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By the time summer rolls around, those of us who live in Appalachia are ready for some outdoor activities. November is the beginning of uncomfortably cold weather in West Virginia and we're piling under layers of hats, scarves and coats to go to work and run errands. While we average in the upper twenties and low thirties in winter, it's been known to snow two feet and plunge below zero. Warm weather doesn't arrive until April or May, but after just a month of that kind of winter weather punishment, we're ready to shed our jackets and take off our shoes and celebrate spring and summer. Besides, navigating snowy, icy roads that wind around these old mountain roads takes a toll on a person's nerves.
With the mighty Ohio River cutting its way through our mountains, there's plenty of boating to look forward to, and hikers and ATV riders hit their respective trails in the spring. There's camping at many state resorts and even some world-class white-water rafting within a two-hour drive from my house. I'm not so ambitious. I like to celebrate spring and enjoy summer by relaxing with a drink around the pool and cooking out with a few friends. It reminds me of being a kid again, and being out of school for the summer. As a kid, it was fun to grill out down the street at Grandma's house. Grandpa was the one who stood outside in the heat over the flames cooking T-bone steaks, while Grandma baked potatoes and boiled corn on the cob. And even though the food wasn't as good, I loved to Kewaneee Park at the head of Chattaroy Holler, for a picnic. Meat was cooked on the open fire in the brick barbecue pits and salads and cookies were spread out under one of many shelters, the only shade available at the park. It didn't matter who sponsored the event, it was always a good time. Somebody would get a softball game started, and maybe some badminton, but the best part was the creek running along the lower end; I loved to play in the water and catch crawdads. Today, grilling doesn't have to be fancy or sophisticated, either. While steaks are great and chicken's delicious, I'm happy to get a sizzling hot dog hot off the fire.
The copyright of the article All-Appalachian Cookout: Hot dogs in Appalachian Cooking is owned by . Permission to republish All-Appalachian Cookout: Hot dogs in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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