We have just had our 243rd Fourth of July — the day that celebrates the Declaration of Independence and the birth of the United States of America as an independent nation. What a blessing to live in a nation that despite all of our misgivings and divided political opinions we are still a free country.

There is one thing I’m sure most of us can agree on: FOOD. What food is most synonymous with yesterday’s holiday for you? Was it the burnt hot dog at Uncle Larry and Aunt Fay’s house? BBQ that took all night over a slow hickory heat? Steak, chicken, hamburgers or possibly some New York State spedies? And the fixings: deviled eggs, potato salad, fresh corn on the cob, red white and blue cupcakes, watermelon and cold beers!

We eat an estimated 50 billion burgers and 20 billion dogs per year – about 156 and 70 per person, respectively. Chicagoans like to call themselves the hot dog capital of the world but in fact, Los Angeles consumes more wieners than any other city – about 31 million pounds annually – beating out second and third place New York and Philadelphia, with Chicago coming in at No. 5.

During peak hot dog season between Memorial Day and Labor Day, Americans eat a total of around 7 billion franks. And, according to the National Hot Dog & Sausage Council, on the Fourth of July alone, 150 million dogs get consumed – enough to stretch between L.A. and Washington, D.C., more than five times.

Americans fired up their grills, spending $388 million on hamburger patties, $389 million on barbecue chicken, $133 million on buns and $37 million just on ketchup — not to mention all the other provisions that were purchased for yesterday’s celebration.

I can’t believe I’m sharing this but I was once again sucked into watching the Coney Island hot dog eating championship. Spoiler alert: Reigning champion Joey Chestnuts ate 71 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes. Sadly, he missed beating his world record of 74 in 10 minutes set last year. Competitive eating is certainly not a sport for anyone with a weak constitution. Say nothing of the calories that he ingested as well as enough sodium for a month.

What did you have on your grill this year ( gas or charcoal?)? Hot dogs, hamburgers or something a little more unusual?

Hope your holiday was delicious and spent with loved ones.

Live well, and happy belated 4th!

Having a choice…we celebrated

Join for free* to continue reading.