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National Strawberry Day Sun Feb 27th, 2022
National Strawberry Day falls on February 27 every year, adding an extra aphrodisiac to this month of love. Devilishly sweet, and also delightfully low in calories, they’re the perfect food to make you feel naughty and nice at the same time. Grown both around the U.S. and around the world almost year-round, you’re never far from a supplier of this tasty tongue-tickler to help you celebrate National Strawberry Day!
HISTORY OF NATIONAL STRAWBERRY DAY
Strawberries have grown in the wild for thousands of years, and it was the French who first brought this delicious red berry into their gardens for cultivation in the 14th century. Not long afterward, English Archbishop Thomas Wolsey created the winning combination of strawberries and cream for Henry VIII’s court that so many people still enjoy today.
However, the early species of strawberries were very different from those we feast on now. It wasn’t until 1712 that a French excursion to Chile resulted in the mixing of different types of strawberry plants, and the garden strawberry we know today was born.
In the early 19th century, love for strawberries spread quickly when strawberries and cream were seen as a luxury, and the invention of the railroad meant that they could be transported quickly all around the country. New York produced bumper crops and farms also sprang up in Arkansas, Louisiana, Florida, and Tennessee. Now, 75% of U.S. strawberries are grown in California, but they are still grown in every state.
The berry’s name may be due to a number of reasons: some argue that it comes from the Old English “streawberige” because of its straw-like fronds. Others suggest that they’re so called because of farmers mulching them with straw, and there are also accounts that the berries were sold on straw skewers at markets.
The origins of National Strawberry Day are unclear, but it has been celebrated since at least 2013. Its heart-shape and bright red color make it a symbol of love that is perfect for the romantic month of February.
NATIONAL CLAM CHOWDER DAY
There are few things as comforting as a bowl of warm clam chowder on a winter’s day, so it’s wonderful we get to celebrate National Clam Chowder Day on February 25. Originally considered a poor man’s food, the first chowders were fish stews made from vegetable and fish stewed in a large pot or cauldron. (The word “chowder” possibly finds its roots in the Latin word “calderia,” or cooking pot.) Clams are thought to have been introduced to the mix by the Native Americans and by the mid 1800’s were considered a main ingredient in what came to be known as clam chowder. Today, there are dozens of regional variations, including San Francisco clam chowder which comes in a sourdough bread bowl!
NATIONAL CLAM CHOWDER DAY ACTIVITIES
Learn to make clam chowder
Whether you choose a traditional recipe from centuries ago, or decide to try a modern take on a classic, you’ll end up with a delicious and hearty soup your whole family can enjoy.
Go clamming
What better way to make the perfect clam chowder than with fresh clams you’ve dug up yourself. All you really need is a bucket, a rake, and a little bit of patience and you’re on your way to a day of fun and a delicious meal.
Find the best local seafood restaurant
Clam chowder is a mainstay of most seafood restaurant menus. So let someone else do all the work while you treat yourself with a meal out on the town.
NATIONAL CLAM CHOWDER DAY ACTIVITIES
Learn to make clam chowder
Whether you choose a traditional recipe from centuries ago, or decide to try a modern take on a classic, you’ll end up with a delicious and hearty soup your whole family can enjoy.
Go clamming
What better way to make the perfect clam chowder than with fresh clams you’ve dug up yourself. All you really need is a bucket, a rake, and a little bit of patience and you’re on your way to a day of fun and a delicious meal.
WHY WE LOVE NATIONAL CLAM CHOWDER DAY
It's carbaliciously awesome comfort food
New England clam chowder is traditionally served with tiny oyster crackers, while in San Francisco, piping hot clam chowder comes to the table in a bowl of hollowed-out sourdough. Clam chowder and carbs, a perfect combination.
Herman Melville wrote a famous ode to chowder
In his epic Moby Dick, Herman Melville wrote an ode to clam chowder that is so delectable, simply reading the words gets us craving a bowl. "Oh, sweet friends! hearken to me. It was made of small juicy clams, scarcely bigger than hazelnuts, mixed with pounded ship biscuit, and salted pork cut up into little flakes; the whole enriched with butter, and plentifully seasoned with pepper and salt." We'll have what he's having.
In the game of chowder, everyone wins
There are many types of clam chowder and everyone thinks their favorite is the best. New England Clam Chowder lovers turn up their noses at the tomatoes in Manhattan Clam Chowder. Meanwhile, Long Island plays the diplomat by including both cream and tomatoes in its clam chowder. In the Pacific Northwest, smoked salmon is often substituted for the more traditional smoked pork, and Florida makes a spicy Minorcan Clam Chowder. Seems like half the fun is figuring out which
one is your favorite
It’s National Margarita Day!
Every February 22, we come together for National Margarita Day to pay homage to our favorite celebratory cocktail. The margarita — triple sec, tequila, and lime juice — was created in 1938 in Mexico and is widely considered the official drink of having fun. It’s always 5 o’clock somewhere, and that’s never truer than on National Margarita Day. So get out a shaker, pull out your frozen margarita machine, or head to your local watering hole and order a margarita. Up, on ice, or on the rocks, you can’t go wrong. Salud!
HISTORY OF NATIONAL MARGARITA DAY
The earliest occurrence of the famed cocktail was in 1938 by the father of the drink Carlos “Danny” Herrera. He made it in his restaurant located in Baja California, for a famous customer named Marjorie King, a dancer on the hit American theatrical broadway “Ziegfeld follies” because she was allergic to spirits but not tequila — and just like that our beloved drink was born.
The problem is, Herrera isn’t the only person to claim to be the OG margarita maker. One of them was Francisco “Pancho” Morales who was a bartender in Mexico, who first mixed the cocktail in 1942 in Juárez, Mexico and then left to become a US citizen and work as a milkman for 25 years. He has the backing of the official Mexican newspaper — Notimex.
The wildest story is this last one. Margarita Sames, a Dallas “higher class” citizen, believed she created the drink in her vacation home for her guests in Acapulco, Mexico in 1948. Tommy Hilton (yes… that Hilton) who was friends with Margarita attended the party, and then brought it back to his hotel chains and put it on the menu. But before he could even breath, Jose Cuervo, of the famous tequila brand, claimed he was already running ad campaigns for the drink in 1945, with the catchphrase, “Margarita: It’s more than a girl’s name.” Regardless of where the drink was first made, one thing is for certain — everyone was having fun.
Thankfully, margaritas come in a ton of different varieties, it’s not a surprise why 76% of Americans enjoy a nice margarita. From strawberry and peach to mango and berry, to slightly stronger drinks with beer, to even having healthier versions like skinny margaritas and sportier cocktails (just swap out the triple sec for a Gatorade). It doesn’t matter if you’re at a bar, at home on the sofa or just finished an important meeting; grab the nearest fruit, tequila, triple sec and mix that baby up to the rhythm of “one tequila, two tequila, three tequila, floor”. But do drink responsibly, too much tequila has been known T’kill’ya!
National Margarita Day
All Day, Tuesday, February 22
It happens once per year… To celebrate our favorite made-up holiday, we’re offering every variation of our House Margaritas at special prices all day long! Original or Fruity or Sangria Blurred, frozen or on the rocks, salted or sugared or unadorned.
National Muffin Day 2022 – Sunday, February 20! Is there anything more widely adored than muffins? The much-loved muffin merits its very own day, which happens to fall on February 20. Today is National Muffin Day! English muffins have been made in kitchens in Wales for thousands of years, while American-style muffins have been available since the eighteenth century.
Who doesn’t like a big, tasty muffin to start their day in the morning? Muffins are an essential morning staple for many people (and great in the afternoons and evenings too). National Muffin Day is an opportunity for people everywhere to celebrate everything they might love about muffins with the people all around.
Most people would agree that muffins are fantastic! They come in a variety of flavors, they’re super easy to make, and they’re fun to eat. Some people think they are pretty much like a delicious cupcake without frosting–but eaten for breakfast. But the traditional muffin batter is a bit more dense and they often include fruit in them.
Everyone has their way of eating muffins. Some chew through them in a couple of bites, while others take their time, spreading the butter and jam to make a muffin sandwich. No matter how a person chooses to eat their muffins, they are well worth celebrating on this, and really any other, day.
History of National Muffin Day
National Muffin Day might be a big celebration on this day in modern times, but the concept has humble beginnings. It all started with the work of tech company employee Jacob Kaufman. One morning on the way to work, Kaufman took a bag of muffins with him and handed them out to homeless people in the city in which he worked. It was such a success that he started doing it regularly and making more muffins to meet the demand. Some people even began affectionately referring to him as “The Muffin Man”.
By his own admission, Kaufman says that his eyes were originally trained to be averted to homeless and needy people. But when he started delighting in giving muffins away, he began looking for them wherever he could find them. His awareness of these people as not just “needy”, but as humans who deserved a bit of attention, changed his entire perspective. He wasn’t just doing charity work, but he was excited to connect with them every day over a muffin.
For years, Kaufman was a source of giving and inspiration to those who were less fortunate than him, providing them with delicious food that they could enjoy. For many, it was a highlight and changed the trajectory of the rest of their day.
Kaufman continued doing his work under the radar until blogger Julia Levy picked up on his story. She reported about what he was doing in a blog post on the theme of ordinary philanthropists. After talking with one another, the duo soon realized that they could use the appeal of Kaufman’s muffin experience to help more homeless people who were living in other places.
How to Celebrate National Muffin Day
Most people are pleased to learn that celebrating National Muffin Day is easy and there are lots of things that can be done in observance of the day. Try out some of these ideas to get started, or come up with other creative ways to celebrate this day:
Bake Muffins and Give Them Away
The organizers of National Muffin Day encourage people to bake their own muffins and hand them out to people experiencing homelessness in the communities around them. To sweeten the deal Kaufman and Levy have set up an organization that will donate money to homeless people in a specific city every time participants bake muffins and hand them out to people who need them in their local areas.
The more nutritious and filling the muffins are, the better! So try baking them with hidden nutrition such as zucchini, summer squash, whole wheat flour, blueberries, chai protein powder or other ingredients. Don’t forget that nut allergies can be prevalent, so this might be an ingredient to avoid during baking muffins that are meant to be given away.
Find a Great Muffin Bakery
People can also celebrate National Muffin Day by going out and searching for the best bakery in town. If the bakery isn’t aware of the good deeds that can be done on National Muffin Day, let them know about this excellent opportunity to participate and help in the community.
NATIONAL CHOCOLATE MINT DAY
Recognized by the US National Confectioners Association, National Chocolate Mint Day is observed annually across the nation on February 19th. This holiday has been set aside for all the chocolate mint lovers to eat their favorite treats all day long.
The Aztecs and Mayans are given much credit for their ways with chocolate. And while chocolate was brought back to Europeans, they were not fond of the dark, bitter bean, so they used more for medicinal purposes.
As it was mostly consumed as a hot beverage, Europeans mixed mint, cinnamon and other spices to make it more palatable. Over time, they added sugar, and the combination of chocolate and mint became fashionable.
Fast forward to the mid-1800s when inventions and improvements in processes made it possible for confectioners to begin mass-producing chocolates. Even then, small candy shops served a local public. Advertisements for mint chocolates, or chocolate mints, did not start showing up in newspapers until the turn of the century.
The International Dairy Foods Association states that mint chocolate chip is the 10th most popular flavor of ice cream.
One of the earliest mass-producers of chocolate mints was Huyler’s in New York. Their chain of stores spread across the country.
Today we find mint chocolate in everything from ice cream to brownies, cookies and candies, liquors and sauces. Girl Scouts first sold Thin Mint cookies in 1953 and are still their most popular cookie. Mint chocolate is also the name of an herb with edible leaves that tastes like chocolate and mint.
HOW TO OBSERVE #ChocolateMintDay
- Eat some chocolate mint.
- Make something using chocolate and mint.
- If you need a recipe, try this one:
Mint Frosting for Chocolate Cake
1 package cream cheese (8 0z), softened
1/4 cup butter or margarine, softened
3-1/2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon mint extract
Green food coloring
In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and butter on medium speed until light and fluffy. On low speed, beat in mint extract, 2 to 3 drops of green food coloring and 3-1/2 cups powdered sugar until mixed. Beat on medium speed until fluffy. Store frosted cake in refrigerator.
National Drink Wine Day 2022: 10 Quotes To Celebrate The Vino-Themed Holiday
National Drink Wine Day is marked annually on Feb. 18 to celebrate the greatness of grape and create awareness about the fermented alcohol.
"The purpose of National Drink Wine Day is to spread the love and health benefits of wine," the holiday's website reads. "Wine has played an important role in history, religion and relationships. We embrace the positive benefits of wine such as new friends, reduced risk of heart disease and the enhancement of food and life."
Whether you like red or white, grab a glass of your favorite vino, and celebrate this day with all the other lovers of the alcoholic beverage.
Here are some quotes collected from Brainy Quotes to share on this day:
1. "No nation is drunken where wine is cheap; and none sober, where the dearness of wine substitutes ardent spirits as the common beverage." — Thomas Jefferson
2. "Let us celebrate the occasion with wine and sweet words." —
3. "One should always be drunk. That's all that matters... But with what? With wine, with poetry, or with virtue, as you chose. But get drunk." — Charles Baudelaire
4. "Give me books, French wine, fruit, fine weather and a little music played out of doors by somebody I do not know." — John Keats
5. "I shall drink no wine before it’s time! OK, it's time." — Groucho Marx
6. "I cook with wine; sometimes I even add it to the food." — W.C. Fields
7. "The University of Nebraska says that elderly people that drink beer or wine at least four times a week have the highest bone density. They need it — they're the ones falling down the most." — Jay Leno
8. "Beer is made by men, wine by God." — Martin Luther
9. "What I like to drink most is wine that belongs to others." — Diogenes
10. "Sometimes when I reflect back on all the wine I drink, I feel shame! Then I look into the glass and think about the workers in the vineyards and all of their hopes and dreams. If I didn’t drink this wine, they might be out of work, and their dreams would be shattered. Then I say to myself, 'It is better that I drink this wine and let their dreams come true than be selfish and worry about my liver.'" — Jack Handey
- Enjoy a wine tasting. Sometimes one glass of wine isn't enough. If you truly want to experience National Wine Day, you should check out a wine tasting at a local winery or vineyard. You can try new types of wine, check out some low calorie wine, experiment with types of aged wine, and even discover gluten free alcohol. Treat yourself and explore all your local bar, restaurant, or vineyard has to offer.
National Wine Day Meme
Every National Wine Day, social media sites can become inundated with memes of varying quality. If you're looking for a fun one to share with your friends and family, we've pulled together a few of our favorites.
Here are a few national wine day memes worth sharing:
- A wonderful poem about wine.
- Enjoy a wine tasting. Sometimes one glass of wine isn't enough. If you truly want to experience National Wine Day, you should check out a wine tasting at a local winery or vineyard. You can try new types of wine, check out some low calorie wine, experiment with types of aged wine, and even discover gluten free alcohol. Treat yourself and explore all your local bar, restaurant, or vineyard has to offer.
VALENTINE’S DAY
Valentine’s Day began as St. Valentine’s Day, a liturgical celebration of one or more early Christian saints named Valentinus. February 14th first became associated with romantic love during the High Middle Ages as the tradition of courtly love was then flourishing. During 18th century England, this day evolved into an occasion in which lovers expressed their love for each other by presenting flowers, offering confectionery, and sending Valentine cards.
Ancient History
Mixed opinions prevail regarding who or what was celebrated in mid-February. Some point to martyred saints by the name of Valentine or Valentinus. The most popular story tells of the saint who defied a decree by Emperor Claudius II who outlawed marriage for young men because he believed single men made better soldiers. St. Valentine, preferring young lovers to be wed than have them sneaking around (or believing in the power of love), would marry them in secret. However, it may have been another Valentine who performed the marriages. Either way, at least two of them were beheaded for their actions.
The Catholic Church recognizes at least three different saints named Valentine or Valentinus, all of whom were martyred. One legend contends that Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. When Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, he outlawed marriage for young men. Valentine, realizing the injustice of the decree, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. When Valentine’s actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death. Still others insist that it was Saint Valentine of Terni, a bishop, who was the true namesake of the holiday. He, too, was beheaded by Claudius II outside Rome.
Other stories suggest that Valentine may have been killed for attempting to help Christians escape harsh Roman prisons, where they were often beaten and tortured. According to one legend, an imprisoned Valentine actually sent the first “valentine” greeting himself after he fell in love with a young girl—possibly his jailor’s daughter—who visited him during his confinement. Before his death, it is alleged that he wrote her a letter signed “From your Valentine,” an expression that is still in use today. Although the truth behind the Valentine legends is murky, the stories all emphasize his appeal as a sympathetic, heroic and—most importantly—romantic figure. By the Middle Ages, perhaps thanks to this reputation, Valentine would become one of the most popular saints in England and France.
Who Is Cupid?
Cupid is often portrayed on Valentine’s Day cards as a naked cherub launching arrows of love at unsuspecting lovers. But the Roman God Cupid has his roots in Greek mythology as the Greek god of love, Eros. Accounts of his birth vary; some say he is the son of Nyx and Erebus; others, of Aphrodite and Ares; still others suggest he is the son of Iris and Zephyrus or even Aphrodite and Zeus (who would have been both his father and grandfather).
According to the Greek Archaic poets, Eros was a handsome immortal played with the emotions of Gods and men, using golden arrows to incite love and leaden ones to sow aversion. It wasn’t until the Hellenistic period that he began to be portrayed as the mischievous, chubby child he’d become on Valentine’s Day cards.
READ MORE: How Cupid Came to Represent Love
NATIONAL CHEDDAR DAY
National Cheddar Day adds some cheesy goodness on February 13th!
Grilled cheese would be buttered bread without melt-able slices piled high; burgers would be lackluster without a perfect ooze; mac & cheese would just be…mac, to be frank. So many of our iconic American dishes simply wouldn’t be the same without a slice of cheddar’s deliciousness.
CHEDDAR HISTORY
There’s some history to this love of cheddar as well. How exactly did cheddar become a staple in so many of our favorite foods? Let us tell you!
Cheddar first rolled into being in the village of Cheddar in Somerset, England in the 12th century. While cheddar accounts for more than a third of all the cheese sold in the United States, it is a royal hit in the United Kingdom where it was created. In fact, more than half of the cheese sales in the UK go to cheddar.
In 1894, renowned cheesemaker Peter McIntosh brought his cheese-making skills to Tillamook County, Oregon where it rains a lot and the grass was always green. He taught the locals all he knew, and in due time he earned himself the nickname “Cheese King of the Coast.” Today, there are more cows than people in Tillamook, and those local farmers have since formed the farmer-owned cooperative we know today as the Tillamook County Creamery Association.
No wonder cheddar finds its way into so many recipes or a simple snack. That rich, creamy and sometimes crumbly flavor is what keeps us coming back for more, bite after delicious bite.
In 1894, renowned cheesemaker Peter McIntosh brought his cheese-making skills to Tillamook County, Oregon where it rains a lot and the grass was always green. He taught the locals all he knew, and in due time he earned himself the nickname “Cheese King of the Coast.” Today, there are more cows than people in Tillamook, and those local farmers have since formed the farmer-owned cooperative we know today as the Tillamook County Creamery Association.
No wonder cheddar finds its way into so many recipes or a simple snack. That rich, creamy and sometimes crumbly flavor is what keeps us coming back for more, bite after delicious bite.
How many varieties of cheddar cheese are there?
A. Basic cheddar cheeses are extra sharp, sharp, and mild ranging from a real tangy bite to a mild smooth flavor. However, herbs and spices can be added to cheddar for even more flavor!
How many varieties of cheddar cheese are there?
A. Basic cheddar cheeses are extra sharp, sharp, and mild ranging from a real tangy bite to a mild smooth flavor. However, herbs and spices can be added to cheddar for even more flavor!
NATIONAL CHEDDAR DAY! LET'S PARTY!
The Big Day is quickly approaching. However, we’re not just talking about Super Bowl 56. Now, Feb. 13 can also be dubbed the cheesiest day ever thanks to the inclusion of National Cheddar Day.
NATIONAL WEAR RED DAY
National Wear Red Day, on the first Fay in February, is an annual campaign to raise awareness about heart disease in women.
The national campaign urges women to learn their risk for heart disease and to take steps to lower their risk. What increases a woman’s chances of heart disease?
- Smoking
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Family history
- Diabetes
- Stress
- Inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn’s
- Complications during pregnancy
- Menopause
We can prevent or reverse many of these risks by taking action. Speaking with our physician also helps to further lower our risk of heart attack and stroke by making and following a plan.
- Quit smoking. Ask for help if you need it. Your physician has many tools at her side to make quitting a success.
- Change your lifestyle. Become more active and improve your eating habits. This will help with many risk factors including stress, family history, and other health conditions.
- Get routine physical exams.
Heart disease and stroke kill one in three women. These diseases are 80 percent preventable according to Go Red for Women’s official website.
Go to www.goredforwomen.org for more information.
The first Friday in February (February 4) is National Wear Red Day. On this day, which is considered American Heart Month, everyone across the country dons the color red in order to raise and spread awareness in hopes to help eradicate heart disease and stroke in millions of women all over the nation. So put on your reddest red — whether it be a lipstick, a pair of pants, or your favorite hat — and paint the city red.
HISTORY OF NATIONAL WEAR RED DAY
In line with other heart and soul related themes of the month, National Wear Red Day brings awareness to women’s heart health. Women have been the heartbeats of the home since the beginning, playing multiple roles as mothers, daughters, sisters, counselors, providers, and protectors. Women shoulder more responsibility now in and outside the home than ever before. In kind, they need more support in nurturing themselves as deeply as they nurture their families and communities. National Wear Red day is a beautiful first step in giving women the world over the critical heart health information and services they need and deserve.
National Wear Red Day is supported by the American Heart Association and celebrated in conjunction with national heart health month. It focuses specifically on raising awareness of women’s heart disease and stroke risks. Cardiovascular disease causes 1 in 3 deaths in women every year making it the number one health related killer in women. The good news is 87% of all heart issues are believed to be preventable making awareness, education, research, and resources vital to the cause this holiday supports.
On this day every year, supporters wear their favorite red dresses, shoes, tops, and accessories in order to stand together with their affected sisters and encourage others to take preventative actions for the sake of their heart’s health.
Early spring’s coming! Jimmy the Groundhog didn’t see his shadow
Jimmy predicts warm weather around the corner.
Jimmy the Groundhog predicts and early spring!(WMTV)
Published: Feb. 2, 2022 at 7:12 AM CST|Updated: 6 minutes ago
MADISON, Wis. (WMTV) - Spring is coming!
That’s according to Jimmy the Groundhog.
Jimmy predicted that spring is coming after not seeing his shadow Tuesday morning during the Sun Prairie Groundhog Day festivities. The 74th Sun Prairie annual Groundhog Day Prognostication kicked off just before 7:00 a.m. at the Cannery Square.
The event was held virtually last year.
Groundhog Day & History
2022 Groundhog Day Prognostication Event
Join us in Cannery Square to celebrate the 74th annual Sun Prairie Groundhog Prognostication on February 2, 2022! Jimmy the Groundhog has an extremely high accuracy rate on his annual predictions, making him an outstanding leader in meteorological circles. Businesses and organizations throughout the City of Sun Prairie will be offering many Groundhog Day specials on February 2nd. Check out Downtown Sun Prairie's Facebook page for more information on activities happening all around Sun Prairie.
History of Groundhog Day
For over 50 years, the Sun Prairie members and supporters have been proclaiming Sun Prairie to be "The Groundhog Capital of the World." This proclamation has caused reverberations from the halls of Congress, to the coal fields of Pennsylvania, and in the news media of the country. Groundhog Day is tied to Candlemas Day, a centuries old celebration day in Europe. Folklore states: "If the day is bright and clear there'll be two winters in the year." The Groundhog Day tradition in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin dates back to 1948, when Wisconsin celebrated its centennial year. Many ways were found to commemorate the centennial event, both public and personal. One such private observance was a rather ambitious project. A commercial artist, Ira Bennett, of Eau Claire, Wisconsin and his young son decided to create a series of commemorative post cards relating various locations in Wisconsin to the holidays throughout the year. Some of the cities chosen were: Independence, Wisconsin for July 4th, Port Washington, Wisconsin for Washington's Birthday, Loyal, Wisconsin for Boy Scout Sunday (a scout is loyal). Groundhog Day required a stretch of the imagination. The groundhog sees his shadow when the sun comes up on the prairie, thus, Sun Prairie was picked for the honor.
At that time the postmaster in Sun Prairie was Margaret McGonigle, a lifelong resident, active in politics and a promoter of the virtues of Sun Prairie. When this idea was presented she quickly asked the artist his permission to use this idea to further promote the community. Soon after, the Sun Prairie Groundhog Club was organized as a sort of serious spoof. All people born on February 2 were eligible to be groundhogs.
National Chocolate Cake Day – January 27, 2022
Dear Chocolate Cake,
It was love at first bite. You may come in many forms: layered, molten, bundt, fluffy, mousse-y, decadent, frosted… …but we love you all the same. You’re the reason we know what happiness tastes like. Your special day may only come once a year on January 27th, but you’re also the reason we know how to REALLY celebrate a birthday or a sweet valentine. We would make ourselves sick over you. We would steal the last piece for you. We’d even lick the bowl for you. But no matter what, we’ll keep coming back for you.
Thank you always for your chocolatey, decadent goodness.
Sincerely,
All the Chocolate Cake Lovers In The World!
NATIONAL CHOCOLATE CAKE DAY
National Chocolate Cake Day celebrates the cake more people favor. And more often than not, we celebrate our special occasions like anniversaries, birthdays and weddings with cake. Why not enjoy chocolate cake on January 27th every year?
In America, chocolate was consumed primarily as a beverage until the 1830s or 40s. Chocolate cakes, as we think of them today, mostly did not exist then. According to the Dover Post, the chocolate cake was born in 1765 when a doctor and a chocolate maker teamed up in an old mill. They ground up cocoa beans between huge millstones to make a thick syrup. The liquid was poured into molds shaped like cakes, which were meant to be transformed into a beverage. A popular Philadelphia cookbook author, Eliza Leslie, published the earliest chocolate cake recipe in 1847 in The Lady’s Receipt Book. Unlike chocolate cakes we know today, this recipe used chopped chocolate. Other cooks of the time such as Sarah Tyson Rorer and Maria Parloa all made contributions to the development of the chocolate cake and were prolific authors of cookbooks.
The first boxed cake mix was created by a company called O. Duff and Sons in the late 1920s. Betty Crocker released their first dry cake mixes in 1947.
HOW TO OBSERVE Chocolate Cake Day
When it comes to food holidays, we know how to celebrate. This one is no different. Have some cake. Share it with someone else. Visit your favorite bakery and give them some credit, too. Or, if you have some mean baking skills, show them off! We want to see them, too. That means, share your recipes, take some pictures, make a video and show off those delicious, chocolatey cakes! We love how you celebrate these days, so celebrate with us.
Let them eat cake! National Chocolate cake Day is on Jan. 27
NATIONAL PIE DAY
National Pie Day on January 23rd celebrates one of the Nations’ favorite desserts. No matter how you slice it, pie in just about any form makes a crowd happy. Fruit pies, berry pies, cream pies – they are mouthwatering servings of homemade goodness.
Each week we offer a new poll of a popular National Day… National Pie Day poll results are in!
Take part in this week’s poll: Celebration Participation.
National Pie Day simply celebrates the pie. Everyone is invited to bake their favorite pie, but more importantly, the day reminds us to enjoy eating pies! The only other question to ask is, will it be al a mode?
Did you know, the first pies appeared around 9500 BC in the Egyptian Neolithic period or New Stone Age? So, humans have been eating pies for a very long time. And with so many to choose from, we shouldn’t have any problem finding one we like. After all, we celebrate the day twice a year (plus their cousin National Pi Day).
Click play and enjoy a story about National Pie Day featuring our founder, Marlo Anderson. If you enjoy the 2-minute show, subscribe with your favorite podcast player.
NATIONAL PIE DAY
National Pie Day on January 23rd celebrates one of the Nations’ favorite desserts. No matter how you slice it, pie in just about any form makes a crowd happy. Fruit pies, berry pies, cream pies – they are mouthwatering servings of homemade goodness.
Each week we offer a new poll of a popular National Day… National Pie Day poll results are in!
National Pie Day simply celebrates the pie. Everyone is invited to bake their favorite pie, but more importantly, the day reminds us to enjoy eating pies! The only other question to ask is, will it be al a mode?
Did you know, the first pies appeared around 9500 BC in the Egyptian Neolithic period or New Stone Age? So, humans have been eating pies for a very long time. And with so many to choose from, we shouldn’t have any problem finding one we like. After all, we celebrate the day twice a year (plus their cousin National Pi Day).
Click play and enjoy a story about National Pie Day featuring our founder, Marlo Anderson. If you enjoy the 2-minute show, subscribe with your favorite podcast player.
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Fun Tidbit – Pie throwing:
Cream-filled or topped pies are favorite props for humor. Throwing a pie in a person’s face has been a staple of film comedy since Ben Turpin received one in Mr. Flip in 1909.
HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalPieDay
Check out our Celebration Deals page for the latest National Pie Day offers. If you know of a tasty Pie Day offer that isn’t listed yet, Contact Us and let us know! We will get it listed as soon as possible. We don’t want you to miss out on a delicious slice.
The day also offers a perfect opportunity to give a shout-out to your favorite bakery. They always serve up the best and flakiest crusts. And we know, sometimes that bakery is known as Grandma’s House. Use the holiday to honor her by learning to bake her best recipes. Take a lesson or two from the master! Or try a new recipe together. We even have a few for you to try in your test in h our vertul kitchen.
My favorite type of pie is definitely PEACON PIE.
I realize this is an unpopular opinion and that you might even revoke my internet food ranting license for saying this, but I’m not particularly bothered by corn syrup in recipes. For me, it’s more of a math thing. It mostly shows up in things nobody is eating for underlying health benefits and we all understand we’re only supposed to enjoy in moderation (candies, caramels, pie
etc.) so it’s hard to get up in arms over a glug of it in a recipe that yields a few dozen tiny items one might eat one or two a day of a few times a year. [I will now duck until you’re all done yelling.]
I will try this one more time! What is your favorite type of pie?
National Hugging Day 2022: History, Significance, and All You Need to Know
National Hugging Day 2022: The underlying significance behind this beautiful initiative is to encourage people to be more compassionate and demonstrate their emotions in a more pronounced manner.
National Hugging Day 2022: January 21 marks the National Hugging Day in the USA and UK. A beautiful, thoughtful expression of love and support, a ‘hug’ is that wonderful gesture that can speak louder than words if given at the right moment. On the occasion of the National Hugging Day, let’s take a look at its history and significance:
NATIONAL HUGGING DAY: HISTORY
National Hugging Day was first celebrated in 1986 in Clio, Michigan, USA. Kevin Zaborney was the one to coin this idea. The concept dawned on him when he observed during the holidays that people seemed to be a little low in spirit, especially between the gap that follows after Christmas, New Year, and Valentine’s Day.
He figured out that during this stretch of the year, to ensure people are in high spirits and don’t feel depressed or lonely, it is best to introduce a day like Hugging Day. Kevin felt that the American society was kind of embarrassed to express feelings in public, so a day like this would change that, probably. He had also asked people to always respect personal space of others, and act accordingly.
He figured out that during this stretch of the year, to ensure people are in high spirits and don’t feel depressed or lonely, it is best to introduce a day like Hugging Day. Kevin felt that the American society was kind of embarrassed to express feelings in public, so a day like this would change that, probably. He had also asked people to always respect personal space of others, and act accordingly.
Hugging ushers in joy and boosts bonds between people. Not only does it bring positivity and sweetness in relationships, hugging is also known for its other beneficial aspects such as stress reduction, better heart health and improved immunity. Hugging generates oxytocin in the brain which is a chemical (neurotransmitter) that is responsible for happiness.
Owing to the pandemic, when social distancing norms are to be followed, a virtual hug or a gesture that goes on to embody the spirit of National Hugging Day would be perfect to propagate this heartwarming initiative. Be it with virtual hugs or generous words, attitude and actions, people can continue to embrace each other and make each other feel safe and cheerful.
National Cheese Lover’s Day is Jan 20th – Wisconsin Cheese Shares Top Cheese Trends in 2022
Laura Dellutri Home & Life Style Expert Shares Cheese Lover's Recipes From Wisconsin Cheese
January 19, 2022 12:52 ET| Source: Wisconsin Cheese
MADISON, Wis., Jan. 19, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- From the viral TikTok feta pasta to declaring cheese the official love language, 2021 was a big year for cheese lovers, and if you still haven’t had enough – that is good news for you because 2022 is about to get even cheesier. With cheese consumption at record highs and the growth of Wisconsin specialty cheese outpacing the entire category, there is a lot to look forward to in the new year.
Here are the trends you should look for in 2022:
- Classic Dishes Get an Upgrade. Millennial and Gen Z foodies are looking to recreate classic comfort dishes with a new upgraded twist. Adding specialty cheese is one of the easiest ways to level up mom’s best dishes and create restaurant quality food at home. Get inspired with entertaining tips and recipes such as Pepperoni Pizza Monkey Bread, Monte Cristo Swiss Strata, Italian Pasta Salad, Maple Cheddar Dutch Baby and The Ultimate Queso Dip – which all top the list for the hottest recipes of the year – on WisconsinCheese.com.
- Upcycling Leftovers in Your Own Kitchen. Food waste is estimated at between 30-40 percent of the U.S. food supply, according to the USDA. While consumers look to reduce food waste in their own homes, they’re looking for new ways to use leftovers. Consider upcycling Parmesan rinds from your cheese board for broths, sauces, and risotto for a rich, savory flavor, or make a delicious, infused olive oil. Any cheese that goes untouched from a cheese board or at-home recipe can be used to make Fromage Fort the next day.
- Discovering Global Flavors at Home. While wanderlust travelers stayed grounded during the pandemic, they quickly learned they don’t have to leave home to taste and experience the world’s best food. Many top-rated cheese shops carry a variety of Wisconsin cheeses with German, Swiss, Italian, Dutch, and Hispanic roots for consumers who want to explore something new and expand their taste buds.
“If you want great cheese, you don’t have to travel to Europe these days,” says Ken Monteleone of Fromagination cheese shop. “For people who love cheese and are interested in exploring the intersection of food and travel, there is no better place to start than in Wisconsin because it is a world of cheese in just one state. Our cheese shop along with a handful of others offer shipping nationwide so that you can enjoy a little wedge of Wisconsin no matter where you are.”
- Some Like It Hot. In addition to crafting award-winning cheeses that were born abroad, like alpine-style or juustoleipa, Wisconsin cheesemakers are constantly developing new, delicious cheeses including some with serious heat that consumers crave. In 2021, buffalo flavored cheese sales grew 145.2% and ghost pepper infused cheese increased 45.8%.
- Cheese Will Bring People Together. Whether gathering with friends in small groups or meeting online for virtual events, coming together over a cheese board is a trend that is here to stay. The Cheeselandia community has over 4,000 members who stay connected on social media and join monthly virtual events to get a behind the scenes look at creameries, meet Master Cheesemakers, cook with top rated chefs, learn from cheesemongers and more. Cheeselandia was named the Influencer Marketing Campaign of the Year by AdWeek Performance Marketing Awards.
“Cheeselandia offers people a way to meet new friends and discover new destinations without ever having to leave home, giving members a sense of community and belonging while bonding over a shared love of cheese,” says Suzanne Fanning, Senior Vice President for Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin and Chief Marketing Officer for Wisconsin Cheese. “We have exciting things planned for the year ahead and we’re excited to see cheese continue to bring people together.”
With over 600 different types, styles and varieties of cheese to choose from, there is a Wisconsin Cheese for everyone on your shopping list – just look for the Proudly Wisconsin Cheese® badge at your local retailer.
I am Proudly Wisconsin born, rasraisd on Wisconsin Cheese.
NATIONAL POPCORN DAY
On January 19th, National Popcorn Day pops onto the scene with a crunch we all love to enjoy! The annual celebration recognizes a treat that satisfies munchies, day or night.
This time-honored snack can be sweet or savory, caramelized, buttered or plain, molded into a candied ball, or tossed with nuts and chocolate. However it is enjoyed, enjoy it on National Popcorn Day, January 19th.
The word “corn” in Old English meant “grain” or, more specifically, the most prominent grain grown in a region. When Native Americans introduce their most common grain, maize, to early Europeans, they aptly applied the word “corn.”
As early as the 16th century, the Aztecs used popcorn in headdresses worn during ceremonies honoring Tlaloc, their god of maize and fertility. Early Spanish explorers were fascinated by the corn that burst into what looked like a white flower.
Popcorn started becoming popular in the United States in the middle 1800s. It wasn’t until Charles Cretors, a candy-store owner, developed a machine for popping corn with steam that the tasty treat became more abundantly poppable. By 1900 he had horse-drawn popcorn wagons going through the streets of Chicago.
At about the same time, Louise Ruckheim added peanuts and molasses to popcorn to bring Cracker Jack to the world. Then in 1908, the national anthem of baseball was born. Jack Norworth and Albert Von Tilzer wrote Take Me out to the Ballgame. From that point onward, popcorn, specifically Cracker Jack, became forever married to the game.
At the Movies
Another romance connected to popcorn may have had a slow start but eventually took off. Today, who can imagine going to the movies without getting a box of buttered popcorn? While popcorn was an economical choice for snack food, the expense of installing a machine and adequately venting the building didn’t seem worth the effort. If it weren’t for Glen W. Dickson, we would be purchasing our popcorn from a vendor on the street before taking in the show. Dickson put in the effort and expense of placing machines inside his theaters. After realizing how quickly he recouped his costs, other theater owners followed suit.
As early as the 16th century, the Aztecs used popcorn in headdresses worn during ceremonies honoring Tlaloc, their god of maize and fertility. Early Spanish explorers were fascinated by the corn that burst into what looked like a white flower.
Popcorn started becoming popular in the United States in the middle 1800s. It wasn’t until Charles Cretors, a candy-store owner, developed a machine for popping corn with steam that the tasty treat became more abundantly poppable. By 1900 he had horse-drawn popcorn wagons going through the streets of Chicago.
At about the same time, Louise Ruckheim added peanuts and molasses to popcorn to bring Cracker Jack to the world. Then in 1908, the national anthem of baseball was born. Jack Norworth and Albert Von Tilzer wrote Take Me out to the Ballgame. From that point onward, popcorn, specifically Cracker Jack, became forever married to the game.
At the Movies
Another romance connected to popcorn may have had a slow start but eventually took off. Today, who can imagine going to the movies without getting a box of buttered popcorn? While popcorn was an economical choice for snack food, the expense of installing a machine and adequately venting the building didn’t seem worth the effort. If it weren’t for Glen W. Dickson, we would be purchasing our popcorn from a vendor on the street before taking in the show. Dickson put in the effort and expense of placing machines inside his theaters. After realizing how quickly he recouped his costs, other theater owners followed suit
Celebrate National Popcorn Day by reading about the happenings in the Kansas City area in the Celebration Spotlight with Priscilla Subramaniyam.
NATIONAL POPCORN DAY HISTORY
The a-maizing origins of this pop-ular day is mysteriously amiss. However, we have been celebrating the day since at least 1988.
Popcorn FAQ
Q. What are the unpopped kernels called?
A. Unpopped kernels of popcorn are called either spinsters or old maids.
Q. Which state produces the most popcorn?
A. Nebraska is the top popcorn producer in the United States. Also known as the Cornhusker State, although it’s third in overall corn production.
My favorite way to eat popcorn is with some Carmel sauce poured on it
A Quick Synopsis of the "I Have Dream" Speech
King’s “I Have a Dream" speech begins by referencing the Emancipation Proclamation as a “great beacon light of hope” for slaves who were experiencing injustice; despite this hope, King pointed out further work was required for African Americans to be truly free in their own country.
Widely hailed as a masterpiece of rhetoric, King's speech invokes pivotal documents in American history, including the Declaration of Independence, the Emancipation Proclamation, and the United States Constitution. Early in his speech, King alludes to Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address by saying "Five score years ago ..." In reference to the abolition of slavery articulated in the Emancipation Proclamation, King says: "It came as a joyous daybreak to end the long night of their captivity." Anaphora (i.e., the repetition of a phrase at the beginning of sentences) is employed throughout the speech. Early in his speech, King urges his audience to seize the moment; "Now is the time" is repeated three times in the sixth paragraph. The most widely cited example of anaphora is found in the often quoted phrase "I have a dream", which is repeated eight times as King paints a picture of an integrated and unified America for his audience. Other occasions include "One hundred years later", "We can never be satisfied", "With this faith", "Let freedom ring", and "free at last". King was the sixteenth out of eighteen people to speak that day, according to the official program.
I still have a dream, a dream deeply rooted in the American dream – one day this nation will rise up and live up to its creed, "We hold these truths to be self evident: that all men are created equal." I have a dream ...
—Martin Luther King Jr. (1963)
NATIONAL BAGEL DAY
Toast up your favorite flavor on National Bagel Day. On January 15th, don’t forget to pick your favorite schmear, too. Make it for breakfast, lunch, snack, or all of the above!
This kosher carbohydrate brings complex flavors to the deli and sandwich bar. In the United States, we love our crunch-on-the-outside-chewy-on-the-inside bread. So they’re a staple in our freezers and as a winter pick-me-up.
Bagel History
Polish-Jewish immigrants introduced the bagel to the United States. Throughout New York City and the surrounding boroughs, they grew thriving businesses. Of course, it didn’t take long for the bakers to organize. In 1907, they created the International Beigel Bakers’ Union. For decades, Bagel Bakers Local 338 held contracts with nearly all bagel bakeries for its workers in and around the city.
Until the 1960s, bakeries made bagels by hand. Then Daniel Thompson invented the bagel maker, and along came a heated debate of man versus the machine. Thereafter, the question of the better bagel dangled before customers. Was it the handcrafted beigel or the manufactured bagel?
What is your favorite bagel and filling?
Mine is an onion bagel with seasoned cream cheese.
National Save the Eagles Day
Eagles are magnificent, and are often the subject of conservation campaigns because they are such powerful predators yet are so vulnerable to different threats. Yet these birds are most often associated with a particular July holiday (for passionately patriotic birders in the United States), rather than early January. But January 10 is actually National Save the Eagles Day!
Bald Eagle – Photo by Erick Houli
Why January 10?
Mid-winter is nesting season for bald eagles, when they are seeking out the best nesting sites or returning to the same nests they’ve used for generations. During mid- to late winter, these raptors incubate their eggs, which will hatch just over a month after being laid. It was one particular bald eagle’s nest that spawned National Save the Eagles Day in the village of Ridgefield Park, New Jersey, in 2015.
Late in 2014, Skymark Development Corporation highlighted a study arguing that a landfill near an eagles’ nest posed community health risks. The nesting pair, fondly named Alice and Al, had nested along Overpeck Creek since at least 2011. Part of the solution to the local health risks was to remove the tree the eagles nested in. When that solution was made public, the community and the Bergen County Audubon Society organized Save the Eagles Day on January 10, 2015.
Eventually, an agreement was reached to preserve part of the land as an eagle park. For several years, Alice and Al continued to nest in the same location, and eventually a new eagle pair took up residence in the same nest (as is common with raptors when one mate dies or opts to nest elsewhere). To this day, the eagles’ nest is still celebrated with local “Return of the Eagles” events to raise awareness not only of local bald eagles, but of the comeback of all bald eagles and to support the Endangered Species Act.
Which Eagles to Save?
National Save the Eagles Day has grown far beyond one nest for one eagle species. There are more than 60 eagle species throughout the world, the greatest variety of which are found in Asia and Africa. Far too many of these noble birds, however, are classified as vulnerable, threatened, or outright endangered. Nearly half the eagle species on the planet face grave survival risks. This day, in every country and for every eagle species, can be an amazing opportunity to highlight the risks eagles face and to help support conservation efforts to protect them.
Threats to Eagles
But what hazards could threaten such powerful apex predators? While these birds are seen as strong and dominating, they can actually be quite delicate and vulnerable to a wide range of threats, including:
- Poisoning from pesticides, herbicides, and other toxic chemicals
- Contamination from lead shot left in kill entrails that eagles may eat
- Collisions with power lines, wind turbines, and other obstacles
- Poaching and shooting, whether accidental or deliberate
- Habitat loss through development, climate change, or agriculture
- Persecution if eagles are believed to be threatening livestock
Because these large raptors require large territories and do not raise huge families – one eagle may only have 2-3 chicks each year, and mortality among chicks is naturally high – even seemingly insignificant threats can do great damage to an eagle population. All too quickly, one threat – a new development that removes nesting trees, puts up new power lines, and introduces rodenticides to an area – could have devastating consequences for local eagles.
Help Save Eagles Every Day
Fortunately, we can all take easy steps in different ways to help not only bald eagles, but all types of eagle populations.
- Conserve Electricity – Reducing our use of electricity helps reduce the need for new power plants, extra power lines, additional power poles, and other developments that can impact eagles and other raptors. Turn off lights and be mindful of your energy use.
- Hunt Responsibly – If you hunt or fish, practice raptor-friendly techniques by choosing copper rather than lead ammunition, cleaning up gut piles, and ensuring there is no environmental contamination from your activities. Encourage others to do the same.
- Protect Habitat – Support local nature preserves, wildlife refuges, and other habitat areas to help keep space available for eagles and hundreds of other birds. You can do this through donations, volunteering, supporting protective legislation, and other means.
- Enjoy Eagles – Participating in eagle-oriented events such as nature walks, viewing days, photography contests, and more will raise awareness of these stunning birds and their needs in our ever-changing environment. The more people who know about eagles and their vulnerabilities, the more help will be available to preserve them.
With simple steps, we can enjoy many eagle-oriented holidays in years to come, with more of these majestic birds to see no matter which eagles we spot or where we see them.
Breeding season varies by latitude. In Florida, egg laying may begin in November whereas in Alaska, egg laying typically occurs in late April through May. In Minnesota, the breeding season typically runs from late-February to early March in the southern part of the state through April into early May in the north.
NATIONAL SUNDAY SUPPER DAY
National Sunday Supper Day encourages families to gather around the table, enjoy a meal and a conversation together each year on the second Sunday in January.
Sunday Supper starts off as one day a week and soon becomes a way of life. – Sunday Supper Movement
These days families are busy with after-school activities, jobs, and homework. Sunday supper has been a disappearing tradition around the country and the Sunday Supper Movement aims to bring families back together in the kitchen and around the dinner table one Sunday at a time. National Sunday Supper Day is another step toward this goal.
HOW TO OBSERVE #SundaySupper
Invite friends and family over to spend the day preparing a Sunday Supper. While you’re preparing supper, discuss plans for continuing the tradition next week. Take turns and find ways to spend more time enjoying each other’s company over a meal. Create bonds that will last a lifetime. For more information visit wwww.sundaysuppermovement.com. Use #SundaySupper on social media.
If you’re looking for Sunday Supper ideas, look no further than 9 Ways to Sunday Supper.
NATIONAL SUNDAY SUPPER HISTORY
Isabel Laessig is the founder of the Sunday Supper Movement and the Food and Wine Conference. A mother of four, she was inspired to start her blog, Family Foodie, when her oldest left for college and the things she would miss most about home would be the times spent in the kitchen and around the table with family.
In 2012 Laessig and eight other bloggers and their families celebrated the first virtual Sunday Supper with a progressive dinner. According to Laessig, she and these eight bloggers are “passionate about bringing families together to cook and eat together.”
Growing up my family had traditional Sunday Dinners around 12 noon with many eaten at a favorite restaurant served as all you can chicken Dinners.
NATIONAL ENGLISH TOFFEE DAY
On January 8th, National English Toffee Day celebrates a favored confection that’s been enjoyed across the country for generations. This sweet treat comes with some confusion concerning the difference between English toffee and just plain toffee. Despite the confusion, it’s an enjoyable confection no matter how you crack it.
Some say that English toffee is a harder candy than the American version. Others say that it’s the other way around. Some say the Americans add nuts, but the toffee in the United Kingdom doesn’t have nuts. Either way, this hard, sometimes chewy candy is made by caramelizing sugar. The Heath bar is a type of candy bar made with an English toffee core. It is sometimes enrobed in chocolate and topped with nuts.
There is one significant difference between British toffee and American toffee, however; the British make toffee with only brown sugar, not white. And while they typically do not add nuts, they will add a layer of chocolate. Don’t hesitate to try dark, milk or white chocolate with English toffee. All varieties add a different texture and flavor.
Use #EnglishToffeeDay to post on social media.
NATIONAL ENGLISH TOFFEE DAY HISTORY
The National Confectioners Association recognizes this sweet observance. However, National Day Calendar continues to pursue the founders of the day.
National Tempura Day
Batter and deep-fry a wide range of foods, from prawns to vegetables, and pair with Japanese staples like donburi or soba for...
Tempura is a deep-fried dish that the Japanese have made for centuries. When did it originate? Let us find out through the history of National Tempura Day!
Learn about National Tempura Day
On National Tempura Day, we are encouraged to enjoy any sort of dish that has been made with tempura batter. This is a Japanese fare, with most people tucking into delicious Tempura prawns on this date! However, there are many things you can deep-fry in this batter. Seafood and vegetables are the most popular, yet there’s nothing stopping you from having Tempura chicken. We are sure that there are plenty of unique concoctions you can come up with as well. Deep-fried Mars bars are popular, so what about a Tempura version?
Tempura is a traditional Japanese dish. It was introduced in the 16th century by the Portuguese that were living in Nagasaki at the time. They used fritter-cooking to achieve the light batter. The batter typically consists of soft wheat flour, for example, all-purpose flour, pastry flour, or cake flour, which is combined with iced water. Some people prefer to use sparkling water to keep the batter light.
A lot of people will also add spices, oil, starch, baking powder or baking soda, and/or eggs, especially the egg yolk. Traditionally, this batter is mixed in small batches. Chopsticks are used to mix the batter, and it is only mixed minimally, i.e. for a few seconds. Any lumps are left in the mixture, and this – along with the cold temperature – is how the crisp and unique fluffy tempura structure is created when cooking.
Cooked tempura pieces tend to be either salted and eaten as they are or they are presented with a dipping sauce. Tentsuyu sauce is the most common sauce to enjoy with this batter. A lot of people serve it with grated daikon, which is a mild-flavored winter radish, and they eat it straight after it has been fried. You will also find that tempura is typically found in udon soup or bowls of soba in Japan, typically in the form of a fritter, shiso leaf, or shrimp.
National Tempura Day
Batter and deep-fry a wide range of foods, from prawns to vegetables, and pair with Japanese staples like donburi or soba for some delicious dining.
Tempura is a deep-fried dish that the Japanese have made for centuries. When did it originate? Let us find out through the history of National Tempura Day!
Learn about National Tempura Day
On National Tempura Day, we are encouraged to enjoy any sort of dish that has been made with tempura batter. This is a Japanese fare, with most people tucking into delicious Tempura prawns on this date! However, there are many things you can deep-fry in this batter. Seafood and vegetables are the most popular, yet there’s nothing stopping you from having Tempura chicken. We are sure that there are plenty of unique concoctions you can come up with as well. Deep-fried Mars bars are popular, so what about a Tempura version?
Tempura is a traditional Japanese dish. It was introduced in the 16th century by the Portuguese that were living in Nagasaki at the time. They used fritter-cooking to achieve the light batter. The batter typically consists of soft wheat flour, for example, all-purpose flour, pastry flour, or cake flour, which is combined with iced water. Some people prefer to use sparkling water to keep the batter light.
A lot of people will also add spices, oil, starch, baking powder or baking soda, and/or eggs, especially the egg yolk. Traditionally, this batter is mixed in small batches. Chopsticks are used to mix the batter, and it is only mixed minimally, i.e. for a few seconds. Any lumps are left in the mixture, and this – along with the cold temperature – is how the crisp and unique fluffy tempura structure is created when cooking.
Cooked tempura pieces tend to be either salted and eaten as they are or they are presented with a dipping sauce. Tentsuyu sauce is the most common sauce to enjoy with this batter. A lot of people serve it with grated daikon, which is a mild-flavored winter radish, and they eat it straight after it has been fried. You will also find that tempura is typically found in udon soup or bowls of soba in Japan, typically in the form of a fritter, shiso leaf, or shrimp.
It is also not uncommon for tempura to be used in combination with other foods. So, if you want to cook a tempura-inspired meal for National Tempura Day, there are plenty of main dishes for you to consider. As mentioned, you can add tempura to the top of udon soup. It is also typically served as part of a donburi dish, which is where vegetables and tempura shrimp are served over a bowl of steamed rice. You could also make a bowl of tempura soba, which is essentially tempura that is served on top of buckwheat noodles. Or, how about making your very own creation?
History of National Tempura Day
Tempura is made up of either seafood or vegetables that are battered, deep-fried, and enjoyed by millions of people across the nation. Portuguese Jesuit missionaries introduced the recipe for tempura to Japan during the sixteenth century (around 1549). It is believed that Portuguese Jesuit Tokugawa Isyasu, founder and first shogun of the Tokugawa shogunate of Japan, loved tempura. Since the Genroku era (September 1688 – March 1704) tempura was originally a very popular food that was eaten at street vendors called yatai.
The idea that the word “tempura” may have been derived from the Portuguese noun tempero, meaning a condiment or seasoning of any kind, or from the verb temperar, meaning “to season” has not been substantiated. The term “tempura” is thought to have gained popularity in southern Japan; it became widely used to refer to any sort of food prepared using hot oil, including some already existing Japanese foods. Today, the word “tempura” is also commonly used to refer to satsuma age, a fried fish cake that is made without batter. In Bangladesh, the blossoms of pumpkins or marrows are often deep-fried with a gram of rice flour spice mix, creating a Bengali style tempura known as kumro ful bhaja.
How to celebrate National Tempura Day
Celebrating National Tempura Day is easy. You gather up the ingredients necessary to create a tempura, be it a homemade recipe or one you found online, and make the dish to serve it with family as a happy dinner meal. You could decide to have tempura prawns or starter or you could opt for a main dish that incorporates tempura, such as the ones we mentioned earlier.
NATIONAL TECHNOLOGY DAY
National Technology Day on January 6th recognizes how technology changes the world and looks to the future of technology. Each year, from the wheel to smartphones, the day honors technological achievements that impact our daily lives.
Imagine the world without technology. In our daily lives, we can’t take a step without coming into contact with a form of it. Yet, the world is abuzz with technology!
Outside of the healthcare sector, tech jobs are among the strongest and fastest-growing divisions. And let’s face it, technology is at the center of most jobs these days. Some of the may places we encounter technology include:
- Agriculture
- Healthcare
- Education
- Entertainment
- Foodservice
- Security
We use technology to keep us organized, connected, healthy, and safe. Technology improves productivity and gives us insights into how the world works.
Apps
One area of the tech world that continues to advance and affect our lives is apps (short for applications). With the advent of smartphones, apps are way more than just games or photo editing. So if you haven’t made any resolutions yet, resolve to check out these trending apps:
- AXEL – Files move or stream from one device straight to another. No stops along the way and no uploading. It removes the middlemen.
- Circle of 6 – When talking about personal safety, this is a tool you might consider having. It is designed to quickly and discreetly get help in dangerous situations. Pre-written messages are sent to designated recipients by simply tapping twice, GPS location included.
- Zombies, Run! – Exercise as a game. And zombies. It’s a zombie exercise game. If nothing else motivates you, maybe this will.
Communication
Another area where technology thrives is in the area of communications. We use various tools to communicate with people, and we use these tools a lot! Consider all the ways we convey a message in today’s world.
- Exploring technologies of the past. Which ones would you bring back if you could?
- Share your favorite technologies.
- Discuss how technology improves your life.
- Test out new technology.
- Share your ideas for new technology.
Use #TechnologyDay on social media. Talk to someone about your technology ideas or find a way to bring your vision forward.
NATIONAL TECHNOLOGY DAY HISTORY
AXEL, a technology-based company, headquartered out of Las Vegas, founded National Technology Day. The Registrar at National Day Calendar declared National Technology Day in 2016.
National Bird Day – January 5, 2022
Birds have always held special place in our hearts, which is why we celebrate them on National Bird Day every January 5! While birds are amazing, they’re also a massive animal group under particular threat. And the phrase “canary in the coal mine” was named after birds for a reason—they’re the barometers of our planet’s environmental health. The fact that so many bird species are under threat thanks to the illegal pet trade, disease, and habitat loss means it’s more important than ever to raise public awareness of the needs of birds. The survival of hundreds of species depends on it!
HISTORY OF NATIONAL BIRD DAY
Whether they’re your backyard’s star cardinal or the common pigeons that flock to and fro in the park, birds have always held a spot of fascination, love, and adoration in our hearts. There’s a certain awe that can only be tapped into when watching an eagle soar. Unfortunately, most birds are either endangered or protected, this is mostly due to habitat loss or illegal pet trade.
That’s why the Avian Welfare Coalition created National Bird Day: to raise awareness of the hardships and plights of these important animals and how we can initiate the change needed to create a healthier, more sustainable relationship with them.
Birds are often considered living links to the past, being the closest-related animals to the evolution of dinosaurs. They’re often keystone species in the ecosystems, signifiers of its health and vitality. For example, the holes left behind by woodpeckers are often used as homes for a large variety of other animals. That means if woodpeckers were to run out of a food source – or out of the right kinds of trees – so, too, would all the animals dependent on their pecking skills.
While National Bird Day may be relatively new, having been founded in 2002, the adversity that birds have had to face is nothing novel to the animal kingdom. Just ask the Dodo, the Labrador Duck, or the Passenger Pigeon, considered sacred by many Native American tribes and often the subject of many works of American art until its demise.
NATIONAL CHOCOLATE COVERED CHERRY DAY
January 3rd spotlights National Chocolate Covered Cherry Day and a favorite during many holidays. Furthermore, the National Confectioners Association has been known to recognize this day as an annual event.
Chocolate-covered cherry lovers know how impossible it is to eat just one of these candies. Candy makers combine these two favorite flavors into one delicious treat and it turns into something irresistible. They also often make the candy with a sweet liquid center and in some cases a liqueur filling.
Chocolate covered cherries are also chocolate cordials. They can be either store-bought or homemade. There are many recipes that mimic the flavor of this well-loved candy. Either way, they are known to many as a mid-winter pick-me-up.
Chocolate covered cherries, also known as cherry cordials, have been enjoyed by Americans and indeed the world for generations. Early settlers from Europe were so fond of cherries they made sure that some were stashed among the cargo when they sailed the Atlantic Ocean to reach America in the 1600s.
Although there are a variety of cherries now considered to be native to North America, the common belief is that cherries originated in Turkey. Cherries are known to be one of the oldest cultivated crops in the world and it seems as though our love of cherries is deeply ingrained in human culture.
The English began soaking sweet cherries in kirsch, a cherry brandy, and covering them with chocolate in the 1700s. These cordials, as they were known, were savored for their intoxicating effects, and reserved for holidays. The French created a similar confection called Griottes around the same time using a sour cherry called a griotte, which they also soaked in kirsch and smothered in chocolate. Both English cordials and French Griottes made their way to America in the 1700s and immediately became in demand to no one’s surprise.
Americans began making cordials using a strong, sugary syrup liqueur by crushing whole cherries, cooking them in sugar and brandy, then covering with chocolate. These became known as cherry cordials, but other fruits were also made into cordials using the same brandy and sugar method. Cherry cordials were the most popular and usually reserved for holidays and special festivities. Eventually, the alcohol was removed from the recipe during prohibition, and cherry cordials were instead made with cherry flavored sugar syrup. By 1929 the first chocolate covered–cherries made with sugar syrup and no alcohol began to be mass–produced in America to meet the increased demand.
Today we celebrate–chocolate covered cherries of all persuasions – dark, milk, even white chocolate varieties. We love to savor a cherry cordial after dinner made with sweet liqueurs and the nip of kirsch brandy but are always eager to indulge in a sweet sugar syrup centered chocolate–covered cherry as a late afternoon delight. Whichever you prefer, make sure you treat yourself for National Chocolate Covered Cherry Day.
National Cream Puff Day is an annual food feast celebrated on January 2nd of every year. The celebration day is just for those who love eating French choux pastry balls filled with cream. It’s time to start the year with the delicious cream puff to add more joy to the celebration. Originally the French recipes are different from other region food items. Cream Puff is one such pastry item that is unique both in taste and look. So this is the perfect occasion to treat your sweet tooth with this choux à la crème or cream puffs. The National Cream Puff Day celebrates the unusual rich dessert pastries and those who love them.
History of National Cream Puff Day
The history, origin, founder, and the year at which the National Cream Puff Day has been celebrated are not known precisely. However, the cream puff custard has a long tradition. The cream puffs are found to be originated in France in the 1540s. It had existed when Catherine de Medici’s pastry chef created the baked the puffed shells for Henry II of France, Catherine’s husband. The cream puff is a choux pastry ball often filled with whipped cream, pastry cream, custard, or ice cream. It is also called profiterole or choux a la creme.
The choux pastry is a light pastry in which the dough is added to a high percentage of the boiled mixture of butter and water. It is then cooked at a high temperature in the oven until the dough mixture converts to be a smooth ball of dough with a hollow center. After cream puffs are taken out of the oven, they must be cut in half, or the pastry will deflate upon cooling. The choux paste must be piped through a pastry bag into small balls to make the cream puffs. When the ball is baked, you will have hollow puffs. The puffs can be decorated or left plain. It can be garnished with caramel, chocolate sauce, or a dusting of powdered sugar.
How to Celebrate National Cream Puff Day
The best way to celebrate National Cream Puff Day is to fill up your mouth with some delicious soft cream puffs. Learn to know more about the cream puffs and their making in detail. Get the ingredients and prepare them on your own for your family and friends. Fill it with custard or whipped cream and decorate it with all your favorite toppings. To make it simple, you can even buy cream puffs from the pastry shop and taste them. Share your Cream Puff Day celebration and your making photos on social media using the hashtag #CreamPuffDay.
NEW YEAR’S EVE DAY
Every year on December 31st, people around the world celebrate New Year’s Eve, the last day of the year. It’s a day to say “goodbye” to the old and “hello” to the new.
Also known as Old Year’s Day or Saint Sylvester’s Day, New Year’s Eve is one of the most exciting holidays of the year. Some countries, such as the Philippines and Latvia, celebrate New Year’s Eve as a public holiday. In Japan, it’s a government holiday. In other countries, many businesses let their employees off of work early so that they can partake in the many festivities.
There are many reasons this day is one of the biggest nights of the year. Not just because it’s a time of big parties and celebrations all around the world. New Year’s Eve can be a significant turning point in your life. It’s a time to reflect on the past year and all of the lessons you have learned. It can be a time you decide to start making better choices. If you have had a rough year, New Year’s Eve offers a feeling of relief. You can be thankful that the year is finally over
New Year’s is also a time to forgive past mistakes and form new habits. Many people make New Year’s resolutions. Although, only 8% of people actually accomplish them. Instead of making resolutions that you’re not going to keep anyway, it’s better to set three or four goals. Breaking down goals into actionable steps, and reviewing your progress daily helps to keep them. It’s also a good idea to find a friend or mentor that can hold you accountable.
HOW TO OBSERVE #NewYearsEve
As we count down the last hours and seconds of the old year, it is an excellent time to look back at the year and reminisce with friends and family.
Many cities throughout the world go all-out to celebrate this exciting night. Fireworks, concerts, countdowns, and ball drops are usually among the many festivities. Some of the best cities to celebrate include New York City, Sydney, Bangkok, Dubai, Cape Town, London, and Las Vegas.
In Spain and other Spanish-speaking countries, it is a tradition to eat 12 grapes during the countdown to midnight, symbolizing hopes for the new year. Around the world, eating anything in the form of a circle or ring symbolizes coming full circle and is considered good luck
NATIONAL FRUITCAKE DAY
Across the United States, fruitcake lovers young and old, commemorate National Fruitcake Day each year on December 27th.
Made with chopped candied or dried fruit, nuts, and spices and sometimes soaked in spirits, fruitcake has been a holiday gift-giving tradition for many years.
Dating back to ancient Rome, one of the earliest known recipes lists pomegranate seeds, pine nuts, and raisins mixed into barley mash. Records indicate that in the Middle Ages, makers added honey, spices, and preserved fruits. Recipes for fruitcakes vary from country to country, depending on available ingredients and tradition.
In the 16th century, two achievements crystallized to make fruitcakes more affordable and accessible. First, sugar from the American Colonies became abundant. Second, it was discovered that high concentrations of sugar could preserve fruits. These two actions resulted in excess candied fruit. Consequently, fruitcake making grew.
- Typically, Americans produce fruitcakes abundant in fruit and nuts
- In America, mail-order fruitcake began in 1913.
- Charities often sell commercial fruitcakes from catalogs as a fundraising event.
- In 1935, the expression “nutty as a fruitcake” was coined. The phrase came about as a result of excess nuts some Southern bakeries added to their fruitcakes due to their access to cheap nuts.
- Most mass-produced fruitcakes in America are alcohol-free.
- Some traditional recipes include liqueurs or brandy. Bakers then complete the fruitcake by covering it with powdered sugar.
- Some fruitcake makers soaked their fruitcakes in brandy-soaked linens believing the cakes improved with age.
HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalFruitcakeDay
Share a fruitcake story or recipe. Or maybe share both. Invite someone to enjoy some fruitcake with you. No matter how you celebrate, use #NationalFruitcakeDay to post on social media.
You can also explore the other 5 Time-Honored Christmas Foods to get a jump on next year.
NATIONAL FRUITCAKE DAY HISTORY
National Day Calendar will continue to experiment with recipes until we get it right. In the meantime, we’ve not found the origins of this immortal cornerstone of holiday baking, either.
Butter Rum Sauce is a buttery caramel-like-sauce that has a lovely flavor from the dark rum. Don’t worry it doesn’t taste like a cocktail as the liquor will boil out during cooking. It is made with 5 simple ingredients – butter, brown sugar, sugar, cream, and dark rum.
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