Happy Juneteenth Father’s Solstice
It’s not every day that you have an alignment of multiple things. But, this month we are seeing 5 planets lining up on the horizon. So, the stars and planets are literally in alignment. So, why not have a calendar overlap multiple holidays. June 19th, this year is both Juneteenth and father’s day. And, it leads right into Summer Solstice. So, let’s get our ducks in order: Remember the end of slavery while you thank your father for all he has done and prepare for the longest day of the year. Happy Juneteenth Father’s Solstice!
One would think the planets have all lined up for all these events to happen together. And, one would be right. If you go out before dawn from now, through June, you can see all the planets in our solar system over the Eastern horizon. It’s been 18 years since the last time this happened. And, it could be just as long or longer before the next time. For more on this event, click here. But, we’re not here to talk about planetary alignment. This is a day of celebration. To all the key-masters, Sperm donors, and bearers of bad jokes, Happy father’s day. To all those affected by the horrors of slavery and still have to fight for freedom and equality, we must recognize the victories along the way such as Juneteenth. And, for the coming Solstice, we should give thanks for the longer days and positive energy.
Table of Contents
Let’s start with the oldest of Happy Juneteenth Father’s Solstice
As long as humans have tracked the skies, solstice has been a time for celebration. Ancient structures like Stonehenge, the Pyramids, and Machu Picchu stand as testaments to our fascination with all things solar and celestial. On the Gregorian calendar, it is the official beginning of summer. While it is actually a couple days away, we are already seeing the effects of longer days, more sunlight, crops and vegetation in full bloom, and an invigorated energy. Even if you don’t subscribe to the spiritual aspects of solstice, the seasonal changes effect mood and sense of well being. Of course, some people complain about the heat. But, these are the same people who complain about the cold in winter. Would you rather sweat a little or freeze your buns off? it all equals out in the end. So, enjoy the variation.
Summer solstice is a time to reconnect with the Earth and elements. It’s a reminder of our place in the universe, literally and figuratively. If you are on the ISS or another planet, solstice doesn’t apply the same way. It only corresponds to Earth’s position relative to the sun. But, it does change the energy level and flow throughout the Earth, it’s inhabitants, flora, and fauna. So, celebrating solstice is tantamount to embracing life itself. And, we should do so with gusto. While some fear “bathing suit season”, that is strictly a reflection of insecurity. Although we all have insecurities, ignore them. Solstice is a time to embrace who we are and our relationship to the universe. So, just get outside and enjoy!
Juneteenth was one of the most overlooked days in US history until recently
While we can’t trace the first solstice celebration, We know exactly when Juneteenth happened. It’s practically in the name. Few people actually know the history though. On January 1, 1863, the Federal government passed the emancipation of slaves. Unfortunately, we were still fully entrenched in the civil war at that time. Gettysburg was still 6 months away. So, the fate of the nation was still in question. In fact, the rebels were actually winning most of the battles at that time. It would take another 2 years to finally finish the war and re-unify the country in April 1865. At that point, the freeing of slaves finally reached the south. But, it didn’t happen over night. On June 19, 1865, general Gordon Granger officially brought the documents proclaiming the freedom of all slave to Texas, the last state in the union to get the word.
While emancipation had been proclaimed, it wasn’t universal across the country until June 19, 1865. So, this is a major accomplishment in our history. People who were considered property were “given” the right to self determination and their humanity was restored. While it is sad and ridiculous that something as simple as the recognition that a human being is a human being regardless of their skin color shouldn’t be a question, the fact that our government took the initiative to recognize a shameful wrong and actually did something about it is something to be celebrated. And, it’s something to remember in our current political situation. Hopefully we won’t have to fight a war again. Although, if you listen to politicians and their “followers”, we are fighting a war of information and words.
Perhaps we can overcome with Happy Juneteenth Father’s Solstice
We are still embroiled in a country where gun rights are protected more vehemently than human rights. Despite the 13th amendment, and it’s final enactment on Juneteenth, people who don’t look like our founding fathers are still demonized and feared by many in our country. “States rights” are vaunted, despite the fact that the federal union beat the confederacy in the civil war. The current battles over abortion rights, gun rights, and voting rights are tantamount to overturning the results of the civil war. “States rights” are the reason it took 2 1/2 years for slavery to be officially declared. And, now, we can’t get anything done on the federal level because individual states have sent representatives who are more interested in what’s good for them, not what’s good for the country.
Perhaps, if they would embrace the history of the civil war and Juneteenth, they would recognize the importance of doing the right thing, and recognizing what “right” actually is. Unfortunately, there is little to no integrity in politics today. And, people cave to the fears of the extreme ends of the political spectrum instead of recognizing simple facts like guns are used in mass shootings, and black people are disproportionately targeted by police. The solutions are more nuanced. But, the problems are pretty clear. We just ask you to remember and do something as opposed to obstructing any solution. For more on remembering, see our memorial day post.
Call for Change
And, let’s call on our elected officials to abandon the fringes of the spectrum and do what is in the interest of the country and the world. Our federal government is there to enact regulations that all states must adhere to, not to let each state decide for themselves. As it stands now, you can’t get a gun in Massachusetts without a lengthy process. But, you can walk into a Walmart in Texas, walk down the street and shoot up a mall. And, you can take that gun to other states.
And, the targeting of Black, brown, and other non-white people is another problem left to the confederacy of states. People complain about “sanctuary cities. We should be complaining about why we need sanctuary cities. The same people complain about education issues. They are right, we all need to be on the same page about education. And, that is that all human beings are “created equal”. If we can do what Juneteenth stands for and recognize human beings as human beings, we can put aside most of the bickering and feuding. And, stop complaining about terms like “black Lives matter”. People always seem to take up a contrary position with comments like blue lives matter or all lives matter. All 3 concepts are true. But, right now, we are talking about Black lives. So, stop deflecting and address the issue at hand. It’s not either or.
And, stop saying de-fund police. That’s not the right terminology. Re-distribute the funding. Focus on proper training and resource building. We need police. But, they (as with our politicians) need to remember their directive: to protect and serve, not to detain, punish, and harass.
They are father’s too.
perhaps the “bad cops” could benefit from remembering Happy Juneteenth Father’s Solstice. We all have or had fathers. And, many are fathers. As a father or having had a father, doesn’t it make sense to say wwdd (what would dad do)? Most fathers would want to protect their children at all costs. So, when cops hit the streets, they need to remember that their “perps” have fathers and mothers or are fathers or mothers before they administer street justice. And, they need to keep their training in mind. the overwhelming majority of police never discharge their weapon in the line of duty. The gun is their as a safety blanket. It should be the last thing you reach for. And, if you don’t think of the fathers, “won’t somebody, please think of the children?”
Which Brings us to father’s day
You would think father’s day has been around forever. And, you would be wrong. Mother’s day was started in the wake of the Civil war. But, it didn’t become an official holiday until the 1900’s. Similarly, the first Father’s day celebration was June 19, 1910 in Washington state. But, it didn’t get national recognition until 1972. The woman who started the movement was Sonora Smart Dodd who’s father raised her and 5 siblings by himself. In Europe and South America they celebrate father’s day on the feast of St Joseph (March 19). But, here in America, it is the 3rd Sunday in June. There was a father’s day celebration in West Virgina in 1908 that may have inspired Dodd. But, it was one and done. Dodd’s efforts made it a regular thing.
In the 1920’s there was a movement to either do away with, de-commercialize, or combine both mother’s and father’s day into a “parent’s” day. But, the great depression gave businesses a rallying cry to keep both and commercialize them to drum up business. So, by the time WWII came along, it was a tradition, if not an actual holiday. It remained that way until Richard Nixon found himself in a tough re-election bid in 1972. So, he signed Father’s day as an official federal holiday to court the votes of “family men” and their families.
Today, it is a commercial success with over a billion dollars in sales. But, when it first started, there was little interest. You buy flowers for your mother. But, what do you get dad? A hammer?
Thankfully, we have Happy Juneteenth Father’s Solstice
So, this year, we get to celebrate all 3 delayed holidays. We have the official start of summer that took millennia for recognition. Then, there is Juneteenth with took over 2 1/2 years to happen and be recognized. And, there’s father’s day that took over 60 years. It just goes to show that good things come to those who wait. And, it also shows the similarities between people and experiences. Given our modern world with information on demand, wouldn’t it be nice if we celebrated and built off our similarities instead of differences?
To that end, we can break bread together to celebrate these very diverse, yet similar holidays. They all celebrate obvious truths: The relationship of the sun and Earth, the freedom of all people from slavery and oppression, and the fact that we all have father’s and they play an important roll in our existence. So, let’s get down to cooking that Happy Juneteenth Father’s Solstice dinner.
What kind of menu encapsulates Happy Juneteenth Father’s Solstice?
Solstice beckons us to celebrate the bounty of the Earth. So, we will want something colorful and seasonal. Juneteenth celebrates the freedom of slaves. So, we need to include some foods based on the culture of “freedmen” and women. And, father’s day calls for something rugged, yet appreciative. So, today, we are offering a few recipes that we hope will fit the bill.
We have a couple vegan summery soups: Ginger melon and Avocado Soup, as well as a watermelon feta salad for Solstice. Chicken and Waffles, and Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie for Juneteenth. And, A Chili Spiced baby back rib with Korean BBQ sauce, as well as Bourbon Barbecue Chicken, for father’s day. Let’s celebrate what really makes America Great: our diverse environment, those who brought us into the world, and the progress we have made as a society. And, remember to seek out commonality over differences in all that we do.
Chilled Vegan Melon Ginger Soup
Ingredients
- 1 Quart Honeydew, cantaloupe, or similar melon
- 1/4 Cup Fine diced fresh peeled ginger root
- 1 to 2 Cup Champagne or other sparkling wine
- 1/4 Cup Honey or agave syrup
- 2 Tbsp Chopped fresh mint, plus a few sprigs for garnish
- The juice and zest of 2 limes
- 1 Cup Fresh Blueberries
- 1/4 Cup Simple Syrup
Instructions
- Make a simple syrup: Mix 1/2 cup sugar and 1/2 cup water in a pot. Cook down until it becomes a syrup. You want about 1/4 cup total. Pour he hot syrup over blueberries in a blender. Blend until smooth. Strain the blueberry syrup to remove extra solids and make it smoother. Chill until ready to use.
- Place all remaining ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Chill and serve in a vehicle that allows the color to show. Drizzle with the blueberry syrup and garnish with mint sprigs.
Southern dry rubbed chicken with bourbon barbecue sauce
Ingredients
- 2 whole grilling chickens cut into 8 to 10 pieces each (about 3 to 4# each)
- For the rub:
- 2 Tbsp Chili Powder
- 2 Tbsp Paprika
- 1 Tbsp rubbed sage or pultry seasoning
- 1 Tbsp Onion powder
- 1 Tbsp Garlic Powder
- 1 Tbsp Basil flakes
- 2 Tbsp Dry Mustard powder
- 2 Tbsp Brown sugar
- 1 Tbsp Dry Thyme
- 1 tsp Kosher salt
- 1 tsp Fresh ground black pepper
- For Sauce:
- 1 Pint Good quality Barbecue sauce (either home made or store bought)
- 1/4 cup Diced fresh onion
- 1 Tbsp chopped fresh garlic
- 1 each whole small chili, split
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/2 cup Bourbon
- 2 Tbsp cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- oil for cooking
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Make the dry rub by mixing all the spices well or buy a quality BBQ spice mix. Try to avoid the larger commercial spice rubs. They tend to have preservatives that you don't want, and the flavor is designed for a general audience. By making your own or buying local, you can adjust the seasonings to your taste. This rub has a good blend of sweet, spicy, and earthy.
- Cut the chicken or get a chicken cut into 8 to 10 pieces. Place the pieces in a container large enough to toss around with the dry rub. Add in the rub a little at a time. You probably won't need all of it. That's fine. Save the extra for the next time. Evenly coat the chicken pieces and refrigerate overnight.
- make the sauce: Heat oil in a heavy pot over high heat. Add in onions, chili, and garlic. Stir. Cook until translucent. Then add in the whiskey, vinegar, and OJ. Reduce by half. Add in the remaining ingredients and turn the temperature down to a low simmer. Allow to simmer for about an hour, stirring occasionally. Add a little water if it gets too thick.
- Pre-heat a grille to high temperature. Mark the chicken on the grille, about 3 minutes per side. Then turn the temperature down to below medium (between 250 and 300 degrees). Let the chicken cook slowly for about an hour. If you have multiple levels, put the smaller pieces up away from the heat, so they cook to the same degree. Check the temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer. It should reach 165.
- Serve with the sauce on the side or glaze the chicken with the sauce.
Notes
Southern Fried Chicken and Waffle Bites with Bourbon Maple Syrup
Ingredients
- 1 Lb Boneless skinless chicken breast
- 1 pt buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp chopped fresh garlic
- 1 tsp chopped green onion
- 2 Tbsp Cajun Spice blend
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For coating:
- 2 cups AP flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp Poultry seasoning or rubbed sage
- 2 Tbsp Cajun Seasoning
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- Oil to fry
- For the waffles:
- 2 cups AP flour
- 1 Tbsp Baking powder
- 3 Tbsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups Buttermilk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- For syrup
- 1/4 cup bourbon
- 1 each cinnamon stick
- 2 cups Maple syrup
- 1 each mini chili
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken: Whisk an egg, add in buttermilk and seasonings. Cut the chicken into equal size 3/4 inch cubes. Put in the buttermilk mix. Refrigerate at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
- make the waffles: Mix all dry ingredients in a mixing bowl. Whisk the eggs in a large mixing bowl. Add the buttermilk and vanilla, continue whisking. Add the dry ingredients and oil. Set aside batter to rest for 20 minutes.
- Mix flour and spices for coating and set aside.
- make the Bourbon maple syrup: Heat all ingredients on a stove over low heat about 15 minutes until all flavors have blended. remove the cinnamon and chili. Put in a squeeze bottle or a bowl to serve on the side. This canbe done in advance and stored in the fridge.
- Heat a waffle iron to medium high. Open and spray with pan spray. Ladle the waffle batter directly into the middle of the waffle iron. Allow it to spread evenly across the plate. Close the iron and flip. Follow the directions on your particular waffle maker. When cooked, cut them into individual cubes.
- Set up a frying station, either use a fryer or a heavy pot over medium high heat. Heat oil to about 350 degrees.
- Strain the chicken from its marinade. Toss it in the flour coating mix. Fry until golden brown. Make sure it is cooked all the way through.
- Skewer the chicken with the waffles, and heat in a 350 degree oven until warmed throughout. Servee drizzled with bourbon maple syrup.
Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie
Ingredients
- For Pie Dough:
- 2.5 Cups AP Flour
- 1 tsp Kosher Salt
- 1 Tbsp Sugar
- 1 Cup Very Cold Butter Cut into 1/4 inch Cubes (best if put in freezer for 20 minutes or straight out of fridge)
- 4 to 8 Tbsp Ice cold water
- For Chocolate Glaze:
- 8 Ounces Sweet or semi Sweet Chocolate Chips, chunks, or disks
- 1 Ounce Bourbon
- 1 Ounce Vegetable Oil
- For Filling
- 1 Cup Brown Sugar
- 1 Cup Light Corn Syrup (or Honey)
- 1/2 Cup Molasses
- 1/4 Cup Bourbon
- 1/4 tsp Cayenne Pepper
- 1/4 tsp Kosher Salt or sea salt
- 1 Tbsp Vanilla Extract
- 4 Large Eggs
- 1 Stick Unsalted Butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350
- Make Pie Dough: Mix all the dry ingredients together. Then, you can either use a food processor or mix by hand, add in the cold butter into 1/2 of the flour. Mix until all the butter is coated. Then, add the rest of the flour. Mix until it becomes a paste. Add water 1 Tablespoon at a time, mix well. You want a solid dough, not too wet or dry.
- Lightly flour a flat, clean surface. Roll out the dough until it is about 1/8 inch thick. Fit the dough into a 9 inch pie tin and crimp the edges by hand. Set aside until filling is done.
- For Chocolate glaze: Melt chocolate, booze, and oil in a double boiler or in a mixing bowl over a pan of boiling water. Stir until smooth. If it is too thick, add more oil. But, don't make it too thin or it won't set up. Take half the chocolate and brush the inside of the pie shell.
- For Filling: Boil all ingredients except for eggs, Butter, and vanilla in pot for about 2 minutes. Be sure to mix it well. make sure the syrup is smooth. Remove from the heat. In a mixing bowl, whisk the eggs. Slowly drizzle in the hot liquid, whisking constantly until the mix is smooth. be careful not to add too fast or you could curdle the eggs. Stir in the butter and vanilla quickly. The residual heat will melt the butter.
- Fold the pecans into the filling. Then, pour the filling into the pie shell. Make sure it lies flat. Put the pie tin on top of a sheet pan to catch any drips if the pie bubbles over. Bake the pie for 45 to 60 minutes until it firms up.
- Remove the pie from the oven and drizzle with the rest of the chocolate. Cool at least an hour. When it is fully set up, you can slice it and serve. Try serving it with ice cream and a bourbon caramel sauce or just as is.
Notes
Vegan Avocado soup
Ingredients
- 1 cup chopped fresh sweet onion
- 1 Tbsp Chopped fresh garlic
- 2 Tbsp Chopped fresh jalapeno
- 1/2 cup lime juice
- 3 cups vegetable stock
- 1 cup Vegan cream or milk (almond, coconut, or oat)
- 4 cups Peeled, pitted, and chopped avocado (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup chopped scallion for garnish
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp chili powder (plus more for garnish-optional)
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- Avocado oil to cook and garnish
- Vegan sour cream to garnish (optional)
- diced tomato for garnish (optional)
- Hot sauce or chili oil to garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat avocado oil over medium heat in a heavy pot. Add in the onion and garlic, Saute until translucent. Add the cumin, chili powder, and jalapeno and stir. Then, add the stock and milk/cream. Reduce by about 1/4.
- Transfer the soup to a blender. Add in the avocado, cilantro, and lime juice. Blend until smooth. Add salt and pepper. Blend and taste. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve hot or chilled with tomato, avocado, and green onion. Drizzle with avocado oil, hot sauce, sour cream, and sprinkle a dash of chili powder. Serve Tortilla chips on the side. Or you can just serve it straight up. Either way, enjoy.
Minted Cucumber and Watermelon Salad with Feta
Ingredients
- 2 cup cubed fresh watermelon
- 2 cup fresh English cucumber, peeled, seeded, and cubed
- 1/2 cup shaved red or sweet onion
- 1 cup feta cheese cubed
- 2 Tbsp fresh mint julienne
- 1 handful fresh spinach or arugula
- For Dressing:
- 1/4 cup honey or agave
- 1/2 tsp dijon mustard
- 1/2 cup cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1 tsp pink peppercorn
- 1/2 cup neutral oil
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- mix all ingredients for dressing except oil in a mixing bowl with stick blender or in a blender. Slowly add in oil until emulsified.
- Toss all ingredients in a bowl except dressing. Put in a little dressing at a time until well coated, but not swimming in dressing. Serve chilled.
Sweet chili Rubbed Baby Back Ribs with Korean BBQ Sauce
Equipment
- Smoker or grille with soaked wood chips
Ingredients
- 2 Full Racks of Baby Back Ribs
- 1 Cup Brown Sugar
- 2 Tbsp Mustard Powder
- 2 Tbsp Ground Cumin
- 2 Tbsp Ground Coriander
- 2 Tbsp Chili Powder
- 1 Tbsp Chopped Spicy Asian Chilies
- 1 tsp Kosher Salt
- 1 Tbsp Fresh Ground Black or white pepper
- 1/4 Cup Paprika
- For Korean BBQ Sauce:
- 3/4 Cup Soy Sauce
- 1 Cup Brown Sugar
- 1 Oz Chopped Fresh garlic
- 1 Tbsp Chopped Fresh Ginger
- 1/4 Cup Rice Wine Vinegar or Mirin
- 1 Tbsp Sriracha or similar spicy sauce
- 1 Tbsp Toasted Sesame Oil
- 1 Oz Lime Juice
- 1 tsp Fresh Ground Black pepper
- 1 Tbsp Cornstarch
- 1 Tbsp water
Instructions
- Make a sweet dry rub: mix brown sugar and all the spices.
- Rub the ribs generously on both sides. Coat well. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to permeate the the meat
- make the Barbecue sauce. Mix all ingredients except cornstarch and water in a pot. Bring to a boil. Mix the water and cornstarch to create a slurry. Stir in the slurry to thicken the sauce. Set aside until needed.
- Set up your grille with soaked wood chips or a smoker if you have one. Heat to 250 degrees with the cover on. Place the ribs on the grille or in the smoker and cook for 1 hour at 250. Then, turn the temperature down to 200. Cook for another 2 hours at 200. Then, take the ribs out and wrap in foil. Cook for another hour. Check the doneness. They should pull off the bone pretty easily. If not, give a little more time. When finished. Remove from the heat and let them cool down naturally for about an hour before removing from the foil. The foil will hold in moistness. While they are cooling, preheat an oven or covered grille to 400 degrees.
- Brush the ribs with some of the Barbecue sauce. reserve more sauce for service. Place on a sheet pan into the oven or closed grille cook for about 10 to 20 minutes to let the flavor of the BBQ sauce really settle in. Remove from heat. Allow to cool for 15 minutes before cutting and serving.