"A Pittance of Time". How the Oneida Indian Nation helped George Washington.

Several years back a good friend of mine, Susan Gertson from Eagle Lake, Texas sent me this great song/video by Terry Kelly, and on or around Veterans Day since then I make sure I post it for all to enjoy. This Veterans Day 11/11/11 at approximately 1100 hours (11AM), please take a brief  couple of moments to remember and reflect on those who gave some or all for the freedoms we have today.


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One of the United States first allies, The Oneida Indian Nation.

For the past 10 years or so, The Oneida Indian Nations Turning Stone Casino & Resort in Oneida, NY holds a completely free Veterans Day Appreciation Breakfast open to all Veterans and their families. This breakfast isn't a standard buffet type serve yourself meal that one might expect, it's a sit down affair and meals are served personally by almost 100 servers. The meals being served are top shelf as well, consisting of various fruit cups/appetizers to Eggs Benedict and fine meats.

BTW, when this Appreciation Breakfast was first begun, only about 60-70 folks first attended. Today, this meal takes their largest Diningroom and serving staff in that well over 500 Vets and their family members now attend!!

A fact that this Veteran didn't know until about 6-7 years ago was that when George Washington and his men were starving and freezing at Valley Forge, PA, an Oneida Nation Clan mother and about 11 "braves" walked the 220 miles through deep snow, blizzards and swollen rivers/creeks to bring them very badly needed corn, food and blankets to help them. Washington was known to have said that had this brave and generous act not occurred, we might have a much different history today and would probably be speaking "the Kings English".

Over the history of our country, The Oneida's have a rich and lengthy tradition of having many men serving in our nation's militarys and Navys from The Revolutionary War to present day. Thier involvement in our nations history is really quite interesting.

The size of the Turning Stone Casino rivals any other native american casino's anywhere in the nation. There are several Pro Golf Courses on Casino property where Tiger Woods and other well known pro golfers have competed. The entertainment theaters book big name entertainers. About a month ago, the wife and myself saw Bill O'Reilly, and are looking forward to a "Four Seasons" show coming in December.

Now Sir, If'n you and the Mrs. (or maybe not the Mrs.) are looking for a place to spend a great weekend, The Turning Stone Casino/Resort is your place.

Well Sir, time t'begin think'n about Brine'n that upcome'n turkey meal.

Ya gotta excuse Cookie's absence over the past several days. Been fight'n some nasty bug that really knocked me socks off.

OK, now sir, in case ya ain't never brined a turkey let me tell ya that it will make all the difference in the world regard'n taste, tenderness and cooking time, and its actually quite simple. Over these past many years I have found this particular recipe to be the best and have received the most compliments about.

TURKEY BRINING RECIPE’

This poultry brine is perfect for the holiday turkey. By using vegetable stock you get extra flavor with a mild saltiness that makes for a perfect brine.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:
• 2 cups Kosher or coarse salt
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 gallon vegetable stock
• 1 tablespoon black peppercorns
• 1 tablespoon allspice berries (crushed slightly)
• 1/2 tablespoon candied ginger
• 1 gallon ice water

Preparation:

Pour vegetable stock into a large pot over a high heat. Add salt, brown sugar, and spices. Bring to a light boil. Remove from heat and allow to cool. Pour in ice water and stir to combine.

Place turkey in a large container (at least 4 gallon), or a brining bag that will fit your turkey. Pour brine over top. Refrigerate and brine for 1 hour per pound.

Thoroughly rinse all the brine from the turkey before cooking. Otherwise there will be a salty flavor to the turkey.