Independence Day!

The Fourth of July is coming up quickly! Independence Day, more commonly known as The Fourth of July, is the celebration of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. The Declaration (you guessed it!) declared our independence from Great Britain as a free and sovereign nation. 

Fun Facts: 

• Thomas Jefferson and John Adams both died on the same day, which happened to be the 4th of July.

• James Monroe also died on a later 4th of July, making the 3rd President in a row to die on the 4th.

• Calvin Coolidge is our only President to have been born on the 4th of July.

• Congress actually approved the resolution for independence on July 2nd

• Though the Declaration of Independence is dated July 4th, it's thought by historians that many of the signatures weren't added until August

Here's a fun traditional alternative to regular barbecue sauce for your picnics on Thursday:

Southern Mustard Barbecue Sauce

• 3/4 cup yellow mustard
• 3/4 cup cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
• 1 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 1/4 teaspoons fresh ground black pepper
• 2 teaspoons hot sauce (to taste)

Combine all ingredients in a saucepan and whisk. Simmer, stirring occasionally, for 20 to 30 minutes. Let cool and store in the fridge.

And because it's inevitable:

How to Remove Barbecue Sauce Stains

• Apply detergent to the affected area and soak in warm water for 15 minutes

• Rinse out the detergent and scrub the area with white vinegar

• Run through the wash like normal

And until next time, keep it clean!