Even icy pitchers of limeade sweat down here
It’s hot as the blazes, dickens and Hades down here. We’re talking 105, 106, 109… (Celsius people — just think a few degrees cooler than the surface of Mercury.) We sweat just looking outside, never mind stepping into the inferno. As we write this, it’s not even July. Katherine uttered a spontaneous “Have Mercy” when she left her office building the other day. That’s what Southern summers do to you: Make you talk funny. It’s only a few steps from our air-conditioned kitchen to the flames of our smoker and there’s a ceiling fan on the back porch to provide some mild relief. Grilling out down here in the summer can border on torture. Smoking for hours on end, well that’s just insane.
Call us crazy, because this is our ideal meal for the Fourth:
That is what is meant by finger lickin good
I like my corn as yellow as a brick road
Beans beans they ‘re good for the heart
Coleslaw (with less mayo of course)
Creamy goodness
Yes that is a cast iron skillet divided into slices for cornbread
And for dessert, something a bit cooler perhaps….
They are like pie on a cookie
There are no words
And to keep hydrated doing all that smoking:
This is a manly red not pink
Rosemary, who would have thunk it
Unless we finally succumb to the heat, we’ll be back tomorrow with a new recipe. It’s going to be a long summer. Have mercy on our electric bill.
Rufus' Food and Spirits Guide 
An amazing meal but I’ll just wait inside where the A/C is on and wait to have it delivered, if you don’t mind. 🙂 I’ll start with a big glass of the watermelon cooler and man, do those ribs look good.
It was only 89 F here today (it’s now midnight and a balmy 84 F) , but then I’m in Canada. We’re supposed to be cooler up here, aren’t we? So why are Mon through Thurs going to be 91 F and Fri 94 F? Do you think there’s something to that global warming people are talking about?
Great round up – I wish I were celebrating the 4th at your house!
That fig tart is calling my name…
A truly impressive spread. All of it looks so good. As a Brit I’m trying to remember what you’re celebrating on the 4th:)
Canada Day on the first and Independence Day on the fourth!
I think it’s getting New Orleans back from the French or Texas back from the Mexicans.
Wow that ribs, looks so very good
Great spread. Having company, or is it all for you? 😉
oh mercy, it feels hot just reading that!
as for your delicious selection…smokin’.
You don’t want to know what it’s like to move on a 106F day – we felt soooo sorry for the movers, it’s the kind of job no one should have to do in those conditions. But it could have been worse, two days later we had 111F. Not for sissies, even this former Brazilian was suffering…
Great round up, perfect timing!
I feel bad for the people who work outside!
Ok, point made, I shall not complain about our wimpy heat! Although we did have one day a couple of weeks ago when I was on the streetcar going downtown and sweat was dripping down my legs! And I was in a short skirt! Mercy!
Those ribs look incredible! I love these recap posts with the stories. Have a great weekend!
Great line up…if you’re making it all Liz and I are making the trek to the Rock.
Fantastic menu 😉
Oh yes please to everything….and especially that beautiful fig tart!
Holy yum! This all looks and sounds amazing. And good luck with the heat. In the Northwest, we are moping around complaining about the cold and rain.
YUMMERS:)
Lots of great ideas, here – those ribs and that corn bread looked amazing. Thanks for sharing all these—–
A great round-up, to be sure, but your opening shot has to be just about the best picture, ever!
well we are sitting on 100 which is postively balmy compared to you guys! Stay inside! hope there is something on the tele! oh and lovely food, i keep meaning to make that rosemary lemonade..c
Wonderful suggestions for the 4th. Sounds like it is going to be a long hot summer there.
That’s just more bragging… we’re finally staying steady in the low 60’s… seriously. I wouldn’t mind a day or two of that heat, but that’s all. Hang in there, hopefully you’ll get a little relief soon.
As I sit here, sweating in my own kitchen, I can relate. Although it’s not 100, high 80s and humidity make for not such a fun day. I love that you ideal July 4th meal has all the Southern staples … and Boston baked beans. Have mercy, indeed!
I’d love a feast like that…IF I was inside the airconditioning, and someone else was outside cooking it for me! 🙂
when we have a heat wave here all I can think about is cold showers, the cool sea and thinking of ways to sleep! Now I can add some rosemary scented lemonade to that list 🙂
It was 104 in Boston when I went last week. Even the baked beans were screaming for mercy and blurting southern quips! Here in Vermont we’ve seen mid to high 90s. No a/c, mind you. Stay cool!
Love the round-up of summer recipes! Thanks for reminding me of some of my favorites from you two (such as the grilled corn!)
You guys really know how to throw a feasty party! Happy 4th you 2, and be sure to keep up your fluid intake! 🙂
I am happy not to be in Arkansas right now, though Chicago’s heat is not much better.
I want to dive in to that minty limeade! It’s definitely Mojito o clock!
Oh you had to go and post those lemon bars again didn’t you. Better run through my twelve steps again…or just succumb to the temptation. Darn you! Those ribs look seriously good too!
Yes sir…reeeee that’s what I’m talking’ about too! Pardon my French but it is… TOO DAMN HOT! I’ll be out there with you though – perspiring over those hot coals and enjoying a frosty beverage all the while.
I don’t know what it is about hot weather that makes you want hot food. In Asia, the hotter the weather, the spicier the food ! Your 4th of July meal looks so wonderfully comforting. And keep those drinks coming !
Yes, it’s much too hot! I need to make some of that limeade or rosemary lemonade!
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