4th of July and A soldier's recipe.

I am writing this at BWI Airport, having just shared breakfast with a young man returning home after a year in Afghanistan.  I am delighted to share with you that Dean Alexander from Columbia, South Carolina is on his way home to his wife and children.  As we chatted in line at Wendy's about what this returning soldier missed most, we talked about the simple pleasure of  "Hamburgers, Ice, and  yes Green Grass" .

Of course most of all "Family".  I was touched by this soldier's expressed regret that he had not told his family every day how much he loved them before being deployed. Dean told me that he knew he had changed this past year and certainly his family had continued on in life.  However he hoped that one positive transformation on his part was a deeper appreciation for both his country and his family.   

On this 4th of July weekend, as we celebrate Independence, I want to share with you Dean's secret recipe for Drunken Chicken.  Yes, this soldier like many Americans will become master of his barbecue..

So, Thank you Dean Alexander, for sharing breakfast, your secret recipe and perhaps even more your warm and open heart on returning home.

-Completely Coat a Full bird with 1/3 Salt, 1/3 Ground Black Pepper and 1/3 Garlic Powder.

-Take half a can of warm beer and put two sprigs of Rosemary in .....

-Pour that mixture into the bird's back side and sit him on the barbecue throne....but there's an important notation.  Plug the other part of drunken fellow with a potato, so it's sealed.

-Roast for 2 hours on the Grill!!!!

HAPPY 4TH OF July!