Summer

How quickly the seasons change. Here we are with summer's lazy days upon us. Time to head for the shoreline or just read a book while laying on the grass. Here are some old-fashioned holiday cards to help bring in the season.

In this issue, we have some ideas for keeping you out of the kitchen and enjoying the weather. Check back later in the season to see if I've added anything new. I may add a few more things as the season moves ahead.

Decorating

Its time to swap those pastel colors in your spring bouquets and candles with bright summer colors of red, white, yellow and blue. If you are lucky enough to have a cutting garden, bring in flowers from your garden. This not only lifts your sprits, it is good for the flowering plants as well. One of my summertime favorites is daisies. They bring sunshine into a room. Cosmos daisies are also a great choice.

Line the bottom of your fireplace with foil. Turn up the edges to make a ridge on all four sides. Place extra wide candles of varying heights in your fireplace. On warm evenings, light these for the ambiance of a fire without the heat.

If you have heavy draperies, replace them with lace if you can. If not, pull them to the side and use lace as a liner. Open the windows and let the lace billow.

Change your dining linens and kitchen towels to crisp white with small red, blue or yellow flowers.

Entertaining

The best was to entertain for summer is the old-fashioned barbecue. A nice alternative to the hot dog and burger routine is to cook a whole turkey. If cooks for many hours while the party gets into full swing sending wonderful scents into the air. And it will feed a very hungry crowd.

Have large bowls of in-season fruits and veggies setting around the yard to munch on during the time the turkey cooks.

When you are ready to serve, the turkey goes well with all the traditional fixings such as baked beans (these can cook all day as well), salads, etc.

Also, have a big bowl of spicy barbecue sauce and some French rolls so your friends can make the greatest turkey sandwiches they've ever had.

Barbecued Turkey

1 10-15 Pound Turkey

2 Tbsp. Paprika (preferable Hungarian)

2 Tbsp. Chili Powder

1 Tsp. Black Pepper

2 Tbsp. Onion Powder

1 Tbsp. Garlic Powder

1 Tsp. Cayenne Pepper

3 Tbsp. Dark Brown Sugar

Preheat the coals. Make a rub out of the non-turkey ingredients. Vary the amounts to taste. For example, I prefer more cayenne. Remove the giblets from the turkey and save them for the next time you make stock. Rub the seasonings all over the outside and inside cavity of the turkey. (You may do this for up to 8 hours ahead). Place the turkey on your rotisserie spit according to the manufacturers direction. Cook over the coals for approximately 30 minutes per pound or until well done. You may need to add coals several times during the cooking process. The turkey will self baste as it turns and the sugar helps the spices to remain on the skin.

 

Gift Idea

If you are going to attend a party this summer, a great gift idea is to take a large flower pot. and fill it with items for the gardener. Place some hand lotion, a knee pad, flower seeds, a small trowel, gardening gloves, and bubble bath for relaxing after a day of gardening. Tie it all up in cellophane with a big bow. This is a gift any gardening friend will appreciate.

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