A Sweet And Haunting Halloween Harmony

Candy corn is probably the most traditional of all Halloween candy ... dating back to the 1880s.  Created by George Renninger in Philadelphia, PA, it was originally mixed and molded by hand.  It was shaped to mimic real kernels of corn, while its tri-color design was revolutionary in 19th century, rural America.  People flocked to buy candy corn, and here we are 130 years later.  Today the Goelitz Confectionery Company is the longest producer of this abiding Halloween treat.

The basic ingredients of candy corn remain the same: sugar, corn syrup, carnauba wax, marshmallow, honey and food coloring.    And as far as spooky treats go, it's not a bad choice.  A single serving, consisting of 22 pieces, has about 150 calories and 0 grams of fat.  But, it's very sweet, so a little goes a long way.  Just remember to brush you teeth soon after eating.

Moreover, what would Halloween be without a lovely, but haunting little ditty?  Down In The Willow Garden is a traditional Appalachian murder ballad.  Historians believe the song comes from various Irish folk songs. Sometimes called Rose Connolly, a version of the song was noted as early as 1811 by the Irish folk music collector, Edward Bunting.  

The rendition featured here is by the Everly Brothers from their gorgeous 1958 album. Every song on that album is a gem.  It's time for the Kennedy Center Honors to recognize the Everly Brothers, while they are still alive and well.  The duo was inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame, The Country Music Hall Of Fame, as well as, received coveted awards for their songwriting talents.  They also have a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and a star on Hollywood Boulevard.  Hello.  Swe-et Car-o-line, it's high time!  An eerie ballad in ¾ time ... click the arrow to listen and follow along with the lyrics, if you wish: 

Lyrics

Down in the Willow garden

Where me and my love did meet

As we sat a-courtin'

My love fell off to sleep

I had a bottle of Burgundy wine

My love she did not know

So I poisoned that dear little girl

On the banks below

I drew a sabre through her

It was a bloody knife

I threw her in the river

Which was a dreadful sign

My father often told me

That money would set me free

If I would murder that dear little girl

Whose name was Rose Connolly

My father sits at his cabin door

Wiping his tear-dimmed eyes

For his only son soon shall walk

To yonder scaffold high

My race is run, beneath the sun

The scaffold now waits for me

For I did murder that dear little girl

Whose name was Rose Connelly 

Enjoy a safe, frightening and Happy Halloween!

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Celebrate The 4th Of July With The Everly Brothers

The Everly Brothers, London's Royal Albert Hall

On this glorious 4th of July weekend -- in addition to appreciating living in a free, democratic country -- I hope you're with family and friends, enjoying a good barbecue and listening to plenty of great music to soothe the soul.  I know I am.  I even baked a rare lemon cake, that required 5 plump lemons and is prepared with a lemon soaking sauce and glaze.  I use the word “rare” because I'm not really the baker in my family.

And while I pull out some CDs, I want to give special thanks to my fellow Everly Brothers fans for all the terrific music and mementos you continually share with me.  For others who don't know, Don and Phil are still alive and kicking down in Tennessee, but happily retired these days.  

The Everlys are in that first, iconic class of inductees into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame, and their talent remains unmatched by the countless artists who followed and were influenced by them.  In their long careers, the Everly Brothers could sing just about any genre of music ... flawlessly ... from Rock And Roll, which they helped launch ... to country ... and rhythm and blues.  

They are fine songwriters also, and their later albums are every bit as good as their early hits.

I want to thank some English fans, as well as, AGJ for all your exceptional Everly Brothers videos, photos and fun trivia, including this delicious BBQ recipe from none other then Don Everly, himself.  Happy 4th of July weekend everyone!

Don Everly's Very Hot Barbecue Sauce with Smoked Spareribs

Ingredients:

2 cups apple cider vinegar

1 cup Worcestershire sauce

1 cup ketchup

1/4 cup minced yellow onion

One clove garlic pressed

1/2 cup brown sugar

2 tablespoon dry mustard

2 tablespoon Chili powder

Salt, freshly ground pepper to taste

5 pounds spareribs

Cayenne pepper

Directions:

Combine all ingredients except spareribs; mix well. Bring to boil, simmer slowly about one hour [or until sauce thickens]. Stir often to prevent burning. Set aside.

Put spareribs in large stock pot. Fill with water; cover and simmer for one hour.

Drain meat well on absorbent paper towel. Smoke over hickory chips and charcoal for about 45 minutes [or until rust-colored]. Add cayenne pepper to taste. To serve, cut spareribs in serving pieces. Dip in sauce and BEWARE. Serves 4-6

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