3rd of July Pie

I'll be posting all about huckleberries and pie in the next few days, but first look at this beautiful pie Eric made with the huckleberries we picked.

It didn't make it to the 4th. It was devoured, still warm, by my family last night.

We saved Eric a (small) piece. He'd left early because, well, barbecue folk have to get up early on the 4th of July. They have to work all day and into the night. I'm just about to head out to join him for the first of many many caterings and pick up orders. Just had to share this beauty first.

Happy 4th of July everyone.

Smokin' Pete's at the Swedish Club on the 4th

There are still a few more tickets available at the Swedish Club on Dexter. Some of the best views of the Lake Union fireworks can be seen from the decks of this time-honored club. We'll be there smoking up the parking lot (only using up ONE of the precious parking spots, also for sale in the ticket packages).

Dinner runs from 6:30 to 9pm followed shortly by an amazing display of July 4th power and awesomeness. There is a band and two bars as well.

They will sell out the deck spots for sure, but have a large capacity inside watching from their huge windows wrapping around the lake side view. For tickets go to the Swedish Club's website, or call them at 206-283-1090. We'll see you there!

And the winner is....

Happy 4th of July! Well, happy day after. It's 11 am and I'm still in jammies. Not that we had a "rager" last night, just a busy day. While Eric slung ribs at the restaurant, I grilled veggies, made slaw, slathered chicken, and picked up socks. He came back earlier than I thought he could and clean up and weed-whacked the backyard.

It was our first backyard barbecue with guests since we moved! Both the Char-broil Infrared and the Big Green Egg were used, so we covered the charcoal and gas bases.

On the menu was grilled chicken, burgers, steaks, grilled veggies, plus all the other accompaniments. Not a speck of smoked meats, potato salad, or traditional coleslaw (mine had golden raisins, almonds, collards, and was dressed with a mustard vinaigrette). What can I say, we get enough of that on a daily basis.

What did you all cook for the 4th? How about YOU, Shane Conrad? Because you are our winner! My daughter blindly picked your name out of a bowl. Congratulations!