A South Carolina Fourth

Independence Day! What a great holiday. It means different things to different people with varying ideas of freedom, but here in South Carolina, it remains true to the idea of celebrating freedom fought for by brave men and women that allows us to enjoy what has become the American way of life.

Every year, a couple from my church throws a 4th of July Celebration at their house. It kicks off with Frogmore Stew. The recipe can vary, but there is little argument to its origin. Frogmore stew was created in South Carolina and is a great example of low country cuisine. Sometimes it turns out more like Brunswick stew, which some key Southern states argue over who made it first, with the main players being North and South Carolina. I have had some from both states, and I have to give the edge to the Palmetto State. Any way, Frogmore stew usually has corn on the cob, shrimp, and sausage in it with very little liquid depending on your interpretation of the recipe. You can always throw in pulled pork, beef, and chicken; add Tabasco and you are ready to eat. The stew at this party is more like the Brunswick and it is amazing.

That is followed by grilled hotdogs and sausages with corn, baked beans, cole slaw, potato salad and much more. An island in the kitchen is reserved for some of the best homemade sweets to follow the great meal. The house is close to the mountains so the view offers a variety of fireworks to be seen all around. This year was the best yet all around. For my wife and I, having our first child to celebrate with added special meaning to the holiday, even though she is understandably scared of fireworks.

On Sunday, July 6th, my church hosted Mark Harris in concert. We had a BBQ supper before hand and a fireworks display afterwards. The man who does the fireworks outdid himself this year. With the entire holiday weekend, one of the elements that made it uniquely South Carolinian was the rain. We are in a severe drought, but like clock work when the 4th rolls around each year, we get some decent showers, with the key word being showers.

After the event, the church staff went out for a late bite with Mark Harris and his assistant, Luke. They are great guys. They didn't act like they were in any hurry and shared great stories and insight with us. The outing wrapped up a wonderful July 4th weekend that would be hard to top anywhere else. I hope yours' was just as wonderful!