Ozark Living

Fireside s'mores Serves 4 Gather 'round the campfire, or backyard fire pit, and take turns making these irresistible toasted marshmallow treats…or their unusual variations. ese just scream summer, about as much as ice cream. 8 graham cracker squares 2 milk chocolate candy bars (1.55-oz each), each halved 4 large marshmallows 4 long-handled forks On each of 4 graham cracker squares, place candy bar half. Spear each marshmallow on long-handled fork; toast over campfire coals or over grill with low heat. Place 1 toasted marshmallow on top of each chocolate bar. Top each with cracker; press together and hold for a few seconds to melt chocolate. • Mint S´Mores - Substitute chocolate- covered mint cookies for the crackers. • Peanut Butter S´Mores - Substitute chocolate-covered peanut butter cups for the candy bars. • Rainy Days S´Mores - Substitute marshmallow creme for the toasted marshmallows. • Striped S´Mores - Substitute chocolate- striped cookies or Samoas for the graham crackers. red White and BlueBerry tart Serves 6 Patriotism for Independence Day gets all the colors of old glory showing on this tart. Great for any time this July, not just the fourth. Also it pulls double-shi, knocking out a tribute to National Blueberry Month. 1 sheet puff pastry 1 large egg 4 ounces cream cheese, soened 1/4 cup heavy cream 1/3 cup powdered confectioner's sugar 1 teaspoon lemon juice 1cup blueberries 1 cup raspberries 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (or turbinado sugar) 1. Preheat oven to 375° F. Unfold the sheet of puff pastry and transfer to a parchment- lined baking sheet. 2. Measuring 1-inch in, use a sharp knife to "score" an edge to the puff pastry. 3. Lightly beat egg and brush the 1-inch crust "border" with the beaten egg. Sprinkle with sugar (granulated, turbinado, or sparkling sugar). 4. Bake for 18-22 minutes or til golden. Remove from oven and allow to cool. Gently press center down to create space for filling and berries. 5. Using electric mixer, cream together soened cream cheese, heavy cream, powdered sugar, and lemon juice until smooth. 6. Spread filling into center of pastry and top with fresh berries in a single layer. 7. Dust with extra powdered sugar (optional). Serve and enjoy! Fried ChiCken (From my book, An Ozark Culinary History) - Serves 4 What's good hot, cold or two days old- fried chicken! is popular phrase in the South and the Ozarks lends credibility to days of church socials and summer picnics. Fried chicken really isn't bad cold making it the perfect add-on to any picnic basket, even if your gathering takes you further afield this July than your backyard! Cut up whole chicken into 8 parts, salt and pepper thoroughly, then flour pieces on a plate or shake in a paper bag. Toss bag. Heat up 1½ cups melted lard or shortening in an iron skillet of ¾ inch depth over medium- high. Sear and fry floured pieces of chicken without overcrowding skillet, usually 10 to 12 minutes per piece. Drain chicken of oil on prepared rack set over a baking sheet to catch grease. Keep warm in 300-degree oven or allow to cool to room temperature to serve. guajillo or Tajín as an alternative to basic chili powder. Some recipes use sour cream instead of mayonnaise (or a combination of the two), but I felt that the flavor was more muted with those variations. Even Greek yogurt would work for a lightened-up option. Omit cilantro if you're not a fan. OZARK lIVING • July 2022 • 13

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