god bless america

As we gather for one of my favorite holidays, I am awed by our right to "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness." Do we even begin to understand what that really means? With a daughter in South Africa and a son-in-law in Cambodia, Independence Day takes on renewed meaning to me.

On the 50th anniversary of our independence Thomas Jefferson wrote, "Let the annual return of this day forever refresh our recollections of these rights, and an undiminished devotion to them." It was the last letter Jefferson ever wrote. He died 10 days later on July 4, 1826, on the same day within hours of his old friend, fellow Founder, and fellow former President, John Adams of Massachusetts.

As we celebrate with 41 family and friends I quietly thank our founding fathers for their foresight, intelligence, devotion and sacrifice. It was a high price they paid for this amazing country that we live in. God Bless America.

chicken leg

4th of July Oven Fried Chicken

Make ahead so you can enjoy the picnic!

1 beaten egg

3 Tbls milk

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 cup dry bread crumbs

1 tsp dried oregano

1/2 tsp paprika

2 1/2 lbs meaty chicken pieces

2 Tbls butter melted

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Combine egg and milk in a bowl. Combine Parmesan cheese, bread crumbs, oregano and paprika in a shallow dish Dip chicken pieces into egg mixture; coat with crumb mixture. Arrange chicken in a greased 15x10x1inch baking pan so pieces don't touch. Drizzle with melted butter.

Bake for 45 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink. Do not turn pieces while baking. Serve within 1 hour or cover and chill chicken. If serving later, reheat slightly just before serving.