This is an apple pandowdy made from a recipe used by Abigail Adams, America’s second First Lady. It looks a little rough, but apparently it was delicious.

JENNIFER WILSON | June 30, 2022

If you are like most Americans, you will begin your celebration of the Fourth of July by gathering together with family and friends, and you will end the big day watching a spectacular fireworks show. In between these two events, you will more than likely stuff yourself silly with a variety of delicious foods, and vow to “never eat this much again.”

Our choice for July 4th fare in Texas is pretty standard throughout the country: hamburgers, hot dogs, BBQ, potato salad, coleslaw, corn on the cob, watermelon, chips, salsa, queso (OK, so maybe those latter three aren’t standard throughout the USA, but they certainly are here), and the obligatory patriotic dessert made with Cool Whip and decorated with blueberries and strawberries.

Bud did you ever give any thought to what type of food people ate during the very early years of our nation’s independence? That very question led me to do some research in order to write this article. It turns out, not too much has changed in 246 years.

According to a much-debated legend, John Adams (our second president) and his wife Abigail celebrated the very first July 4th with a meal of turtle soup, poached salmon with egg sauce, green peas, boiled potatoes, Indian pudding (a baked custard with molasses, cornmeal, milk, and spices), and apple pandowdy (skillet cooked fruit topped with a pastry-like crust).

I would have left this event fairly disappointed. I would have refused the soup and both of the desserts and probably grumbled about it all the way home. Picky eaters aside, most historians agree that this type of fare was fairly standard for New England celebrations.

Future Independence Days continued to be celebrated with friendly gatherings and sharing of food. Turtle soup would most assuredly have been served — it was an extremely popular summertime dish. Its popularity began to decline once the turtle populations began to deteriorate, and New Englanders had to look to something that was a little more sustainable.

In all probability, the southern colonies most likely celebrated with some type of BBQ, although it wasn’t exactly what we would deem BBQ by our current standards. In order to explain, let’s dive into a very brief history of BBQ in the United States.

Cooking meat over an open flame has been around since the day mankind decided that eating a raw carcass was gross. The English tradition of an ox-roast dates to the Middle Ages, with an entire ox being turned on a spit while roasting from below.

British settlers would have brought this technique with them when they settled in the Virginia colony. When the ox-roast was combined with the smoking methods of the indigenous Powhatans, a form of modern-day BBQ was born. In fact, by the late 1700s, the term “barbecue” was known as a cooking process, a descriptor for a kind of cooked meat, and a form of entertainment.

BBQ’s reputation as a “party food” would only increase as the July 4th celebration became a prominent civic and social event — becoming a community’s largest festival of the year.

Back to that turtle soup…

Although it is almost certain that New England colonies would have increasingly included an ox-roast along with or to replace their dwindling supply of turtle soup, by 1800 these Northerners came to their senses and decided that the southern-style BBQ was the preferential style. Cows, pigs, and sheep provided the most common meat, and the basting sauce was simple: vinegar and red pepper.

Colony by colony and city by city, July 4th celebrations continued to expand and even began to move west as settlers started exploring the frontier.

These massive community parties all had the same format: a military parade, reading the Declaration of Independence, speeches by local politicians, toasts to the powers that be, music, fireworks and free BBQ.

Prominent men would host and fund these celebrations, as much to curry favor with the locals and those with voting power, as to celebrate our nation.

In the early 20th century, these large community celebrations began to get smaller and smaller. Rising meat and labor prices led to admission fees, and outdoor cooking methods changed. Instead of digging a large trench to house the cooking elements, brick-lined pits were coming into fashion, necessitating the switch to smaller cuts of meat. By the 1920s, people began building their own personal backyard BBQ pits, which eventually led to the mass market production of home grills. The 1950s saw an explosion in the popularity of the home grill, paving the way for home-cooked hamburgers, hot dogs, and, yes, BBQ.

So, I guess our forebears’ main celebratory meals were not greatly different than the ones we eat today.

Sure, the wide array of BBQ sauces we have would raise some eyebrows, and they might stare in wonder at some of our side dishes, but the grilled and smoked meats of 2022 would certainly not cause a stir if they were to appear on the plates of those 1776 celebrators.

I wonder what they would think of Cool Whip?

Happy Fourth of July!

Sources for this story include: www.foodliteracycenter.org and www.fortune.com

Abigail Adams’ Apple Pandowdy

The following recipe is purported to be from Abigail Adams herself. Maybe you’ll be inspired to bake up some history this July 4th weekend!

Pastry

·         1 ½ cup flour

·         ½ cup shortening

·         ¼ teaspoon salt

·         ¼ cup butter, melted

·         3 to 4 Tbs ice water

Cut the shortening into the flour and salt with a pastry cutter. Sprinkle the ice water over the dough, adding only enough to hold the dough together. Roll out to ¼ inch thickness and brush with ¼ cup melted butter. Cut the pastry in half. Place one half on top of the other. Cut again and again until you have 16 separate pieces piled up. Press them lightly together. Chill the dough for 1 hour. Roll pastry again and cut in half. Roll one half to fit the bottom of the baking dish and the other half to fit the top.

(Depending on the size dish you use, you might want to double the pastry recipe. Or, you can cover just the top)

Filling

·         ½ cup sugar

·         ½ tsp cinnamon

·         ¼ tsp nutmeg

·         ¼ tsp salt

·         10 Newtown Pippin apples (see note)

·         ¼ cup molasses

·         3 Tbs melted butter

·         ¼ cup water

Core, peel, and slice the apples. Mix with sugar and spices, and put in a pastry-lined dish. Combine molasses with butter and water. Pour this mixture over the apples. Cover with the top crust and seal. Bake at 400 degrees for 10 minutes, then reduce heat to 325 degrees. “Dowdy” the dish by cutting the upper crust into the apple filling with a sharp knife. Bake one hour or until the apples are bubbling vigorously. Serve hot with ice cream or whipped cream.

Note: Newtown Pippin are a late winter apple. Simply use your favorite baking apple.

Courtesy of Adams National Historic Park, Quincy, MA

Here’s a list of First Friday happenings:

Fire Base Brewing –  Will kick-off America's Birthday with an awesome First Friday Block Party featuring the music of Donna Beckham at 6:30 p.m.. You can join them in Downtown Temple for wood-fired pizza from Bahler Street Food Truck, vendors, cigars, axe throwing and cold craft beer! Wear your Red White & Blue!  

Ras Kitchen – Will put on an evening of dance called, ‘Savor Latin Night’.  Skilled dance instructor Kate Keiling will help you learn the foundation and basic Latin dance moves of salsa and bachata. Each consecutive class will be an attempt to build on what we learned before. But, if it's your first time, you'll also be able to follow along! A social with a live DJ will be held afterward to practice what we've learned. Classes are beginner-friendly and there's no requirement to bring a partner

Tour Temple & Corky’s Wine Bar — Will present Karaoke Night with DJ Bryan Hogue.  Also, earlier in the evening, they’ll offer a beer and wine trail bus tour from 4-8 PM.

J& M’s Dogs & Paninis — at 8 E Avenue A.  Will be open all evening serving up the finest quality hotdogs, paninis, and ice-cold beer and soft drinks.

Mexiko Cafe –  Will put on a live show by the band,  ‘Astron+55’, and will offer an Independence Day Happy Hour all day with all beers priced at $3 and featuring their spiked Watermelon Agua Fresca which will also be available ‘to-go’ in an adult drink pouch.

EZ Pawn - Will put on an Independence Day party at 24 S 1st Street with a Fourth of July themed photo op and bead necklaces, and flags to all guests, They will also be handing out free drinks and offering discounts on all First Friday purchases.

Mo’s Railyard Saloon – Will have an awesome Fun in the Sun party with music by DJ Smooth, $3 Red White & Blue frozen margaritas, Black Frozen Margaritas, and Pulled Port Sandwiches.

O'Briens Irish Pub – Will offer 20 percent off an appetizer when you mention First Friday.

Bird Creek Burger - Will offer half-priced appetizers (excluding chili), and happy-hour prices all day with $2.50 domestics, $3 draft beer, and $4 select glasses of wine.

Artist Noel Johnson – Will hold an art sale on the sidewalk next door to O’Briens Irish Pub

Green Door –  Will offer 20% off an appetizer when you mention First Friday and will put on a live piano show by Russell Boyd.

The Yard-Food Truck Plaza – Will offer tasty eats from several food trucks:

• The ‘Taqueria Mi Lindo Nayarit’ food truck - Will offer a 10% discount to any guest who mentions First Friday.

• The ‘Chock Full of Cheese’ food truck – Will offer a 10% discount to any guest who mentions First Friday.

• The ‘808 Island Grindz’ food truck - Will offer a 10% discount to any guest who mentions First Friday.

• The ‘Mama Lama Mobile Kitchen’ food truck - Will offer a 10% discount to any guest who mentions First Friday.

Precious Memories Flower and Gift Shop — Will be celebrating the First Friday on July 1st All Day!!  So please stop by for your gift of a patriotic fresh floral bouquet while supplies last!! They will also offer discounts, product sampling, and a Patriotic backdrop for photo ops!!

Cha Community – Will put on their first Asian dumpling cooking training workshop. This event is by reservation only, and as a result, the shop will be closed to the general public.  But they will still have an on-site presence on First Friday because their mobile boba tea truck will be parked in front of their shop at 7 N Main Street from 5-8 pm!  Truck menu options include - Milky Way, Green Tea, Galaxy Lemonade, and Vietnamese Coffee. Also, they’ll offer a First Friday special: a free topping for each drink

Darling Décor and More – Will hold a summer clearance sale with 20-75% Off select items.

The Parlour Antiques & Oddities – For their July First Friday activity, they will teach crafters to make mini cat skull terrariums. Each kit will cost $15, and it will include a 3d printed mini cat skull, a glass jar, and everything else you need to make your own terrariums. They will also hold an Independence Day party with free snacks and beverages, and all customers will be given a chance to spin the wheel for cool prizes.

FoxDog – Will have the Munchie Monster Food Truck on-site, and as always, they'll be serving up the finest coffee, craft beer, and wine from 4:30-10 pm. Guests can come try over 2 dozen local Texas drink options!

Treno Pizzeria & Taproom – Will offer discounts on selected beers & wines; and as always, Treno’s pizza chefs will be baking up tasty fresh hot pizza pies.

The Hub –   Will be open until 8 pm and will offer Independence Day refreshments for First Friday shoppers.

BJ’s Brewery and Tasting Room – Will have Lulamae’s Cajun Food Truck out front, and as always they’ll be serving up lots of cold craft brews on tap to First Friday guests.

Kowboy Wine Bar – Will have a live show by Pat Marshall and will be serving up great wines and beer all evening to First Friday guests.

Cheeves Brothers Steak House –  Will let you take your pick of appetizers from their menu which will be 1/2 off from 5-7 pm in their bar and lounge. They will also offer 1/2 priced specials on selected beers, wines by the glass, and call-level liquors

La Dalat - Will offer 10% off appetizers and $3 for coffee or hot tea to anyone who mentions First Friday.

PJ’s Tabletop & Catering – Will be open all evening to serve First Friday Guests.

Thai Cafe – Will be open all evening to serve First Friday Guests.

Pignetti’s – Will feature Lobster Night and Osso Buco.

Nami Japanese Steak & Sushi — Will offer the following First Friday happy-hour specials on select appetizers, drinks and sushi rolls.

The Smokehouse Restaurant – Will set up a pop-up eatery at the location of their future restaurant at 9 N Main Street; the Black Axe throwing trailer will be on-site, and they’ll be serving up cold beer, and more.

 ‘Artist 2 Artist Showcase’ will stage an art show and vendor sale at the Main Street Courtyard at 5 S. Main Street. This month, you’ll be able to shop with lots of cool local vendors and have a slice of pizza with Pizza & Beats’

NOT ON THE LIST? Let us know TODAY and we can add you for Friday’s issue. OurTownTemple@gmail.com

Thursday’s best bets

• Poetry & Music Open Mic Night at Corky’s with Nate Biddy. Sign up at 6:30, show at 7.

• Pre Fourth of July Cornhole Tournament at FoxDog Beer Garden. 5-8 p.m.

• Texas Red’s Taproom Trivia at Fire Base Brewing. 7 p.m.

• Karaoke at Bo’s Barn. 8:30 p.m.

• Trivia Night at Fire Street Pizza in Belton. There will be 6 rounds of themed trivia to test your knowledge of all things trivia! Other categories will include Movies, Sports, music, and more! Play from your phone! FREE to play! Join anytime. Winners walk away with FSP swag, free pizzas and bragging rights! 6 p.m.

Friday, July 1

• Sweatin’ With The Oldies at Sammons Community Center. 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Join Kathy Patterson as she leads these extremely popular exercise sessions designed especially for those with mobility issues or who have difficulty standing while exercising. Slow stretches and comfortable balance exercises, while seated or in contact with a chair, will help tone and strengthen muscles to increase mobility and flexibility. Gradual use of hand weights and stretch bands is also incorporated. Easily adaptable for those with physical limitations. Two convenient session times to choose from. For more information, call 254.298.5403.

• Fourth of July PRCA Rodeo at Bell County Expo Center. 7 p.m.

• Kenny Orts & No Chance live at Bo’s Barn. 8 p.m. Tickets: bosbarndancehall.com

• Wes Perryman live at 8 p.m. at Barrow Brewing Co.

• First Friday in Downtown Temple. 5-9 p.m. Join us downtown for First Friday, on July 1st for amazing drinks, food, and specials. The #FirstFriday Downtown Temple turns into a party!

• Savor Latin Night at Ras Kitchen. 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Join us to learn the foundation and basic Latin dance moves of salsa and bachata. Then take what you've learn for a night of social dancing.

Saturday, July 2

• Jade Nickol live at Barrow Brewing. 7:30 p.m. Farmers Market, 9-1.

• Star Wars Themed Trivia at Fire Base Brewing. Free to play. 7:30 p.m.

• All-Star Family Day at Temple Railroad & Heritage Museum. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Experience the fun of baseball and learn about baseball history. Come enjoy sports-themed crafts and activities for the whole family. 

• Fourth of July PRCA Rodeo at the Bell County Expo Center. 7 p.m.

• Indie pop group Amber Dreams live at Treno Pizzeria & Taproom. 6-8 p.m.. "We will play our album, some covers, and preview our new singles."

• Temple Coyotes FC soccer at Woodson Field. Fun starts at 6, game starts at 7:30 p.m.

• People’s Choice live at Bo’s Barn. 9 p.m. Tickets: bosbarndancehall.com

• Real Gun Show at the Bell County Expo Center’s Assembly Hall. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• Holly Tucker live at Cyclone Corral. 7 p.m.

Sunday, July 3

• SummerFest Celebration at Morgan’s Point Resort. 3 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Kleypas Park, 51 Morgan’s Point Blvd. Come join us and the Morgan's Point Resort Community to celebrate and honor America with a day full of fun, food & Fireworks! Live music by The Billy Holt Band. Food Trucks, Vendors, Bouncy House & inflatable obstacle course for the kiddos! 

• Fire Base will be out at the Morgan's Point Resort Summerfest & Fireworks Show 3-9:30p. Taproom will be closed.

• Lilly Milford live at Barrow Brewing. 4 p.m. Summer Lecture Series at 2 p.m.

• Fourth of July PRCA Rodeo at the Bell County Expo Center. 7 p.m.

• Real Gun Show at the Bell County Expo Center’s Assembly Hall. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Independence Day Scooter Scavenger Hunt sponsored by Corky's and Tour Temple. 

• Summer Lecture Series, 2 p.m. at Barrow Brewing Co. Live music TBD

• Martian Folk live at Fire Street Pizza in Belton. Noon.

Fourth of July

• Family Fun Fest & Fireworks Show at Crossroads Park in Temple. It’s Free! The park will open at 4 pm, live music by Brodie Lane will begin at 7 pm and the fireworks show will begin at 9:30 pm. Bring your family and friends to this free event to enjoy some Fourth of July fun! Crossroads Park is located at 1020 Research Parkway in Temple. Fireworks display begins about 9:30 pm.

• Fourth of July Parade. Historic Preservation League of Temple. 9th Street from French to Nugent. 9 a.m.

• Belton Fourth of July Parade in downtown Belton. 10 a.m. 

• Independence Day Service. You’re invited to join Christ Episcopal Church at 6 p.m. for an Independence Day service to celebrate the character of this nation that sustains us. Love of God. Love of Country. Love for each other. The Rev. Keith Pozzuto, Rector, will lead the service. Christ Episcopal Church is located at 300 N. Main in Downtown Temple.

• Hot Dog Eating Contest at High Noon, Yettie Polk Park. Sponsored by High 5 Hot Dogs. Divisions for adults and kids, plus big raffle. Visit https://business.beltonchamber.com/events/details/2022-4th-of-july-parade-16507

Tuesday, July 5

• Tai Chi at Sammons Community Center. 3 p.m. This ancient Chinese exercise and martial art promote vitality, balance, strength, and longevity. Using special breathing techniques and slow, precise physical movements, Tai Chi can help curtail arthritis, respiratory disease, and high blood pressure. Regular practice of this “Moving Meditation” also provides health benefits of stress reduction, mental alertness, and increased energy. This on-going course is adaptable for all levels of mobility. Led by Christopher Dow, who has practiced this and related Chi Kung exercise forms for 42 years. For more information, call 254.298.5403.

Wednesday, July 6

• Sweatin’ With The Oldies at Sammons Community Center. 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Join Kathy Patterson as she leads these extremely popular exercise sessions designed especially for those with mobility issues or who have difficulty standing while exercising. Slow stretches and comfortable balance exercises, while seated or in contact with a chair, will help tone and strengthen muscles to increase mobility and flexibility. Gradual use of hand weights and stretch bands is also incorporated. Easily adaptable for those with physical limitations. Two convenient session times to choose from. For more information, call 254.298.5403.

• Open Mic Night at Fire Base Brewing featuring Maxx Carter. Free for all musicians!

• Temple Coyotes FC soccer at Woodson Field. Fun starts at 6, game starts at 7:30 p.m.

Need to add an event? OurTownTemple@gmail.com

In early Temple, local fun often involved hard liquor, fighting and shooting? The gunplay usually had the same target. What was it? ANSWER AT END OF TODAY’S ISSUE

On this day in 1922, legendary Texas fiddler Alexander (Eck) Robertson, along with fiddler Henry C. Gilliland, made what most country music historians consider the first commercial recordings of country music. The duets included the famous "Arkansas Traveler" and "Turkey in the Straw." The following day, Robertson returned to the studio without Gilliland and recorded six additional tracks solo, including the popular "Sallie Gooden," as well as two tracks that were never released. The Victor Talking Machine Company issued a limited release of "Arkansas Traveler" and "Sallie Gooden" in September 1922, but not until April 1923 was the disc in wide circulation. Two other recordings of Robertson were released later in 1923 and 1924. Robertson set the trend for future performers, as fourteen Central Texas fiddlers succeeded him by recording commercially in the years shortly following his first recording.

TODAY’S TEMPLE TRIVIA ANSWER: Trains. Most of the people in early Temple had a strong connection to the railroad, and when they got drunk, they thought it was fun to shoot at passing trains.