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The 4th of July picnic menu here on Main Street is always a great topic of discussion in my family, one that entertains us not just in the days leading up to the 4th, but throughout the year.
We kick around whether we need a tent, how many hot dogs to buy, which soda is preferred (Diet Coke is second only to bottles of water), what kind of cookies to make (bar cookies are much smarter than drop cookies for a crowd, I always say). Should we make the baked beans again? One year my dad sent out actual paper invitations, and itโs been fodder for our 4th-talk ever since.
Funny thing about this extended, savored discussion is that in the end, the menu rarely changes; except for once or twice here and there, the parade party has been the same for the last 40-odd years. When weโve gone all out for a catered picnic, itโs sure been easier, but it’s just not the same as our homey spread.
And this day, the 4th of July in Harbor Springs, is all about that homey tradition. Those of us coming here from somewhere else, we crave the nostalgic Harbor 4th. Those of us who live here, we also crave that big-day-in-a-small-town moment, even though this place is ours all year long.
What Iโd give to swoop around town and hover over the multitude of picnics that will happen on the 4th, and see whatโs what on peopleโs tables. We know itโs a hot dog day, but other interesting things pop up. Our table is always graced with Carolyn Grinโs super-delicious picnic salad, one she says is her go-to for alfresco eating because thereโs no mayo to worry over in the hot sun. I love it not just because it tastes so good, and not just because it is such an ultra-healthy salad on a day when not much else I put in my mouth could be called that (I justify it all, as many of us do, by running the Paul Revere first thing. Not the 10-mile like my brother Tom, but 3 miles do the trick).
I love the salad because I can count on its presence, right there with Carolynโs family who come rain or shine (honestly, I can’t remember much rain, ever). When I asked Carolyn to share her salad recipe, she said yes with delight, but she hoped that didnโt mean weโd be making it ourselves this year for the 4th. She wants to make the salad and bring it over as she always does. She wants to keep her tradition.
For years we enjoyed the presence of Carolynโs parents on our front porch on the 4th. They, and too many others (Dad, Ruth, Larry Rau, George Menzi, John Collins, Darrell and Eris Smith, and of course the countless courageous who have served our country) who we wish were still on the porch are not. Itโs for them, and for all that is finite, that we tear up each time we hear the familiar drumbeat that signals the start of the parade here on Main Street.
Life changes, the generations pass into history. The only thing we can do about that is respond with a big measure of grace. And hold on to the traditions that we know we can count on every year, like 4th of July in Harbor Springs.
Barley Salad
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb. pearled barley, (1 1/4 cup uncooked)
- 1 red, orange, or yellow bell pepper
- 1 cup finely chopped Vidalia onion
- 2 cups cooked chickpeas, (1 can, rinsed)
- 2 cups cooked black beans, (1 can, rinsed)
- 2 cloves garlic, grated or minced
- 1/2 cup oil packed sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 cup pesto
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
Instructions
- Cook the barley in a small saucepan. Cover with water, bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce and simmer for 25 minutes. Rinse in a colander.
- Coarsely chop the bell pepper into 1-inch pieces. Line a sheet pan with foil and scatter the peppers, skin side up, on the prepared pan. Place under the broiler until the peppers are roasted, charred in places, about 5 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine all of the ingredients and stir well to combine. Refrigerate for at least one hour and up to one day to allow flavors to meld.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Remember fondly being on the Abood front porch as the parade went by!
Wishing you a Happy 4th and a sublime summer.
We will be traveling to Michigan in a few weeks to spend some long awaited time ‘up North’. I simply cannot wait!
All the best, Stacy
Lovely. This sentiment gives me hope for our conflicted nation, and my previously antagonistic American heart!
Happy 4th to you Maureen and family.
Flag is a nice touch.
Last night I picked up a flag with pole and mounting bracket and put it up.
About an hour later a storm caught the flag and it ended up on the ground, along with half the pole sections.
I dried it overnight, ready to put it back up now.
No fireworks, just a flag and a bunch of people coming over (arriving from Oregon at 1:30am tomorrow)!
Have a good one,
best, Jerry
Who wouldn’t want to be planted on that porch for this wonderful holiday, the 4th of July? Thank you, Maureen, for conjuring up so vividly such a scene, complete with sights, sounds, aromas, touches, and amazing tastes. As I settle in I can hear the bugles in the distance.
The Menzis look forward to the annual wonderful picnic and catching up with you and all the Aboods!