NATIONAL CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIE DAY | AUGUST 4

On August 4th, National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day gives us an opportunity to dunk America’s #1 favorite cookie. Whether yours are homemade or storebought, pour a glass of milk and enjoy.

Chocolate Chip Cookie Day

Without chocolate chips, the cookie would still be number one. Or would it?

Save some dough with these National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day deals

Friday + National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day = a batch made in heaven.

Whether you like them chewy or crunchy, National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day has to be one of the sweetest food holidays. The celebration of the classic American cookie takes place annually on August 4, and in 2023 a few restaurants and bakeries are getting in on the festivities with free food and discounts.

Here are the best deals we found for National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day 2023:

BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse

Anyone who signs up to be a Premier Rewards Plus member will earn a free Pizookie (that's a pizza-sized cookie). This deal is good all year long.

Crumbl

Crumbl perks program members get double Loyalty Crumbs on every online and in-store purchase at any location nationwide on August 4. But even if you're not a member, you can still get a free cookie. Just look for the giant chocolate chip cookie statues (you read that right) at the below locations around the country. Stop by the statues starting at noon on Friday when the chain will be handing out free Crumbl Milk Chocolate Chip cookies.

Check your local bakery, restaurants or food market to see if they are having specials and/or samples.

NATIONAL OYSTER DAY | AUGUST 5

Get slurping on August 5th with National Oyster Day! Oysters are enjoyed as seafood in many parts of the world.

#NATIONAL OYSTERDAY

Did you know there are over 100 different species of oysters? Interestingly, oysters tend to take on the characteristics of the water in which they live. Because of this, they’re typically named after the body of water in which they grow.

While many people enjoy fresh oysters raw, the shellfish can also be savored in multiple other ways. As a side dish, oysters add immense flavor to Thanksgiving dressing. They also make delicious stews, soups, and chowders. Other recipes will bake, grill or broil the oysters with or without the shell.

These mollusks provide valuable nutrients whether eaten cooked or raw. Since oysters supply a high amount of vitamins B12 and A, they may benefit heart, skin, and brain health. These vitamins also support lung and kidney function. Additionally, oysters benefit the environment since their valves are capable of cleansing an ecosystem of pollutants.

Here are some other exciting oyster facts:

• The Chesapeake Bay produces more oysters in the world than any other body of water. 
• The world loves oysters! We consume almost two billion pounds of oysters each year around the world.
• Illustrating how the body of water influences the flavor of the oysters, the east and west coast U.S. oysters taste very different from each other. On the east coast, oysters tend to be smaller, milder and saltier. However, west coast oysters take on a creamy texture and a sweet flavor.  
• Only one out of every 10,000 oysters will produce a pearl.

HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL OYSTER DAY

Make or order a dish that uses oysters as one of its main ingredients. Try this Grilled Oyster recipe or share a recipe with us. You can celebrate in other ways, too.

These mollusks provide valuable nutrients whether eaten cooked or raw. Since oysters supply a high amount of vitamins B12 and A, they may benefit heart, skin, and brain health. These vitamins also support lung and kidney function. Additionally, oysters benefit the environment since their valves are capable of cleansing an ecosystem of pollutants.

Here are some other exciting oyster facts:

• The Chesapeake Bay produces more oysters in the world than any other body of water. 
• The world loves oysters! We consume almost two billion pounds of oysters each year around the world.
• Illustrating how the body of water influences the flavor of the oysters, the east and west coast U.S. oysters taste very different from each other. On the east coast, oysters tend to be smaller, milder and saltier. However, west coast oysters take on a creamy texture and a sweet flavor.  
• Only one out of every 10,000 oysters will produce a pearl.

HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL OYSTER DAY

Make or order a dish that uses oysters as one of its main ingredients. Try this Grilled Oyster recipe or share a recipe with us. You can celebrate in other ways, too.

My favorite oyster dish is Oyster Stew!

On a chilly day before lunch hits, I start craving a warm bowl of something. Soup, stew, chili … they are all just fine with me! One of our favorites is Oyster Stew. Oyster Stew has been something that both my sister Diane and I grew up eating. If it was during a month with an “R” in it, then it was prime time for Oyster Stew.

Hawaii churches offer prayers for the dead and the missing after devastating Maui wildfires

LAHAINA, Hawaii (AP) — Parishioners mourned the dead and prayed for the missing Sunday in Hawaii churches as communities began looking ahead to a long recovery from last week’s wildfire that demolished a historic Maui town and killed more than 90 people.

Maria Lanakila Church in Lahaina was spared from the flames that wiped out most of the surrounding community, but with search-and-recovery efforts ongoing, its members attended Mass about 10 miles up the road, with the Bishop of Honolulu, the Rev. Clarence “Larry” Silva, presiding.

Taufa Samisoni said his uncle, aunt, cousin and the cousin’s 7-year-old son were found dead inside a burned car. Samisoni’s wife, Katalina, said the family would draw comfort from Silva’s reference to the Bible story of how Jesus’ disciple Peter walked on water and was saved from drowning.

“If Peter can walk on water, yes we can. We will get to the shore,” she said, her voice quivering.

During the Mass, Silva read a message from Pope Francis, who said he was praying for those who lost loved ones, homes and livelihoods. He also conveyed prayers for first responders.

Silva later told The Associated Press that the community is worried about its children, who have witnessed tragedy and are anxious.

“The more they can be in a normal situation with their peers and learning and having fun, I think the better off they’ll be,” Silva said.

Meanwhile, Hawaii officials urged tourists to avoid traveling to Maui as many hotels prepared to house evacuees and first responders.

Today we should join the world in thoughts and prayers for those that are trying to face this terrible disaster.

Maui before and after fires: Photos and video show extent of devastation

NATIONAL FAJITA DAY  AUGUST 18

On August 18th, National Fajita Day recognizes the sizzling deliciousness of the savory Tex-Mex flavor found in fajitas.

#NationalFajitaDay

In the early 1930s, Mexican vaqueros in Southwest Texas developed what we’ve grown to love all over the United States. Using throwaway cuts of beef, they developed the fajita. However, it wasn’t long before they became a staple in the region. These cowboys cooked the steak over an open fire or grill. Once cooked, they served it with flour or corn tortillas. In later years, fresh Pico de gallo, guacamole, and southwestern spices elevated the fajita. Soon the convenient meal for hardworking cowboys made an introduction to new audiences. The fajita became a destination food in the culinary world.

As their popularity grew, fajitas added a colorful flair to Tex-Mex menus. Sizzling platters full of bright peppers, onions, and a mouthwatering aroma delighted patrons. Menu choices beyond tender steak also broadened the fajita spectrum. Sweet shrimp, lean chicken, or pork with freshly made tortillas arrived at tables with fanfare. By the 1980s, most Mexican restaurants in the United States served fajitas. In the modern culinary kitchen, lime, cilantro and a plethora of vegetables find their way into a fajita, too. Add to that the perfect seasonings and mouths really begin to water!

Another flavor boost comes from grilling with mesquite. It adds a smoky flavor and bacon adds crunch. Of course, who could forget the cheese? With their festive presentations, fajitas continue to be enjoyed today. The fajita has come a long way from skirt steak trimmings!

Whenever we head to a Mexican restaurant, I always order the shrimp fajitas. I just can’t resist that sizzling platter of shrimp and veggies. You can also have that same Mexican shrimp in the comfort of your own home with takeout!

NATIONAL PECAN TORTE DAY | AUGUST 22

National Pecan Torte Day recognizes a delicious pecan treat on August 22nd. Of the pecan recipes, the torte delivers a decadent dessert that’s also versatile.

Pecan Torte Day

As a baked specialty, tortes become the centerpiece of desserts. Tortes provide a delicious choice of fillings such as whipped cream, buttercream, mousse, jam, fruits or nuts. The baker often glazes and garnishes the torte once it is cooled. Generally made with little to no flour, tortes use ground nuts or breadcrumbs, along with sugar, eggs, and flavorings instead.

Pecan Benefits

While sweetening up your pecans tends to dilute the benefits, keep in mind that indulging in moderation is ok. However, we know how difficult that can be when you #CelebrateEveryDay. Pecans do deliver some healthy perks, though.

First off, pecans pack in more than 19 vitamins and minerals. Some of the ones with some nutritional punch include vitamins A, B, and E. Add to that folic acid, calcium, potassium, and zinc and pecans deserve several celebrations.

Beyond the vital nutrients mentioned above, pecans also provide healthy fats in abundance. These oils are essential to heart health.

Combine the high fiber content with the natural energy provided by pecans, and this feel-good nut sends good vibes all day long. So, even if you celebrate with a small slice of pecan torte, add extra pecans on the side to balance out those

NATIONAL BEER LOVERS DAY SEPTEMBER 7TH, 2023

Beer is one of the world’s most popular alcoholic drinks. This tasty beverage made from grains has been around for centuries, dating as far back as the Egyptians and Romans. These days, craft beer is a million dollar business and breweries are becoming one of the most popular hobbies to take part in.

Of course, some people only kind of like beer (or don’t like it at all), which is certainly fine–but this day isn’t for them! This day was created for those people who absolutely LOVE beer. It’s time to enjoy Beer Lover’s Day!

History of Beer Lover’s Day

Many different ways to brew beer have been created, and the way we process beer has changed and evolved over time. However, this day is dedicated to all the different kinds of beer and the celebration of the people who love it.

As one of the oldest beverages humanity has ever produced, beer is believed to date back to the 4th millennium BC in western Iran, as ancients were learning to make and drink beer using malted barley.

But beer has a long and detailed history, but no matter the history, many people do know the fact that beer is good.

9/11 memorial events mark 22 years since the attacks and remember those who died

NATIONAL PEANUT DAY | SEPTEMBER 13

On September 13th National Peanut Day pays homage to mighty and tasty peanut.

#NationalPeanutDay

Likely originating in South America around 3,500 years ago, this legume is not a nut. They grow underground, like potatoes. Since they are an edible seed that forms in a pod, they belong to the family Leguminosae with peas and beans. When it comes to plants packing protein power, peanuts provide a whopping 8 grams per ounce, more than any other nut according to The Peanut Institute. And remember, it’s not a nut! Nuts grow on trees.

The peanut is also high in antioxidants. Not only are peanuts high in vitamins E and B6, but they’re rich in minerals such as magnesium, iron, and zinc. Studies also show when paired with other nutrient-rich foods, this wonderful legume helps us absorb nutrients better, too.

NATIONAL CHEESEBURGER DAY | SEPTEMBER 18

National Cheeseburger Day on September 18th honors America’s favorite sandwich with a slice of cheese.

#NationalCheeseburgerDay

Check your favorite burger joint for deals today!