4th of July Celebrations

Growing up we always looked forward to the 4th of July festivities in Irondequoit NY. We would get up early to pick up bagels at the local shop and park the car at my great aunt Meremers to walk to the parade site. We would arrive early so that we could plant our lawn chairs in the same spot every year. Both my grandmothers and great aunt and us would be there. We would watch a humbling parade pass by and collect the candy and prizes that were thown at us along the way. After the parade would pass we made our way to the town hall to pick up some hamburgers or hot dogs for lunch. Return home to nap and prepare for dinner and fireworks. Right before dinner we would take the city bus shuttle back up to the town hall for some dinner. Then we would find a good fireworks watching spot on the green and set up camp. We would take turns walking the crafts set up on the lawn until nightfall. Then it was time for fried dough and to settle in for the light displays. Ooooh, Aaaah! Then we made the mass exit to the shuttles back to our cars. Doesn't sound that exciting but it was tradition for us and I miss it. Maybe not that specifically but the tradition. The 4th is this weekend and I am searching for what to do. I am extremely eager to establish a tradition for my little family.

Pollo Gesada

While in NY last week our good friends gave us a little cooking lesson so we don't have to live without good Puerto Rican food out here in TX. Here is the recipe I plan to try out this week. Hope you like it.

Pollo Gesada

Boneless chicken
Goya tomato sauce (1 can) or sauce of your choice
Sofrito (1 large spoon)
Garlic powder or minced garlic (1 tablespoon)
Adobo (add to flavor)
Sliced onions (one)
Sazon (two packets)
Potatoes (to your liking)
Carrots (to your liking)

Instructions: Cut boneless chicken. Put in pot and simmer. Add ingredients and stir. Keep fire on medium and add water. I normally add enough water to cover right above the meat. Don’t put too much water, let the stew cook for about 30 minutes. Check after 30 and taste. If you need to add any ingredients do so, and the broth should be thick, if still watery add a ½ teaspoon of sugar. If the meat is not soft, continue cooking for another 20 minutes or so. Just check periodically.

If you put in the crock pot, follow the instructions and cook on low for 8 hours. Again, don’t add too much water. Just cover the meat.