Born in the USA!

We on this continent should never forget that men first crossed the Atlantic not to find soil for their ploughs but to find better soil in which to plant their maize.

Finally, tomorrow brings the first day of summer - Independence Day, freedom from the torrents of spring, and time, finally, to pop the top on a host of warm weather favorites. We've served this dish on the Family 4th for as long as I can remember, and to me it's as foundational as Mint Juleps on Derby Day or Bratwurst at Cherry Blossom festival. This dish IS freedom! How to?

Lay down a thinnish slick of your favorite cornbread mixture in a 9" x 13" glass baking dish (no more than 1/4 inch thick). Bake it in a 350f oven for 12 minutes, and then let it cool. Next, spread a layer of BLWB* Refritos (recipe below - make this the day before, and make PLENTY - keep it in the refrigerator for quesadilla filling and chip-snacking), followed by a generous sprinkling of green and red peppers, black (pitted) olives, and onions and pepperoncinis if you like them. Now spread a generous amount of good quality bagged and shredded orange-and-white mexican-style cheese over the top, lay on perfectly sliced red tomatoes, and return the dish to the oven for 5 minutes. Finally, fill your pastry bag (use a wide nozzle) with sour creme or, if you're naughty, crème fraise (as a reminder of who it is that we're free from), and spritz a dollop every 2 inches or so. Cut into squares, plate, and serve with Summer Slaw (pictured - recipe REDACTED), cold lemonade, or a light summer lager.

*Basil Lemon White Bean Dip:
2-15 ounce cans refried beans, drained
1⁄2 cup chicken stock
2 cloves garlic, minced
1⁄2 cup fresh Parmesan cheese, grated
1⁄2 cup loosely packed fresh basil, plus whole leaves to garnish
1 tablespoon lemon juice
⅛ teaspoon ground pepper

In a heavy saucepan over medium heat, combine the beans, chicken stock, and garlic. Simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese. Let cool for 10 minutes. In a food processor, blend until smooth. Chop the basil and stir into the mixture with the lemon juice and the pepper.

TOOL TIP REMINDER: The changing season is a reminder to rotate your coded freezer packs, so eat those BLACK packages this evening!