JUNE 29, 2009 - HOSEA, CAN YOU SEE?

JUNE 29, 2009 - HOSEA, CAN YOU SEE?

Buon giorno and Good Day!

Greetings and blessings to all the fans of Rosalie Serving Italian. Thanks to all of you who continue to follow my newsletters and hopefully look forward to a new recipe now and then. As we all know, in the next few days, we will be celebrating the Declaration of Independence, signed over two hundred years ago in 1776. One of the many ceremonies celebrated in the next few days will no doubt include the singing of our national anthem, the Star-Spangled Banner.

I am reminded of the little girl who was holding her father's hand during one such ceremony. As her father put his hand over his heart and began to sing along with many others, so did the little girl. At the end when everyone began to cheer, the little girl tugged at her daddy, and said, "Daddy, while everyone is so happy, can we take up a collection and get Hosea some glasses:"

While the story does put a smile on our face, I can't help but wonder how many of us actually "hear" all the words sung in the national anthem. Doing a little history on the Star-Spangled Banner might help us to appreciate the song even more. Written by Francis Scott Key in 1814, the anthem started out as a poem, and was inspired after Key witnessed the Battle of Baltimore in the war of 1812. When he saw the flag of the United States of America still standing and waving after the night-long battle, he was so moved that he had to write about it. It was later put to music and is sung before most sporting, musical and political events.

Not only do I love singing about the freedom of our great America, I love to celebrate the 4^th of July. As John Adams wrote to his wife Abigail after signing the declaration, "this day, July 4^th, ought to be commemorated as a day of deliverance and should be celebrated by solemn acts of devotion to God. We should have pomp, parades, shows, games, guns, bells, bonfires and illuminations from one end of this continent to the other from this time forward forever more." I say to John Adams, "absolutely."

This is one holiday we need to glory in. Bring on the fireworks, the parades and the bells and whistles! Let our children know how grateful we are to be living in the greatest nation on planet earth! America, the beautiful, the land of the free, is worthy of our praise. And don't forget the picnic! As I was saying last week, cook up your favorite dishes and everyone enjoy the good food.

Now, if my dad were still with us, he would be grilling his wonderful Modiga Strip Steaks, and some Homemade Saliccia. He would also make a big bowl of Peppermint Sauce to slather on the meat. Mom would make big pan of Baked Lasagna, and everyone would be clamoring for one of her Homemade Italian Dinner Rolls. Now, I only speak of one table at the picnic. With the many aunts, uncles and cousins participating, it will take us hours to sample the Spiedinis, Italian Fried Cabbage, and surely someone will bring the Italian Cream Cake.

So, my friend, celebrate in style. After all of the festivities, have a great big picnic and cook up a few, or all of the above mentioned dishes. You can find all of them in my cookbook, Rosalie Serving Italian. Invite your friends, family and neighbors and enjoy a wonderful feast while celebrating America, and…don't forget to take up a collection for Hosea.

Love you all, have a great holiday!

Rosalie