Ahhh, summer. Is there anything better? Blue skies with sunshine o'plenty, warm nights, the smell of charcoal wafting through the air and the foods that seem to come alive, especially when eaten outdoors.
My youth was spent in Chicago, but with the enormous good fortune of the "Wisconsin summer house." It was actually nicer than our regular house and definitely a year-round dwelling. From Memorial Day to Labor Day it was all about the "lake." My sister and I would wake up, throw our suits on and head to the water for the pristine glass that awaits the early risers. Skiing at 6 AM is to commune with the beauty of the universe.
Three hours later when the rest of the world got up, we would put the skiis aside, lounge on the dock, swim to the high-dive and jump into the freshest water I can remember.
My God, life was good! And although you don't know HOW good when your a kid, I always knew these were special, special days. The nice part is, the days are long in childhood. Time seems to never move, or if it does, it's only on Christmas and your birthday. Little did we know these summers were holidays... everyday. My parents were young, still skiing too, but in the afternoon..pre "pontoon-boat happy hour!". All the families were pretty much still in tact and nightly meals at the picnic table were a communal effort between neighbors.
OMG, I sound like I'm 80!
My father reads this blog and although I've told him a thousand times, it bears repeating.
I was so blessed...
Those days of summer are forever burned in my memory as some of the happiest days of my life. As I sit writing from my home in California, with 2 sleeping little boys in the next room, I wish beyond words they could experience that time at the lake. It's 2000 miles away from here but I can see the fireflies and smell the bonfire as if it was just out that door.
One of the ways I have found to share this slice of my life with my children...
yes, of course, is through food.
The brats boiled in beer, the corn grilled in the husk and huge slices of watermelons [with seeds] that we just spit onto the sand beneath our feet, were pretty much a daily offering.
Some will take issue with this preparation, but it's my memory and my pleasure to share the simplest taste of summer.
With the greatest slogan ever by a food company, this really is, "Heaven on a Bun!"
To get the full effect, spend your morning skiing, your afternoon swimming, your dusk skiing again, till you feel like there isn't much left... and then marvel at the love you have for those who got to share in your day of perfection and feel the unending gratitude for the person who made it all possible.
Thanks, Dad!
Wisconsin Brats!
[provisions]
1 package Johnsonville Brats
1 package white buns
2 cans of "Old Style" beer
optional: diced onions, mustard, and for some, ketchup [Whatever! Some people like ketchup...think kids!!!]
[process]
In a large stockpot, empty both cans of beer. Add brats and add enough water to cover. Bring to a boil and cook for about 15 minutes. Finish on the grill.
