (past and present), we owe a
debt of gratitude! Please also remember and honor our present veterans and soldiers overseas.
Remember to share with your children and grandchildren the real purpose of Memorial Day. While it is traditional and fun to go on picnics
and camping, our children should still be taught the true meaning of this holiday and why we recognize Memorial Day.
Take the time to do something with your family and friends. What could be better
than sharing a wonderful meal together?
Learn how to make S'mores:
Campfire S'mores
Oven S'mores
Microwave S'mores
This American classic is everyone's favorite childhood treat! S'mores are thought to have gotten their name from frequent
requests for "some more" whenever they were made.
There is no "right" way to make a S'more. Anyway you like it, is the right way. This recipe is one that has been passed
down through years of family and scout camps. |
Great American Eats!
Learn the story of
what Americans eat and why. Many people thank that American food has
become homogenized and nationalized, but the following articles,
history, and recipes show that regional cuisine is very much alive.
It has expanded to include new and exciting foods and dishes that we
now call our own.
Check out favorite American Regional Foods
and the
History
of Favorite Foods.
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Louisiana Crawfish Boil
What looks, tastes, and smells
like seafood, but doesn't come from the sea? It's crawfish, a
freshwater shellfish that is considered a Louisiana delicacy.
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Beer Butt Chicken - Beer Can Chicken
This chicken is the juiciest cooked chicken you'll
ever try! The beer inside the can steams the chicken making it so tender and
juicy. |
Cajun Fried Turkey
This is the best way of cooking a
turkey I've ever tasted.
The turkey is anything
but greasy as the deep-frying process seals the outside and the
turkey remains incredibly juicy, while the skin gets wonderfully
crispy.
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Great cooks use a cooking thermometer as their guide - NOT a clock.
 Learn how to read and use an
Internal Meat and Cooking Thermometer.
Cooking thermometers take the
guesswork out of cooking, as they measures the internal temperature of
your cooked meat, poultry, seafood, baked goods, and/or casseroles, to assure that a safe
temperature has been reached, harmful bacteria have been destroyed, and your food is cook perfectly.
Always follow internal cooking temperatures to be safe!
A cooking or meat thermometer should not be a "sometime thing."
A cooking thermometer can be used for all foods, not just meat. It measures the internal temperature of
your cooked meat, poultry, seafood, breads, baked goods, and/or casseroles to assure that a safe temperature has been reached and that harmful bacteria (like certain
strains of Salmonella and E. Coli O 157:H7) have been destroyed.
Did You Know?
Quick Breads -
200 degrees F.
93 degrees C.
Yeast Breads -
200 to 210 degrees F.
93 to 99 degrees C.
Cakes - Cupcakes -
205 to 209 degrees F.
93 to 98 degrees C.
Cheesecakes - 150 degrees F.
65 degrees C.
Fruit Pies
(Blueberry, Blackberry, etc.) -175 degrees F.
79 degrees C.
Crème Brulee - 175 degrees F.
79 degrees C.
Potatoes (baked) -
210 to 212 degrees F.
98 to 100 degrees C.
Learn more about internal cooking temperatures and check out my
Internal Temperature Cooking Charts
If you don't regularly use a thermometer, you should get into the habit of using one.
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Today
there is no cure for autism and, at least, a million children and adults have autism. While autism research has made great strides in
the past decade, the causes of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) remain unknown. There is no known single cause of autism, but increased awareness and funding
can help families today.
Lea
Schneider is a member of the National Association of Professional Organizers and the Association of Food Journalists. Check out all of
Lea Schneider's helpful 
Ellen Easton is an afternoon tea authority, author, lecturer, and consultant. Ellen shares her expert knowledge on tea and
tea parties. Check out all of Ellen Easton's 