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Yes, that's a copy of The Perfect Drink. Who says you can study cocktails while picnicing?

This Tuesday, take the day off of work. Go for a walk. Play at the park. Spend a day at the beach. Whatever you do, make sure you bring a book and a picnic lunch, as August 9th is Book Lover's Day and the month of August is National Picnic Month.

Prepping for your picnic? Here are some easy picnic food ideas that you can wrap (did you see what I did there?) together quickly. Simply spread, wrap, throw in the cooler and you are good to go.

In 1984, President Ronald Reagan designated July as National Ice Cream Month and the third Sunday of the month as National Ice Cream Day. Reagan wanted everyone to honor the fun and nutrious food that is enjoyed by a full 90% of the nation’s population. This is actually a real proclamation and the President called for all people of the USA to observe these events with “appropriate ceremonies and activities.” See the archived proclaimation on the American Presidency Project.

Well, I always try to fulfill my civic duties and do what is expected of me as a citizen of this nation. In keeping with this proclamation, I quickly got busy in the kitchen and whipped up my own Strawberry Ice Cream. It was so good, that it almost never made it to the freezer! The strawberries, which I cooked in sweet syrup and swished around in creamy yogurt, were simply sublime.

Now it’s time for YOU to do your part. Take this recipe and get started. It’s your duty.

Just imagine it.

The heat is pouring off your grill in waves and the smoky, sultry aroma of chicken grilling floats through the air. You’re using your favorite tongs to turn the thick chicken thighs (pre-marinated in succulent, sweet teriyaki sauce of course) just enough to sear all sides evenly as the meat sizzles lazily in the flickering flames. Smoke is swirls in the air, picking up the robust scent of the charcoal. Your neighbor looks up from what he’s doing on his own patio, and stares longingly across the trees. His mouth waters, envious of your grilling prowess. Can you really blame him?

July 4th weekend is here and it’s time to fire up the grill! An all-time favorite in my home during grilling season is the Classic Chicken Barbecue. This recipe is one of my go-to, no-fail, simple, easy-to-do barbecues. It is so versatile. I feel like I’ve made this a thousand times. Perfect for family get-togethers, lazy weekend afternoons, and of course, 4th of July BBQs, this is my barbecue recipe of choice.