Remember to Say Thanks

Veterans Day, first known as Armistice Day, was created to honor all those who served during World War I – the great war. It was believed that such a war would never come again, it was the War to end all Wars. Sadly, that was not the case.

World War II and the Korean War proved the believe in world peace was not a reality. On June 1, 1954, at the urging of veterans services organizations representing those who served in the wars that followed the Great War, Congress amended Armistice Day to become Veterans Day, honoring American Veterans of all wars past, present and future.

In 1968, Veterans Day was changed yet again as part of the Uniform Holiday Bill. Congress, in all their wisdom, decided that if certain Holidays were observed on a Monday rather than their actual day, the creation of three-day weekends would spur the economy. Families might travel, or just generally shop more over a three-day holiday. It explains all the Mattress Sales held on a three-day weekend. For some inexplicable reason, the bill set Veterans Day to the fourth Monday in October. This did not set well will the American People who felt the 11 Day of the 11 Month at the 11 hour held more meaning. Within a few years of the change, it was obvious that the people were not accepting the change, opting instead to honor Veterans on November 11. Giving in to the will of the people, President Gerald Ford signed another law on September 20, 1975, returning Veterans Day to its original day.

There are many ways that businesses in America honor Veterans Day. The most common among the restaurant industry is that Veterans eat free. Other businesses offer discounts to Veterans on Veterans Day. There are parades and speeches to commemorate the day. Despite all the fanfare, I’m not sure folks today truly appreciate those that take up the call to serve. In recent years, enlistment is down. Once upon a time serving was a family tradition, from generation to generation. More and more, the rural families that make up the backbone of the military have felt forgotten, unappreciated, and ignored. It’s really sad. I for one will always be grateful. And I pray that as a country we return to the sense of gratitude we once knew.

This Veterans Day, I thought rather that create an entire meal, I’d pull out a side dish that I’ve served with several delicious suppers. It goes well with Pork Roast, or Roast Chicken or even Roast Beef. These beautiful carrots can even compliment Glazed Salmon for a Friday Feast. They are bright, simple and oh so delicious.

Brandy-Glazed Carrots
1/4 cup minced Parsley
1-1/2 lbs Baby Carrots
8 tablespoons Butter
1/2 cup Raw Honey
1/4 cup Brandy
Salt to taste
Black Pepper to taste

Mince parsley, set aside until ready to use.

In a large skillet, bring 1/2 in. of water to a boil. Add carrots. Cover and cook for10 minutes or until crisp-tender.

White the carrots cook, cube butter and set aside.

Drain carrots, set aside. To the now empty skillet, add cubed butter and honey. Melt together over medium heat.

Once the butter is fully melted and incorporated into the honey, remove skillet from heat. Pour brandy into the skillet. It will sputter and bubble up, that’s okay.

Return skillet to heat, increase heat to medium-high. Bring brandy to a boil, let cook until liquid is reduced to about a half-cup. Return carrots to the skillet, let cook for about 5 minutes or so.

Scatter parsley over the carrots. Season with salt and pepper; heat through, spooning brandy glaze over the carrots to coat. Transfer to a serving bowl or better still, serve straight from the skillet for a home-spun feel.