While walking the dog the other day I ran into a neighbor and we cooked up the idea of a neighborhood get-together. Fewer than 20% of our neighborhood is occupied year-round, and we all see each other bundled up for snow or in rain boots for “mud season” (people in other areas of the country call it “Spring”), so why not come out and have a potluck and watch fireworks a mile down the road? Plus we all help each other out when the tourists aren’t here. Take out my dog? Put the casserole in the oven? No problem.
A month ago tomorrow was our last snowstorm. The tulips started coming up but I was told it was not really safe to even plant herbs or flowers until Father’s Day. It started small, with only two couples and may hit 22 by tomorrow morning. I’m only hoping we have enough food. We thought we did and the numbers started piling up and we started asking for wine or beer (even though it’s byob). We have some really good cooks here so I’m looking for stellar salads and desserts. I’ll be making burgers from scratch with some of my signature touches including microplaned garlic and shallots.
I just put up a gallon of iced tea and another of lemonade. I’ve a bag packed with all the napkins, cups and plates I have, and will also bring knives, utensils and non-breakable platters. Let’s hope everyone has a good time and stays long enough for the fireworks. Cheers and Happy 4th! Dee
Cooking with Dee 