He was concentrating on his mission in the dairy department and I didn't want to disturb this stranger but I just couldn't help myself. I walked right up to him and said, "Thank you. Thank you for what you do." He responded, "You are very welcome, Ma'am. It is my pleasure. And my duty."
Just a few days earlier, we had been told that the world's most wanted terrorist had been killed when US Navy Seals raided his compound. I wondered what this young man thought about these events. I wanted to ask him but I didn't want my feelings of American pride to be overshadowed by my American anger.
President Harry Truman proclaimed the first Armed Forces Day (AFD) on May 20, 1950 and it is celebrated each year on the third Saturday of May. According to the US Department of Defense, this day was designed to expand public understanding of what type of job was performed and the role of the military in civilian life.
There are many events to attend to celebrate this day but a simple "Thank You" to a person in uniform may be all that person needs to hear.
Here are some good, all-American recipes to try as we honor the men and women in uniform.
Apple-Cucumber Salsa
●1 Granny Smith apple, peeled, cored and cut into 1/4-inch dice
●¼ cucumber, peeled, seeded and cut into 1/4-inch dice
●½ small red onion, cut into 1/4-inch dice
● small red bell pepper, cut into 1/4-inch dice
●1 ½ tbsp white wine vinegar
●1 ½ tsp sugar
●Salt
In a bowl, toss the apple with the cucumber, onion and pepper. Stir in the vinegar and sugar, season with salt and serve.
This young man was dressed in his fatigues with his name patch across his chest. He was holding a few grocery items in his hands, minding his own business but yet I knew he was always keeping the nation's business at the top of his priority list.
Walnut Burgers
●1 to 1 ¼ lb lean ground beef
● cup finely chopped walnuts
●2 tablespoons finely chopped green onion
●1 egg, beaten
●2 tablespoons soy sauce
●1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
●¼ teaspoon pepper
●toppings, such as tomato slices, lettuce, and onion slices
●mayonnaise and/or sour cream
●chopped walnuts
●4 split toasted hamburger buns
Combine first 7 ingredients; mix well. Shape into 4 patties; grill over hot coals 8 to 10 minutes on each side or until desired degree of doneness. Or, broil about 4 inches from heat source, turning once during cooking, until cooked through. Transfer patties to serving platter. Serve on toasted buns with toppings, a dollop of mayonnaise or sour cream, along with a sprinkling of chopped walnuts.
Tangy Homemade Fries
●4 russet potatoes, peeled and cut into ¼ thick fries
●3 T olive oil
●2 T lime juick
●2 cloves garlic, minced
●½ t red pepper flakes
●¼ t cayenne pepper
●1 t chili powder
●2 T spicy brown mustard
●½ t black pepper
●1 t salt
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). In a large bowl, stir together the olive oil, lime juice, garlic, red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, chili powder, mustard, and pepper. Add the potato slices, and stir until evenly coated. Arrange fries in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes in the preheated oven. Then, turn the fries over, and continue to bake for 10 to 15 more minutes, until crispy and browned. Season with salt, and serve.
Red, White and Blue Parfaits ●1 8-ounce carton vanilla low-fat yogurt
●1/4 teaspoon almond extract or 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
●1/2 of an 8-ounce container frozen light whipped dessert topping, thawed
●3 cups fresh raspberries and/or cut-up fresh strawberries
●3 cups fresh blueberries
In a large bowl, stir together yogurt and almond extract or vanilla. Fold in whipped topping. To serve, in six 12-ounce glasses or dessert dishes, alternate layers of the berries with layers of the yogurt mixture. Makes 6 servings.
NEXT WEEK - Kick Off To Summer
Remember......Life is short. Eat Dessert first!!
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