Wishing everyone a beautiful Fourth of July and a celebration of continued Freedom as our country reaches it's 250th Birthday. I stand with my fore-fathers as a child of this country with my Great Grandfather, President Andrew Johnson several times removed and a signer with President Abraham Lincoln of the Emancipation Proclamation for the abolishing of slavery in these United States. I also stand with my Great Grandmother, several times removed, Native American Pocahontas (meaning playful-one), married to John Rolfe from my Mother's side of the family, for peace and Constitutional rights for us all.
Happy Birthday America !- Stephanie Harryman Tonini
A Taste of America !
Apple Pie, Hamburgers and Smokey BBQ
There's nothing quite like the taste of Apple Pie to represent the heart of America, a true celebration of independence and freedom. This iconic dessert, often described as "American as Apple Pie," is a perfect blend of tradition and flavor. American desserts showcase a delightful mix of indulgence and creativity, with sweet that evokes warmth and comfort. Experience the joy of these classic treats and savor the essence of American culture! Apple Pie is more than just a dessert; it's a delicious symbol of American pride, embodying values of celebration and freedom. Dive into the world of American desserts and taste spirit of the nation!
When we think of food that say's America it usually spans from classic regional comfort foods to indigenous ingredients. The foods that say America comes from the creativity of us all and all that it's food history has to offer. Barbecue , a culinary language of patience and grill master pride can vary by region, from Texas Brisket and ribs to the Carolina's pulled pork and Kansas City ribs. Oh and do not forget the sauce. There are many the Blue ribbon winner from any Texas fairground or Rodeo cookoff that may have something to say about diversity. Such as it's ingredients and why it's in there and the background of the ingredients.
Hamburger's on the Grill
The American Hamburger reflects the multicultural roots of our country. Some historians share that the Hamburger originated in Hamburgh, Germany while others argue that German-American immigrants were the first to serve fried ground beef between bread. Perhaps our German-American immigrants brought this, to this day 2026, delicious juicy idea with them.
Delmonico's in New York was one f the first restaurants to premier a hamburger in 1836 called the "hamburger steak", the most expensive item on the menu at the time. Other Americans, such as Chef Louis Lassen, a Danish immigrant, served grilled ground beef between two slices of bread in 1900, an idea his family claims was original.
The history of the hamburger chain has quite the history surrounding the hamburger as well: from 1921 a five stool burger restaurant in Wichita, Kansas to White Castle growing into a 100 restaurant franchise and began in 1964 as a single small restaurant. In the 1950's Mc Donald's was formed by Ray Crock in San Bernardino, California which inspired the beginning of Burger King in Florida a few years later.
The Hamburger certainly contains the melting pot of cultures that make up our country What started out as an expensive menu item in a posh New York restaurant made it's way to a simpler time and became an inexpensive mass produced meal, inteded to feed the working class at any time.
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To achieve the perfect hamburger, start with selecting quality ground beef chuck that’s around 80/20 for the best flavor.
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Then, form your patties into 1/3 lb. to 1/2 lb. portions carefully without overworking meat, and season them well with salt and pepper.
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Grill the burgers on medium-high heat (375F degrees to 400F degrees) flipping them for a nice crust.
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Lastly, check for doneness with a thermometer (160F degrees) allowing the burgers to rest for around 5 minutes before serving to lock in the juices.
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If you are going to add cheese, add it onto patty1 minute before burger is done and close grill lid to melt.
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and don't forget all those other ingredient possibilities, such as tomatoes, onions, pickles, bacon. mushrooms (sauteed),and lettuce with mustard, mayo or BBQ sauce! And don't forget the French Fry'.s
Smoked BBQ
