Cultural Construct

This blog is devoted to food and culture, Scandinavian and Americana inspired blurbs, anything kind of quirky, the 80s, and occasional cat blogging.

http://culturalconstruct.blogspot.com/

Midsommar prep

By Patrice Johnson, Cultural Construct

In Minnesota this year we have two weeks of Midsommar celebratory options, which is ironic considering we have yet to experience spring. Perhaps the iffy weather will make the festivities even sweeter. Our celebration begins tomorrow with a trot through the grounds at American Swedish Institute, a dance around the maypole, and indulging in a pastry or two from FIKA. Then our group will come back to our place for a Nordic feast worthy of any Scandinavian. Next weekend we head to events at Svenskarnas Dag (Swedish Heritage Day) and picnic along the Minnehaha Falls.

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Cultural Construct

Dads, grills, steaks, and sauce

By Patrice Johnson, Cultural Construct

The first time I saw someone eat a plate of pink prime rib with its quivering fat and bloody puddles, I nearly fainted. My dad was one of those guys who could only eat meat that was burned. I mean, incinerated. He fried his bacon in butter until it was black. He fried his meatballs in butter until they were black. His steak? The same. I grew up thinking that well done was the only way to cook meat. As a result, I hated beef and stuck to seafood, fish, and the occasional pork chop. When I was confronted with a plate of charred beef, I added a pool of my favorite steak sauce, A1.

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Cultural Construct

Grill power in bleak weather

By Patrice Johnson, Cultural Construct

When the sun doesn't shine for weeks at a time, when all roads to success are actually dead ends, when the world seems to be falling apart around us, we look for empowerment in familiar places. I turn to the grill. It is often the only area where my success is guaranteed.

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Cultural Construct

The morel of the story

By Patrice Johnson, Cultural Construct

'Tis the season of morels in Minnesota, a brief but beautiful time of year. The first time I met these guys they were handed to me discretely in a brown paper bag. It felt like a drug deal. "These are really good," the guy told me. "Don't tell anyone I gave them to you." He flashed me what I assumed was a secret morel mushroom smile.

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Cultural Construct

Memorial Day weekend: Time again for the grill fascist

By Patrice Johnson, Cultural Construct

When it comes to outdoor cooking I am slightly bossy, a tad possessive, and yes I admit a bit of a charcoal fascist. I don't suffer any fool who wants to mess with my fire (although I do appreciate when T places the coals inside of the chimney and lights it). I don't even want someone else to stack the coals once they are lit. I trust my technique over an amateur's.

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Cultural Construct
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