At the height of summer, burgers and ice cream make an unbeatable combination. Even the most sophisticated palates can appreciate an expertly pressed patty of ground sirloin, lamb or bison, and if you’ve got the right equipment to churn out homemade ice cream, the fruits of the season can be turned into a delectable dessert.
Although some may think that there is little science to pressing out a perfect beef patty, it’s a little known fact that over-handling the meat can result in tougher, less flavorful burgers. To help solve this problem – and to streamline the process of pressing out meat for backyard barbecues – Weston offers a line of durable, nonstick burger presses that allow cooks to adjust the thickness of the patties. Equipped with spring plunger buttons and offered in both a single and double-patty style, Weston’s burger presses ensure that your meat stays together on the grill and that it doesn’t suffer from too much manhandling. If you’re planning a large get-together, you may also want to pick up some of Weston’s hamburger patty paper to separate pre-pressed burgers and aid efficiency at the grill. Presses range from $19.95 to $39.99.
The White Mountain Brand Electric Ice Cream Maker is our pick for serving up the homemade frozen indulgence. The company, founded in 1850, makes reliable and rustic-looking ice cream churns constructed of select pine tongue and groove planks from New England. Sturdy metal bands hold the bucket together, which is then stained, sealed and lacquered for years of use. If you’re up for saving some electricity and a little rewarding labor, the company still offers its original hand-turned bucket. Otherwise, you can sit back and watch the work of its electric mixer, equipped with a powerful motor and a triple blade that creates between 4 and 6 quarts of smooth ice cream in 20 to 40 minutes. $170-$230; free shipping.
“No event in American history which was so improbable at the time has seemed so inevitable in retrospect as the American Revolution.” This is the starting point of Joseph Ellis’ book Founding Brothers – The Revolutionary Generation. Over the next few hundred pages Ellis takes us on a journey observing the intertwined lives of Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, James Madison, John Adams, Aaron Burr, Alexander Hamilton and Benjamin Franklin.
Through six moments in history, we follow these founders into a secret dinner that determined our nation’s capital, a deadly duel, a leader’s unprecedented farewell address, a petition that would’ve ended slavery nearly a century earlier, an unlikely political collaboration, and an odd friendship that gave us the most important correspondence of American statesmen.
Founding Brothers offers a unique perspective on the formation of our nation, focusing on the private lives that would form the public legacies. Ellis believes that ultimately what formed and endured as the American republic was shaped less by documents and laws, but by the interaction, character and values of these men.
We aren’t sure if the term lawn “sport” is really accurate since you’re practically required to have one hand on a cold beverage for the duration of the competition. Regardless of what you call it, these games are precisely what the backyard was created for.
Kubb
Have some Brannvin and sing a round of “Helan Gar” while you play this Swedish lawn game that claims to date back to the Vikings. Use your Battle Axes to knock over all of your opponent’s Shields and you’re a conqueror. Probably the most addicting game you’ve never played.
Cornhole
The name still prompts some scoffing, but that shouldn’t stop anyone from knowing the sweet feeling of winning a game by your bag going straight through the hole without touching the board.
Bocce
The Italian bowling game for old men is having quite a renaissance these days. The eight balls and a pallino can really be played on any type of surface (sand, dirt, grass), allowing you to mix up the speed and approach to the game.
Croquet
The decidedly English pastime of hitting balls with a mallet through hoops staked in the grass. Your form is always better with a Pimms in hand.
More: check out these videos by Tretorn on how to play Bocce and Croquet.
If you think this July 4th you’re being a hardcore American by drinking Budweiser, you should know that a Belgian/Brazilian company bought the brewer in 2008. To take our patriotism up a notch, we asked our friends at Hop City Craft Beer and Wine to recommend five excellent summer brews made in the USA. You can find these options and about 1,600 others at their shop in West Midtown Atlanta.
Peak Organic Summer Session Ale (Portland, ME)
Like most summer beers, this is lightweight and easy. However, the hop structure on this USDA-certified organic has a bright burst of Amarillo hops on the finish to compliment the understated wheat/citrus body.
Southern Tier Hopsun (Lakewood, NY)
This filtered wheat beer is the lovechild of the classic German hefeweizen and the pilsner. It’s dry and crisp with a hint of banana and citrus and pairs perfectly with spicy foods.
Red Brick Summer (Atlanta, GA):
This classic hefeweizen was reformulated this year resulting in a beer that’s chewy, thick and lemony. An unfiltered wheat with copious amounts of bitter lemon and orange, it pairs well with salads and lemon chicken.
Flying Dog Raging Bitch Belgian IPA (Frederick, MD):
You can’t have a summer beer list without one IPA. This one combines the hop profile of an American IPA with the yeast DNA of a Belgian Tripel. The result is a big dose of banana up front with a smack of citrus hops on the finish. This beer will appeal to the classic fan as well as Belgian-lovers alike.
Rogue Somer Honey Ale (Newport, OR):
An interesting barley/wheat hybrid, this beer is long on sweetness without losing its light-drinking summer body. It’s moderately hazy in the glass with lots of ripe orange flavor to balance out the floral aroma and honey. Start your evening with this beer on the back porch before dinner.
Clockwise: Tokyo Bay Basic, Smith & Wesson Military Watch, Tokyo Bay Barber
Lighten up your summer wardrobe options by ditching your steel or leather band watch and go with canvas or nylon. These vintage inspired watches are all under $100 and can work at the office or the beach.
Tokyobay
Basic $75
Barber $75
Smith & Wesson
Military Watch $30
Rothco
Military Style Quartz $18
U.S. Calvary
Squad Leader $32
Timex
Heritage $95
