Happy Birthday, America!

Happy Fourth of July, America!

It is so easy to get caught up in the plans for the Fourth, that to truly realize what the day means gets lost!  I like to remember all the men and women who fought to make and keep our country free thru the years.  I also like to remember all the troops and individuals who are standing firm to keep our country safe on this very day and every other day as well.  This holiday is so much more than potato salad and fireworks, and yet those are the very things that can bring us cause to reflect on the possibilities of the day and connect us to our family members.  Even though this post is past the holiday on July 6th, I wanted to share some photos of our fun day and a favorite family recipe that has been passed down the years.  For a long time my parents enjoyed boating on Kentucky Lake,  LeaAnn and Charlie Dowd were some of their best friends and they had a boat there as well.  This recipe was given to my Mother by LeaAnn.  It became a contest between the two, who could make the best version on holidays such as the Fourth of July.  In honor of these two wonderful women and the little competition it sparked, here is the famous recipe.  Please enjoy.  And remember, you don't have to wait until the Fourth to enjoy it!

German Potato Salad

6 Potatoes, Cooked and Diced
3 Hard Boiled Eggs
1 Onion, Chopped
1 Green Pepper, Chopped
1 Jar Pimentos
9 Slices Bacon, Cut into Small Pieces

Fry Bacon until Crisp.  Remove from Pan.  Reserve Drippings and Make Sauce:

Bacon Sauce

1 Tablespoon Flour

1/2 Cup Vinegar

1/2 Cup Sugar

1/2 Cup Water

Brown Flour in Bacon Grease.  Add all Ingredients, Plus Salt and Pepper to Taste.  Add this to Potato Mixture!  This Recipe can be Easily Doubled for a Larger Crowd!  Enjoy!

Also in keeping with family traditions, we spent the day on the boat at Willow Grove Marina on Dale Hollow Lake in Tennessee.  

Happy 239th Birthday!!

or  1,673 in Dog Years!