If I had to pick another place and time to have been alive, I would be torn between two. The first is the American Civil War. The second are the days leading up to World War II. While I realize that I view these moments in history through rose-colored glasses, I cannot help but to be drawn to them.
Today is National Pennsylvania Day. When I asked Hubby what I should feature for Pennsylvania Day, he suggested the Pocono’s. After all, we both love the great outdoors. But when I searched for things of interest in Pennsylvania, Gettysburg popped up on several sites. Now I must tell you we have been to Honolulu, Hawaii twice and never visited Pearl Harbor. I know it sounds a bit crazy, but I sometimes sense things. Maybe it’s all in my head, but the idea of Pearl Harbor sounds too painful. There would be a great sense of loss on the Arizona. When we visited the battle site of the Little Big Horn, I was overwhelmed with a sense of fear. Yet there is a part of me that would like to stand in the fields of Gettysburg. It was such a bloody time in our nation’s history, one that should not be forgotten.
Between July 1 and July 3 1863, the Battle of Gettysburg was fought across the fields in the vicinity of the town. The Confederate Army of Northern Virginia, under the command of Robert E Lee (a man my own uncle Lee was named after, which gives you a glimpse into our family history) experienced success in the early stages of the battle. Ultimately Lee was defeated by the Army of the Potomac, commanded by George G Meade. Lee was allowed to execute an orderly withdraw to escape across the Potomac River without being drawn into yet another battle. Then President Lincoln criticized Meade for his cautious and careful pursuit rather than an attempt to destroy Lee’s retreating army once and for all. In hindsight, Meade had seen enough bloodshed and lives on both sides were saved. There is more to see in the small town of Gettysburg than just the Gettysburg National Military Park and National Cemetery.
Just outside Gettysburg in the township of Cumberland is a 690 acre farm. The farm was purchased by Dwight and Mamie Eisenhower and served as a weekend retreat for the President. Upon leaving the White House in 1961, it became the Eisenhower’s home. The farm itself is open year round, while the house is closed to visitors on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. All the decorating and staging in the home was done by Mamie herself and it give a peek at life as it once was.
The most historic covered bridge in all of Pennsylvania is the Sachs Covered Bridge. The bridge spans 100-feet across Marsh Creek. Built in 1852, the bridge is surrounded by lush trees. Some travelers to the area warn that the bridge may be hard to find, hidden as it is. Many say it is worth the find, especially when hunting civil war ghosts. The bridge was frequently used by Union and Confederate troops during the Battle of Gettysburg. Some say you can hear shots fired or smell gun powder and hear wailing of dying men. I guess you really can’t visit Gettysburg without running into a ghost or two.
I don’t know about you, but all this exploring has made me hungry. Let’s get to cooking, shell we?
Seared Garlic Pork Loin
2 tablespoons Butter, divided
1 tablespoon Vegetable Oil
1-1/2 lb Farmer John’s Garlic Pork Loin
Garlic Salt to taste
1/2 cup Chicken Stock
Heat oven to 400-degrees. Place a cast iron skillet on the stove over medium-high heat. Melt 1 tablespoon butter and oil into the skillet, swirl to coat the bottom of the pan.
Sear loin in the skillet for about 2 minutes or until bottom side is nicely crusted and browned. Turn roast over, immediately remove skillet from heat. Spread remaining tablespoon butter over the top of the pork, season wit a little garlic salt. Place skillet in the heated oven, uncovered, and roast for about 20 minutes or until meat reaches 140-degrees at the center.
Remove from oven, tent and let rest in the skillet for 5 minutes. Transfer to a serving platter, slice into about 8 to 10 half-inch slices. Deglaze the skillet with chicken stock, pour pan drippings over the sliced pork.
Delicious with sides such as Rice Pilaf and Green Beans. Enjoy!
For the wicked man glories in his greed,
and the covetous blasphemes, sets the Lord at nought.
The wicked man boasts, “He will not avenge it”;
“There is no God,” sums up his thoughts.
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