Paula Deen Lights Up the Grill in July

SMITHFIELD, Va., June 14 /PRNewswire/ -- Celebrating independence is something one of America's favorite Southern cooks, Paula Deen, knows a lot about. Hers is a true American success story -- starting out with just $200 and two teenage sons when she launched a catering service out of her home, eventually becoming a highly successful businesswoman with a huge and loyal audience.

But above all, Deen underscores the importance of family. She has partnered with Smithfield to promote the value of cooking dinner and sharing meals together. This partnership encourages families to prepare and enjoy home-cooked meals as a way to promote nutrition.

"A key part of rounding up family members for a special holiday or everyday meal is preparing wholesome and nutritious food that children and their parents want to eat," Deen said. "When you combine my years of experience in the kitchen with Smithfield's top-quality products like their smoked pork chops, together we can whip up some meals that families can't wait to share."

The partnership is one made for Star-Spangled celebrations. Deen, known for her "down-home" personality and traditional Southern cooking, has authored several cookbooks and hosts several shows on the Food Network. Smithfield is one of America's leading meat companies specializing in ribs, naturally smoked sausage and hot dogs that are made for the grill.

Deen's southern roots include the tradition of passing recipes down from generation to generation. Many of those recipes -- like Cherry Rosemary BBQ Ribs, Bacon-Wrapped Grilled Corn on the Cob, Mini Lemon Pork Tenderloin Sandwiches and Sausage Biscuits -- she shares in her cookbooks, on stage, in her restaurants and at www.smithfield.com.

Bacon-Wrapped Grilled Corn on the Cob

Servings: 6
Cooking Time: 20 Minutes
Smithfield Product: Bacon

Ingredients:
1 pound Smithfield Bacon
3 ears corn

Steps:

Gently pull back the husk exposing the corn. Do not remove the husk. Remove the corn silk and use a brush to make sure all the silk is removed. Bring husks back up around corn and soak the corn with the silks removed in cold water for 30 minutes. This will prevent the husks from charring. Preheat a grill to medium heat. Remove from the water and pat dry. Gently pull husks back from the corn. Take a strip of bacon and wrap it around the corn. Fold the corn leaves back over, covering the bacon and corn. Tie the leaves with string and repeat the process for each ear of corn. (Trim the string so it doesn't fall into the fire.) Place the ears of corn on the hot grill and cook, turning occasionally until bacon is cooked and corn is tender, approximately 15 to 20 minutes.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve with Smithfield Marinated Peppercorn and Garlic Pork Tenderloin.

Source: Smithfield Foods

Web site: http://www.smithfield.com/

Philly's More Fun...When You Celebrate The Fourth of July

Hall & Oates, Chaka Kahn, Salsa Dancing, Fireworks and an Archaeological Dig in Progress Make Philly the Place to be on the Fourth

PHILADELPHIA, June 14 /PRNewswire/ -- Really, where better to celebrate America's birthday than in the city where it all began?

New attractions throughout Independence Mall provide visitors with expanded access and unprecedented opportunities to mark the nation's anniversary. But visitors to Philadelphia this Fourth of July have the unique opportunity to witness history revealed first hand.

An archaeological dig taking place at the soon-to-be-constructed President's House Commemorative Site, which will mark the location of the nation's former Executive Mansion and honor the enslaved people held there by President George Washington, continues to uncover artifacts from the location.

The dig has surprised even some historians by turning up evidence of the enslaved Africans who lived and worked there. Located by the Liberty Bell Center and Independence Hall, the site offers a stark contrast between our nation's independence and the paradox of slavery. Currently, a public viewing platform, where archaeologists are available to answer questions, is open daily from 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. through July 4, 2007.

Not only can visitors witness history uncovered in Philadelphia this Fourth of July, but they can also be a part of history. Sunoco Welcome America!, the week-long citywide birthday bash, is aiming to earn a Guinness World Record for the number of dancers performing the salsa at once during the annual Salsa con Salsa on July 3, 2007. More than 400 local dance studios are offering free salsa classes to participants in advance of the choreographed event.

Here's a look at just some of the many activities taking place in Philly over the Fourth:

-- Six Days of the Fourth - The Independence Visitor Center celebrates
America's independence with activities before and after the big day.
For a behind-the-scenes look at what went on with the Founding Fathers,
a Breakfast With Ben provides all the details. Hear Ye! Hear Ye! takes
the action outside where Colonial characters read the Declaration of
Independence while fifes and drums play in the background.
June 28-July 4. 6th & Market Streets, (215) 925-6101,
http://www.independencevisitorcenter.com/

-- J Moss on the Gospel Stage - One of the best-loved contemporary gospel
singers, J Moss, a former collaborator of R&B group Destiny's Child,
enchants the ears of new and old gospel fans at the Great Plaza at
Penn's Landing. June 29. Columbus Boulevard at Walnut Street,
(800) 537-7676, http://www.americasbirthday.com/

-- Penn's Landing Party and Fireworks - Throughout the summer, Penn's
Landing heritage festivals and outdoor film screenings draw crowds. But
things really kick into high gear with family-friendly holiday events,
including a gospel concert, All-You-Can-Eat Ice Cream Festival and the
spectacular fireworks display that lights up the Delaware River.
June 29-July 1. Columbus Boulevard at Walnut Street, (215) 922-2-FUN,
http://www.pennslandingcorp.com/

-- Chaka Khan at Penn's Landing - The dynamic Grammy-winning R & B diva,
Chaka Khan, dazzles audiences along the Delaware River with her solid
gold hits. June 30. Columbus Boulevard at Walnut Street,
(800) 537-7676, http://www.americasbirthday.com/

-- Family Fun Days at Franklin Square - As if the Philly Mini Golf,
carousel rides and two spiffy new playgrounds aren't enough, Historic
Philadelphia's newest attraction will be decked out in red, white and
blue for a weekend of games, prizes, family entertainment and
activities. June 30-July 1. 6th & Race Streets, (215) 629-4026,
http://www.onceuponanation.org/

-- Taste of Philadelphia - During this outdoor celebration of the city's
favorite foods, hungry visitors can sample specialties from dozens of
restaurants that bring their culinary skills to this outdoor event.
June 30-July 1. Independence Mall, (800) 537-7676,
http://www.americasbirthday.com/

-- Independence Day Celebration - In the days leading up to the Fourth of
July, the merriment at the National Constitution Center spills indoors
and out with games, activities, fun, food and the Independence Day
Show, featuring a cannon and a 13-gun salute. June 30-July 4.
525 Arch Street, (215) 409-6700, http://www.constitutioncenter.org/

-- Fiesta Goya on the Parkway "Salsa con Salsa" - Talented Latin singers
will get the crowd moving with their lively and award-winning beats.
July 3. 20th Street & the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, (800) 537-7676,
http://www.americasbirthday.com/

-- Pops on Independence Concert - As American as apple pie, Peter Nero &
the Philly Pops entertain crowds with their lively renditions of
patriotic tunes, all right in front of Independence Hall, no less.
July 3. 5th & Chestnut Streets, (215) 629-4026,
http://www.onceuponanation.org/

-- Let Freedom Ring - Usually silent, the Liberty Bell "rings" once a year
during this ceremony in which a youthful descendent of one of the
signers of the Declaration of Independence taps the Bell to remind the
crowd of its message of freedom. July 4. Liberty Bell Center,
6th & Chestnut Streets, (800) 537-7676, http://www.americasbirthday.com/

-- Independence Day Ceremonies - Before the birthday parties begin, the
city pays tribute to the men and women who declared independence, who
fought for America's freedom and who, for centuries defended the
nation's liberty. Patriotic music, presentations and other activities
highlight this moving ceremony in the shadow of Independence Hall.
July 4. 6th & Chestnut Streets, (800) 537-7676,
http://www.americasbirthday.com/

-- Party on the Parkway, Parade and Fireworks - After the flag-waving,
music-playing, rousing Southwest Airlines July 4th Parade up the
Benjamin Franklin Parkway, the evening culminates with a concert by
rock legends Hall & Oates; and if this year is anything like years
past, an eye-popping, jaw-dropping fireworks display over the
Philadelphia Museum of Art. July 4. 26th Street & the Benjamin Franklin
Parkway, (800) 537-7676, http://www.americasbirthday.com/

The Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation (GPTMC) builds the region's economy and image through destination marketing to increase the number of visitors, the number of nights they stay and the number of things they do in the five-county region. For more information about travel to Philadelphia, visit http://www.gophila.com/ or call the Independence Visitor Center, located in Independence National Historical Park, at (800) 537-7676.

Source: Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation

Web site: http://www.gophila.com/
http://www.independencevisitorcenter.com/
http://www.americasbirthday.com/
http://www.pennslandingcorp.com/
http://www.onceuponanation.org/
http://www.constitutioncenter.org/