It's Memorial Day and more families than not have someone to honor. Thankfully I have to go back to Dad's brother, Uncle Bob, who was killed at age 17 as part of a skiing rifle brigade on an Italian mountainside. My dad was only 6 then, but when he was 60 he found the grave of the brother he'd scarcely known. He took a picture, and after I watched Saving Private Ryan, he showed me the photo and I wept. It was exactly like those crosses that open and close the film. Bob was a talented artist and draftsman I'd never know.
I long for a world that doesn't even need a Memorial Day.
Until that time, more cooking and grilling together—that makes things better. Would that I could hover around the grill today with beer in hand and enjoy the holiday, but I'm Charleston bound for more Le Creuset videos. While it's no fun to travel on a holiday, I'm never unhappy to be in Charleston.
And upon my return, summer will almost be here. Sweet corn is a good six weeks away, depending on the weather, but I can think about it. When I saw this photo in the archives I had to post as it is the very embodiment of a summer that's nearly here.
If you need some Memorial Day recipe inspiration, check out these links:
- Green vegetables are great on the grill—asparagus, favas in their pods, even lettuce. I make Grilled Green Beans all the time.
- How to Grill Fish: Grilled Branzini or try a recipe for BBQ short ribs.
- Something a bit different: grilled and roasted prime rib.
- Need a BBQ sauce? Try making my Eastern North Carolina BBQ Sauce for low and slow smoke roasted pork shoulder.
© 2013 Michael Ruhlman. Photo © 2013 Donna Turner Ruhlman. All rights reserved.
Paul Denoncour
If you're making more Le Creuset videos, is there any chance that one using their terrines will be on the list?
ruhlman
yes! that is indeed one of the dishes!
Paul Denoncour
Great! Looking forward to that one.
phil
sweet corn is here in central Texas. 6 for a dollar at the grocer.
Ryan Kozak
Great story about your uncle, enjoyed it. All the best Michael, have a great day.
Mike
I enjoyed the story as well. And I Iike what you said about wishing we didn't need a Memorial Day.
Natalie Luffer Sztern
Can Le Creuset be used on Induction cooktops? I know I can test it but everything is in moving boxes
Terry
Yes. I use it all the time.
armymum
Cant wait for the new Le Creuset videos...Thank you & your family for your uncle's service .
joeinvegas
Corn is here on the hot west coast
Kevin
Michael,
Great post for Memorial Day, dovetailing the reason for the day and the modern day celebration of grilling. As a veteran of the Cold War I remembered friends lost during the time I served - unfortunately more than a dozen. I also cooked.
www.marika.co.jp
When I initially commented I clicked the "Notify me when new comments are added" checkbox and now each time a comment is
added I get four e-mails with the same comment. Is there any way you can remove people from that service?
Thank you!