Labor Day Lazy Day

Labor Day is the quintessential american holiday: overindulgence of food, sipping cold drinks in a coozy cup, telling tall tales to friends, sitting in lawn chairs in the back yard.  What more could a person want? Well this year my roommates and I decided to celebrate this great american tradition a day early.  This break in tradition was allowed for by increasing the frivolity and gluttony.  We started off the day with a leisurely bike ride down to a local ice creamery for lunch.  An hour long ride along the water led us to The Daily Scoop where I got a double dip cone of coffee heath and maple walnut, my staple.  After chatting on the patio we headed back to Providence to get ready for the celebration.  The bike ride served as time for me to contemplate the dinner menu.  Now when I think of Labor Day, I think of grilling meat and eating the last of the fresh produce of the season.  So obviously hot dogs were the main course; easy decision.  I don't want to already be repeating recipes, but I had to make panzanella just one last time this summer.  Grilled vegetables rounded off the meal.  My roommate had the spectacular idea to make summer in a cup: mojitos. Quick shower, shoes on, out the door, in the car, off to the farm.  Luckily, Rhode Island vegetable season lasts a little longer than in Missouri.  The tomatoes were still gorgeous, the corn sweet, and the basil fragrant.  According to the farm I got "the best cucumber in the world," but somehow I doubt that.

I started the panzanella by toasting country bread.  Then I marinated the red onion in the vinaigrette while I chopped all the vegetables. Thirty minutes before serving I put it all together to let the bread soak up the juicy goodness and to let the flavors marry.  It is my absolute favorite summertime recipe.  Unfortunately this will be the last opportunity I can make it until next summer. It will be sorely missed.  But soon hearty stews with a glass of stout will replace it and I will be happy again.

Seven Stars country loaf.

Tomato, cucumber, roasted pepper, feta

Dinner

Question: How many Brown students does it take to grill hot dogs? Answer is 3.  One to analyze the best way to grill them.  One to question the utility of the hot dog.  And one to question the higher reason as to why a hot dog is a hot dog. So as men do, we all had to be around the grill to manage the meats. Random pokes.  Meaningless suggestions.  Standing around pretending to be busy.  Oh yeah grilling.  Along with hot dogs, we tossed on corn on the cob and broccoli.  After giving the buns a quick toast we were set.

Meanwhile, the girls were making the mojitos with simple syrup, fresh lime, club soda, rum, and freshly picked mint from our backyard.  They were magnificently refreshing and crisp.  Summertime in a glass.  These will definitely return before winter peaks its ugly head from its hole.

And the feast began.  It was a lovely salute to summer's end.  I wish everyday could be this relaxing.  Next week, I will welcome fall with apples and squash after a bike ride and kayaking.

Good times with friends.