Let's Talk Food

High gas prices keeping you away from the beach? The Kings Mountain Beach Blast will fill the need.

Come on out and soak up some sun downtown at the Gazebo at Patriots Park. Sponsored by the City of Kings Mountain, the fun begins at 10 a.m. Saturday.

The Rotary Splash Pad will be turned on to keep you cool all through the day. You can enter your little ones in the Teenie-Weenie Bikini contest and watch the Beach Ball Drop. The Little Blue Choo-Choo will be running all day, as well as the Water Wars game.

There will be a Watermelon Eatin' Contest for anyone really wanting to quench their thirst.

Three bands will be featured starting with Kings Mountains' own, Crimson Rose. Billy Scott and the Prophets will play their top tunes and in the evening, The Ricky Godfrey Band will play all of his top beach sounds until 10 p.m.

There is also plenty of food available to purchase for those who don't want to bring a picnic basket.

Need to get your toes in some sand? The county's largest sandpile will fill that need as well.

Come out and enjoy this free family event without spending a bundle on gas.

Here are a few tips on what to bring:

- Portable chairs and blankets

- Sunscreen, hats and sunglasses.

- An umbrella in case of rain or to give you some shade.

- Plenty of water to keep you and your loved ones hydrated

- Beach towels for those planning to get wet.

- Dancing shoes for all that beach music.

As for the food, remember the rules, keep hot foods, hot and cold foods, cold. Make sure you have plenty of ice in your coolers, especially if bringing mayonnaise, dairy or egg-based foods. If you're bringing a picnic basket, be sure to include serving utensils, napkins, or a roll of paper towels, a small salt and pepper set, and a package of wet wipes - they really do come in handy.

Trying to figure out what else to put in that picnic basket? Fry up some chicken the night before or make cold-pressed sandwiches. You could just make up side fixings like coleslaw or potato salad to serve with your vendor-bought barbecue, hamburgers and hot dogs.

Chips, dips and snacks are also a good idea for kids. There will be plenty of ice cream and Italian ice, shaved ice and homemade fudge available for purchase or make your own cupcakes, cookies or brownies to bring in your basket.

So, come out and enjoy a fun-packed day with family and friends on a "staycation," without having to "burn-up" your wallet.

BUTTERSCOTCH BROWNIES
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1¾ cups brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp. vanilla extract
2¼ cups all-purpose flour
1¼ cups butterscotch chips
1 square semi-sweet chocolate, melted

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter and lightly flour a 2-inch deep rectangular baking pan.
In a large bowl, beat butter with brown sugar until creamy. Beat in eggs and vanilla; continue beating until fluffy. Sift flour and fold into batter. Fold in butterscotch chips. Using a spatula, scrape batter into baking pan and smooth top evenly. Bake 25 to 30 minutes in oven or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. When done, remove from oven and let cool. Cut into small bars and drizzle with melted chocolate. Makes 1 dozen.

COLD PRESSED SANDWICHES
1 24-inch Italian loaf or French bread, split lengthwise in half
Favorite Italian dressing
1 pound of salami, ham, roast beef and or favorite sandwich meat
4 to 8 ounces of provolone, mozzarella or favorite cheese
Chopped peperoncini peppers or favorite olives
1 small onion, thinly sliced
1 fresh tomato, thinly sliced
About 2 cups shredded lettuce or spinach

Sprinkle bread with the dressing on both sides, but not too much. Layer ingredients and press sandwich down and rap tightly with plastic wrap. Place wrapped sandwich on a baking sheet and press with foil wrapped bricks or another baking sheet with a heavy object on top. Refrigerate over-night. When ready to serve, cut with a sharp knife into 4 equal portions.

You can e-mail Cathey at foodiegirl82555@aol.com.