Travel Log

It was the summer of 1821 when I was inspired to craft yet another invention, the Old Fashioned Mini Grill. Considering how families could enjoy their very own meal made on a small family grill, a thought finally came to me. I made it of tin and ‘sweat’, with a wooden handle as a finishing touch of charm. I just knew my grill would be proudly passed down over the generations, while promoting the luxury of oral history. I also recognized it could be used anywhere, anytime. I suggested to fire it over a campfire, as my family did when the temperature finally cooled down on those balmy summer nights. Why, we even made burgers on top of our ol’ fashioned wood stove that very first night as the west was still young, going through ‘growing pains’ of national self-sufficiency as well as the birthing of globalization and industrialization, as I recall. You can get yer own Mini Grill by clicking right here.

 

June 8, 1819

Most modern folk think that true grit is a Western movie starring John Wayne or Jeff Bridges. But in my day, true grit meant splitting wood 'til you thought your back was going to break, making a midnight visit to the outhouse in winter, or having a bad tooth pulled--ouch!

But not to fear, for there is a better kind of true grit, and that is the kind you eat! Grits are quintessentially American; they have their origins in Native American cuisine in the Southern U.S. I've heard some Native Americans refer to them as sofkee or sofkey.

Today I found my way to a Pittsburgh B&B and enjoyed some of this sofkee for lunch with grated cheese, country ham and gravy. But I think most of you will like this Bobby Flay recipe from Serious Eats that features shrimp and bacon with grits--whip some up for dinner tonight, and you can thank ol' Jacob later!

I'm planning on parking in Pittsburgh for some time to wave the flag here on the Fourth of July. Stay tuned for that diary entry!

June 6, 1819

Traveling by horseback (or, for the well-to-do, horse and buggy) sure gives a man a lot of time to think. As Pioneer and I made our way into Pittsburgh, I had this crazy idea to fiddle with another possible invention, a toaster like no other. I found a local blacksmith and bartered with him for some scrap tin and stainless-steel. By the end of the hot and humid summer day, low and behold, I had assembled a contraption like no other. I decided to call it the Pioneer Folding Toaster. Compact, I thought, “What a great way to take a toaster anywhere, anytime you are in the mood for breakfast toast with butter, warmed bread to accompany any meal, or making delicious sandwiches (including peanut butter and jelly!) for a country camper, such as I, who’s always on the go making business deals or visiting relatives and dear friends”. Take a look-see at my family invention right here. You’ll be mighty glad you did...I can promise you that!