SUMMER ROAD TRIP CHECKLIST
There is nothing quite like a summer road trip. Whether you are heading to the beach, visiting family, taking kids to a tournament, or just escaping for a long weekend, the open road feels a little more inviting this time of year. Before you pull out of the driveway, a little preparation can make the trip safer, smoother, and more enjoyable. Check your vehicle before you go. Make sure your tires are properly inflated, your oil and fluids are topped off, and your windshield wipers are working well. Summer storms can come up quickly, and a clean windshield and good visibility make a big difference. Pack the essentials. Bring water, snacks, phone chargers, sunglasses, sunscreen, medications, insurance information, and any roadside assistance details you may need. It is also smart to keep
a small emergency kit in the car with jumper cables, a flashlight, basic first-aid supplies,
and a blanket or towel. Plan for breaks.
construction zones, and young drivers. Give yourself extra time, follow at a safe distance, and stay patient when traffic slows down. Have a plan if something goes wrong. If you are involved in a crash, move to a safe place off the road if you can, call the police, exchange information, take photos, and seek medical attention if needed. Even if you feel okay at first, it is important to pay attention to symptoms that may appear later. A little planning can go a long way toward making your summer travel safer and less stressful. Wherever the road takes you this season, we hope your trip is full of good weather, fun music, delicious snacks, and happy memories.
Long drives can be tiring, especially in summer traffic. Build in time to stop, stretch, use the restroom, and let everyone reset. A short break can help drivers stay alert and make the trip more pleasant for passengers, too. Avoid distractions. Set your GPS, playlist, or podcast before you start driving. If you are traveling with others, let a passenger handle texts, directions, and snack negotiations. Keeping your attention on the road is one of the simplest and most important ways to stay safe. Watch for increased summer traffic. Summer roads are filled with vacationers, motorcycles, bicyclists, pedestrians,
DIRECTIONS 1. In a large bowl, combine chicken with buttermilk, 2 tbsp of salt, and a generous amount of black pepper. 2. Toss to coat the chicken well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight. 3. In another large bowl, combine the flour with the remaining 1 tbsp of kosher salt and 2 tsp of black pepper. 4. Pour the oil into a large, heavy-bottomed cast-iron skillet with high sides. 5. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches about 350 degrees F. 6. Set a wire rack over a baking sheet or tray. Remove the chicken pieces from the buttermilk, allowing the excess to drip off. Coat the chicken in the seasoned flour until evenly coated (either in the bowl or in a paper bag). Shake off excess flour. 7. Working in batches to avoid crowding the pan, place the chicken, skin-side down, in the hot oil. 8. Cover and fry until the first side is golden brown, about 5–15 minutes depending on the size of the pieces. 9. Remove the lid, turn the chicken, and continue cooking uncovered until the chicken is cooked through and deeply golden brown. 10. Transfer the chicken to the prepared rack to drain and rest. Sprinkle lightly with salt while it is still hot. Serve warm or at room temperature. Father’s Day falls on June 21 this year, and in honor of the dads, grandfathers, father figures, and fried-chicken lovers in our lives, we are sharing one of John’s favorite splurges: classic buttermilk fried chicken. It is not an everyday meal, and that may be exactly what makes it special. Crispy, golden, salty, and best enjoyed with plenty of napkins, fried chicken feels like summer comfort food at its best. Serve it warm with coleslaw, corn on the cob, sliced tomatoes, biscuits, or a simple green salad, and maybe let Dad have the biggest piece.
Father’s Day Favorite: JOHN’S BUTTERMILK FRIED CHICKEN
INGREDIENTS • 3–4 cups buttermilk
• 3 tbsp kosher salt, divided, plus more for serving • 2 tsp ground black pepper, plus more as needed • 1 whole chicken, cut into 10 pieces • 1½ cups all-purpose flour • 3 cups peanut oil, lard, canola oil, or another neutral frying oil, plus more as needed
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