The American Flag, America, Freedoms And The Fourth Of July 2020

    Why do I fly the American flag?  And what does it mean to me on this Fourth of July of 2020?

Well, it means a lot to me.  First of all, I am an American Patriot and my late father, Army Major and Bronze Star Medalist Brooks Smith of Memphis, Tennessee, was a World War II, Korean War and 27 year veteran of the Memphis National Guard.  I flag the American flag in front yard of my home and backyard to honor him and all other military war veterans who served fought and died for America.  I honor and respect them.  I also honor and respect all military personnel, police offers and all emergency service personnel such as firemen and EMS in our towns and cities across America.

     America is the greatest country in the world thanks to these people and its hardworking, productive, taxpaying citizens.  It's these people who make it possible to do what we do in America.  We are able to go to work and come home and have peace and freedom in our homes without the fear of someone attacking us or trying to take what we have.  So I highly suggest this coming November election, I certainly hope that you will re-elect President Trump in order to continue to protect these freedoms thanks to all of military veterans who have worked and fought in order to protect our freedoms in America and continue to do so on a daily basis.  And also, I thank America's forefathers for what they did in creating this country along with our Constitution which also protects these freedoms that we have today.  So on this Fourth of July of 2020, please thank about all the freedoms you have as American citizen while you grill your hamburgers, BBQ ribs, hot dogs, shooting fireworks with friends and family while drinking your ice cold beer.  And mainly, fly your American flag and thank a veteran, a police officer, a fireman or a EMS worker when you get a chance.  Thank you and God Bless America! And Happy Fourth of July!

The Top Five Meats That I Like To Cook On The Grill Or Inside A BBQ Water Smoker

      Summertime is finally here!

      It's really hot outside in Bowling Green right now.  I love the smell of fresh cut, green grass, the flowers blooming and there's lots of birds, squirrels and wild life in the City of Bowling Green.  Believe it or not we even have rabbits, raccoons, foxes, opossums, garter snakes and turkey buzzards roaming around in our neighbor at different times of the day and night!

     With that being said, here are the top five types of meat that I like to cook outdoors on my backyard deck or patio during this time of year especially with the Fourth of July just around the corner.  Grilling and smoking meat is fun and relaxing.  Usually, it means a good time with family members and friends.  Grilled or smoked meat is also healthier with less fat or grease. (However, if you Google this subject you'll will find out what the critics say about the flip side of grilled and smoked meats. But I am not going there today on this blog) Whether you have a gas grill or a grill that uses charcoal, it's all good and fun!

1.) Hamburgers:  There's nothing better than good ole fashion grilled hamburgers.  They go perfect with buns, mustard, ketchup, onion, pickles, cheese or just a plain hamburger with some steak sauce on top of it.

2.) Boneless pork chops:  Grilled boneless pork chops go good with corn on the cob, brussel sprouts, bake potatoes, mashed potatoes or whatever usual menu dinner item you can prefer at dinner time.  You can put a little of garlic powder and pepper them before you put them on the grill or baste them with BBQ sauce.

3.) Boston Butt:  I love to smoke at eight to ten pound Boston Pork Butt in my BBQ water smoker with charcoal and hickory chips on the patio.  Usually, it takes about 10-12 hours.  It goes great with Southern mustard style cole slaw, BBQ beans, mustard potato salad or a baked potato. 

4.) BBQ Baby Ribs:  Oh Lord, you can't go wrong with BBQ Baby Back Ribs!  There's there's three ways that I like to cook them.  The first way is for me to boil them in water and then put them on the gas grill and baste them off and on with BBQ sauce.  And the second way is that I grill them direct on the charcoal grill while basting them with BBQ and the third way is smoke them on the water smoker for five or six hours after I apply BBQ seasoning rub.

5.) Grilled Lemon Chicken Breasts:  This is really a healthy favorite of mine.  I love the taste of grilled lemon pepper seasoning sprinkled on them and baste them with a lemon pepper liquid sauce on the grilled chicken.  Grilled chicken goes good with a healthy choice of grilled vegetables such as zucchini, broccoli, asparagus and summer squash.  (You can make your on lemon pepper liquid basting sauce with olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, pepper and a little of bit of garlic salt or garlic powder.

          Happy Fourth of July and Happy Grilling!