Communiqué
Star Spangled Appetizing Inspirations
By: Ann Kyle
Posted on:
Old Glory, a nickname for our nation’s flag, is comprised of three significant colors: RED, being the symbol of valor and bravery; WHITE, symbolizes purity and innocence; and, BLUE, is for vigilance, perseverance and justice. For more than 200 years, Old Glory has been a reflection of the unity and strength of our country and a vision of pride when majestically billowing in the wind.
At the time of the adoption of the American flag, in 1777, the colors did not have designated meanings. The red, white and blue colors were only defined for the Great Seal of the United States in 1782. At present day, all though there have been several revisions, the flag is made up of 13 horizontal strips; 7 are red stripes and 6 are white strips which stands for the thirteen colonies. In a blue field, the stars represent the fifty Union States for a new constellation…henceforth the Stars and Stripes were born. In 1977, in the House of Representatives’ book stated “The star is a symbol of the heavens and the divine goal to which man has aspired from time immemorial; the stripe is symbolic of the rays of light emanating from the sun.”
From the website of mapsofworld.com/flags/united-states-flag there are facts about our flag that interested me such as Etiquette; Where Is The American Flag Flown 24 Hours A Day? ; and, Disposal. Proper etiquette of the flag is listed in the Flag Code of the Federal law and although it is not binding on the common citizen, but, the guidelines are prescribed:
ETIQUETTE
- Unless the flag has been so designed, it should only be flown in good weather.
- The flag must be well lit at all times, either by sunlight or artificial light sources.
- When displayed in a group of flags, the USA flag must be at the center and at the highest point.
- If the USA flag is being displayed with another flag, with the two flags having crossed staffs, the USA flag must be on the rights and have its staff in the front.
- If the flag is to be suspended overhead, the canton must be to the top towards the left of the observer, with the folds falling freely.
- Also, the flag should not be sued as an item of decoration or in any form of fashion.
WHERE IS THE AMERICAN FLAG FLOWN 24 HOURS A DAY?
- The White House in Washington, D.C.
- The Washington Monument in Washington, D.C.
- United States Marine Corp Memorial in Arlington, VA
- United States Customs Ports of Entry (in several cities and states)
- National Memorial Arch in Valley Forge, PA
- Fort McHenry National Monument in Baltimore, MD
- Flag House Square in Baltimore, MD
- On the Green of the Town of Lexington in MA
PROPER DISPOSAL
- If the United States flag becomes worn out, it should be mended properly. In case the state of the flag is beyond repair, it should be disposed in a respectful manner.
The American flag is proudly displayed daily across our great land and conveys special significance during national holidays. Memorial Day has come and gone for 2016 and we are sliding in to home with the approach of the 4th of July holiday. Obviously, our flag is a viable icon in the history of our nation and it is also an inspiration to culinary artists, home-style cooks, master and backyard chefs who create delicious dishes mimicking its design.
For recipes to keep you fit and satisfied Beachbody.com has listed several patriotic delights…
Cashew and Oat Pancakes
Total Time: 20 min.
Prep Time: 10 min.
Cooking Time: 10 min.
Yield: 7 servings, 2 hotcakes each
Ingredients:
2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
½ cup raw cashews
1 dash Himalayan salt (or sea salt)
1 large egg
1 Tbsp. coconut oil, melted
1⅓ cups distilled water
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1¾ cup mixed berries
Preparation:
1. Place oats, cashews, and salt in food processor or blender; pulse until coarsely ground.
2. Add egg, oil, water, and extract; pulse until well blended. Batter will be thick, but if it is as thick as paste add 2 to 3 additional Tbsp. of water.
3. Heat medium nonstick skillet over medium heat.
4. Spoon about ¼ cup batter into skillet for each pancake; cook for 1 to 2 minutes or until bubbles form on top.
5. Flip with spatula and cook for 30 seconds.
6. Repeat with remaining batter.
7. Serve pancakes topped evenly with berries.
Red, White and Blueberry Parfait
Total Time: 10 min.
Prep Time: 10 min.
Cooking Time: None
Yield: 1 serving
Ingredients:
1 cup reduced-fat (2%) plain Greek yogurt
¼ cup fresh strawberry slices
¼ cup fresh blueberries
½ tsp. raw honey
Preparation:
1. Place ⅓ yogurt in a tall glass. Top with ⅓ strawberries and ⅓ blueberries. Repeat layers twice. Drizzle with honey.
Peanut Butter Banana and Berry Toast
Total Time: 15 min.
Prep Time: 15 min.
Cooking Time: None
Yield: 1 slice
Ingredients:
2 tsp. all-natural almond butter
1 slice whole grain bread, toasted
11 fresh blueberries
12 fresh raspberries
¼ medium banana, cut in half lengthwise, cut into ½-inch slices
Preparation:
1. Spread almond butter evenly on toast.
2. To create a fruit flag, place five raspberries in a line parallel to the bottom of bread.
3. Place banana slices above raspberries.
4. Repeat with raspberries.
5. Place one banana slice on right side above raspberries.
6. Place two raspberries above banana slice.
7. Place one banana slice above raspberries.
8. Create a square of blueberries on the upper left corner. Serve.
Star Spangled Fruit Salad
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: None
Total Time: 15 Minutes
Yield: 4 servings, about ½ cup each
Ingredients:
1 cup fresh blueberries
1 cup watermelon
Preparation:
1. Combine blueberries, and watermelon in a medium serving bowl; toss gently to blend.
HAPPY 4TH OF JULY
***All Photos and recipe courtesy of teambeachbody.com
Sources: statessymbolusa.org; mapsofworld.com/flags/united-states-flag; swampland.time.com; and Beachbody.com