Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Homefries...and God Bless America!

What a long weekend we've had. To me, 4th of July has always been such a special significance of our country's freedom, unlike other some other countries in the world. We have the freedom of speech, the freedom of religion, the freedom of economic... I won't delve into that one, with our economy spiraling even more, downward.

Our forefathers paved the way for us, when they embarked on a New World, to flee from England, to be free from religious persecutions. They took the long voyage on the Mayflower ship, and landed on Plymouth Rock, in 1620...and settled there. Not too many survived the harsh winters, the diseases, and according to history, the constant attack by Indians?! is still a debate, history is not always correct.
Ironically, a year before that, African slaves were brought to Jamestown, which was the first English Colony of the New World. Not only were the Africans enslaved, but the Indians, by the thousands, as well!

Not until 1776, did we as Americans, gain our Independence from the English colonies! The rest is history, and we are finding out more and more...probably a lot more that was "hidden" from us. But at any rate, we all came here as immigrants...our forefathers, our fathers, and many more over the last 235 years.
Although a lot of people claim their ancestors came here on the Mayflower...they have yet to prove otherwise, because not too many of the very first generation have survived.

Fast forward. Are we like a "dysfunctional family" in this "free" land of ours?...I would have to say yes!
We may be a large number of dysfunctional people, not just in our very own homes, but in this land of ours that we should all appreciate, and work together to make it a better place...after all, we owe it to each other. We are all at fault for what has become in our nation, and not to point fingers at "individuals" who caused chaos in the government, our health care system, stop blaming our president...when he is the last person on the "totem pole" to be making decisions on what needs to be done...and yes, do blame your false politicians, and the Congress, and do have your voice heard! Get out there, and vote when you must! Every vote counts!
Our soldiers have fought too long and hard for our "freedom"...it's time to bring them home, and thank them for protecting us, and our freedom. We have to be there for each other, when things go from bad to worse, but mostly, every day in life. Never forget where you came from, never forget who you are, never forget that no matter how tough times may be, but knowing that things WILL get better.
This is the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA...and we should stand up for this country, love, and honor it, and  love one another...so God Bless America!
Amen to that!

I had ample time to be thinking about this 4th of July, I only spent part of the day and part of the evening alone, my son and family came back early afternoon from South Beach, and Joe stopped by the house to check to see if I'm all right. (what a wonderful son)...he said they were ordering Chinese, so if I want to come over, please do. After the delicious Chinese early dinner, again, I just hung out with the doggies at my daughter's house, and by 8:45 PM I decided to walk to the Intracoastal just about a block away to see if I can catch some fireworks coming from downtown further north. No sooner than the fireworks finished, it started to pour rain, by the "buckets." Got so soaked to the bone, my cell phone battery totally died....good thing it's insured...my camera would not take good pictures, but at least I got to see the fireworks...yeayy
Happy Birthday, America!
Lora called this morning and saide she saw my post in Italy...(about woe is me..LOL) spending alone time on 4th of July. Was not so bad...really! A lot of time to gather my thoughts.
Hope you all had a wonderful 4th!

Now for the promised Homefries recipe...step-by-step photo directions.

I used about 4 small red skinned potatoes per person...8 in total for 2 servings.
Cut unpeeled potatoes in quarters and place in a bowl of cold water.
You can use any type of potatoes, you can also peel them if you like.

Chop a medium onion, and set aside.


Pre-boil potatoes for about ten minutes...(al dente)


Start sauteing your onions first in vegetable oil, about 3 Tbsp for a few minutes before adding the potatoes. Saute on medium high, add potatoes when onion strarts to get transclucent. Add the drained potatoes, and add salt, pepper, (I added a little garlic, paprika, as well) you can add spice of your choice.






Let the potatoes and onion cook on medium high stirring frequently until they get nice and brown, but not burned. If potatoes are still not fork tender, and crispy, add about 1/4 cup of plain water, and watch how it cooks down, gets into the potatoes, and makes it nice and rosy. Just don't add any more oil, otherwise it will get greasy, and soggy!






It is so incredibly delicious served with french toast, or egss, as a sided dish to meats, or by itself.











Very easy to make, in less than 30 minutes. I really enjoyed this, and so will you!










If you've never tried this exquisite barbecue sauce, you must try it...it's not cheap, $6.99 for this med. size jar, but oh, soooo good!
On Sunday, the day before the 4th, I made barbecued chicken quarters in the oven, and on 4th of July, I still enjoyed it. with a side of baked beans...(no Lizzy, it's not your slow cooked baked beans ...next time!
This was a large can of Van Camp's original baked beans...buy one-get one  FREE, a super great deal, and it was so good with deli cole slaw, and potato salad...a swim in the pool, getting drenched walking back from fireworks...dead cell phone, due to rain, but all worth it!

38 comments:

Priya said...

Omg, cant take my eyes from ur irresistible clicks,truly inviting and droolworthy...

laurie said...

well said and yum yum!

Mari said...

Beautiful post! God Bless America, our country, and worth for us to keep praying for. Now that I reside outside the states, I have learned to value so many things that other countries do not have, but that in US we take for granted. Elisabeth, you had a delicious meal for the 4th. Thanks for your homefries recipe :)

Kati said...

Újkrumpli csirkehússal, hmm...nagyon finom.

Swathi said...

Delicious fries, love to dig in. other food also awesome. Hope you had a wonderful 4th of July.

mellissina2 said...

Hú ez ránézésre is jó,imádom a csirke és burgonya párosítás!!!!

Lyndsey said...

Gotta love those buy one get one deals! Jump on it! :D

Love the home fries too, always a favorite and oh so versatile with the seasoning you can add!

We were lucky and had our rain late afternoon to cool it off enough and cleared up for the fireworks. A couple of years ago we got caught in a downpour walking home from the perfectly dry fireworks! You can never be sure about the rain in Florida in the summer :D

Parsley Sage said...

Smells phenomenal! I can totally imagine how good that smells. Great recipe!

claudia lamascolo said...

This surely put a smile on my face love these home fries, and wonderful post. After that horrible verdict today, this is what I needed wished I lived closer~ thanks for the smiles.

aipi said...

These simple home fries are the BEST ~ you have the knack of presenting simple recipes in a grand way!
My hubs is a BIG baked/fried potato lover n he is standing over my shoulder right now bugging me on how long it has been since i made him some :)
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Junia said...

ooo your secret recipe is finally revealed!!! i'm gonna make these homefries for my friends! they are going to love it!

Pacheco Patty said...

I hope you enjoyed your weekend, it sure looks like you did! I love home fries- that's my idea of comfort food;-)

Betty Martha said...

mmm love me some homefries! I love to use my cast iron pan and some bacon fat too :)

Kelly said...

WOW what an all American, delicious summer spread! All that food looks incredible! Hope you had a fabulous 4th of July weekend! :)

The Harried Cook said...

Love the recipe for the potatoes! Yummy.. And that chicken looks fantastic too! Thanks for sharing! :)

Michael Toa said...

Great post Elisabeth. What delicious summer spread you had. The sticky barbecued chicken looks so, so good and with the homefries...Yum!

Jay said...

wonderful write up with gorgeous clicks..:)

Tasty Appetite

ping said...

Sounds like you had a wonderful time and not being too alone after all :D
I love getting soaked in the rain ... of course, when you're not wearing a $500 dress. It feels so free ... perfect celebration for it!

Lizzy said...

LOL; I had to crack up when I saw my name in your post. You're a gem...you know that, don't you????

Anyway, I have some new potatoes in the pantry that need to be used up before we head out on vacation...so your yummy home fries will be on our menu tonight. My boys thank you in advance!!!

And how sweet of Lora to check on you after reading your post. You have a fabulous family :) Have a great day, my friend!!! xoxo

Angie's Recipes said...

Eli, those red skin potatoes are like heaven on the plate, esp. served with those bbq chicken wings! Fingerlicking!
p.s Gee, thanks, Eli, for pointing out my typo. I should not have posted anything while still sleepy...;-)))

Angie's Recipes said...

Have I mentioned that I love those bbq chicken wings? I did? oh...gosh, they look so darn good!

Kathy said...

Elizabeth, Loved your post…very well said! And your home fries look so absolutely delicious! Yummy meal!

mangiabella said...

Oh Elisabeth these home fries have the perfect color and the texture is so evident from the photos. There is nothing like a good home frie....potatoes are one of my top favorite foods, ESPECIALLY for breakfast!!!! I couldn't help but smile thinking of the bone sucking sauce LOL...but you sold me! It's been so hot here, a dip in the pool is calling my name! and yes yes yes GOD BLESS AMERICA LAND THAT I LOVE!

Veronica's Kitchen said...

Your home fried looks so delicious and it's quick to prepare that can accomplish many dishes.

Christine's Pantry said...

Your home fries look good!

Monet said...

Oh yum...I wish I could have been at your house for the 4th of July! I love a good plate of homefries. Thank you for sharing your sweet self with me today. I'm smiling (and I'm hungry now!) I need to read your blog after I've had dinner :-) I hope you have a fabulous end to your week. Take care, my friend!

Now Serving said...

wow! that looks so yummy!

20 York Street said...

Now, that's what I call a feast to celebrate the 4th of July!

besos,
ML
Bonjour, come say hello!
Twenty York Street
http://www.twentyyork.com/2011/06/i-am-fashion-are-you.html

Twenty York Street

Peggy said...

Sounds like a lovely dinner to celebrate the 4th!

Mary said...

What a lovely post. I appreciated your commentary. I loved your recipe for home-fried potatoes. They really sound delicious.I hope you are having a great day. Blessings...Mary

Bianka said...

Csorog a nyálam micsoda gyönyörű csirkecombok

Lilla said...

Le tue patate hanno un aspetto irresistibile, mi ricordano un piatto preparato nella mia famiglia per le feste: patate sbollentate e poi ripassate nel tegame con strutto, aglio e salvia...ottime con gli arrosti...ricetta della famiglia di mio padre (Romagna e Toscana); invece mia madre è calabrese, hai indovinato :)

Skylar Wolfe said...

Not much better than a fried potato, looks great!

Jenny at Baking Devils said...

Your home fries look so delicious, my tummy is rumbling now! Also definitely going to whip up some of your fantastic blueberry pancakes. I love the tip about not adding them to the batter. Thanks

Nami @ Just One Cookbook said...

Oh my. Your homefrieds look delicious! I'm a big potato fan and I appreciate any new potato recipe! And look at the juicy chicken... I'm so hungry by looking at these two dishes..

Magic of Spice said...

Great post and wonderful homefries...a favorite indulgence anytime :)

shabs said...

Yummy , I am literally drooling over here , they look so good , now I am hungry looking at these pics .

Roxana GreenGirl said...

Hi Elisabeth,
I wish I was invited to your house on 4th of July, the potatoes look amazing!!!
I'm always baking potatoes since I have a fear of frying but your way I'm pretty sure I can do it, or at least I hope LOL
Thanks for sharing :)