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National French Fry Day Freebies And Deals Roundup For July 13, 2022.
National French Fry Day on July 13 is a great opportunity to take the time to sample some golden-brown potato slices. But did you know that the origin of French fries is more than likely not French at all? Potatoes were being fried in Belgium way before the French, but more on that later. When it comes to the tastiest French fries on the planet, everyone seems to have an opinion. It’s a time-consuming decision to find your favorite because no two restaurants seem to have the same recipe. French fries do have a nutritional stigma attached to them, however, due to high-caloric and fat content. But it’s tough to say no to a hot batch — even the ones at the bottom of the bag.
WHEN IS NATIONAL FRENCH FRY DAY 2022?
Crinkle-cut, English style, or McDonald’s famous fries, French fries are enjoyed and celebrated on National French Fry Day on July 13.
HISTORY OF NATIONAL FRENCH FRY DAY
Estimates say Americans eat around 30 pounds of French fries per person each year. That seems like a lot, but when you think about all the ways you can eat fries, it adds up quickly. They’re easy to gobble down, whether they’re straight out of a fast-food French-fry container or whether you’re an expert at making fries at home. Add in all of the different condiments, and these simple potatoes become even more popular.
The term ‘French fries’ refers to deep-fried slices or strips of potatoes. While the precise origins are unknown, the item hit the culinary scene sometime in the 1700s. It had taken an entire century for potatoes to become widely accepted as food, arriving in Europe in the 1600s.
Like most iconic foods, the French fry has an interesting folk story about how it was created. Belgians call dibs on the origins of French fries, claiming it to be an invention of their people. According to a manuscript by Joseph Gerard, the residents of the Meuse Valley, located near Dinant in Belgium, consumed a lot of fish, since they lived near the river. During winters, when the rivers would freeze and fishing would become difficult, the idea to slice potatoes like fish fillets and fry them in hot fat was born.
Here’s a look at some of the special offers you can expect to find at a restaurant chain near you on Wednesday:
- Burger King: Free Chicken Fries for Perks Members with every $3 purchase on Wednesday, July 13 via the BK app, BK.com – not available via delivery.
- Checkers and Rally’s: Launched this petition to have the National French Fry Day holiday permanently changed to a Friday. Anyone who signs the “Fry Day To Friday” petition will instantly receive a digital coupon valid for a free medium order of Checkers & Rally’s famous seasoned fries.
- Del Taco: Offering Del Yeah! Rewards members $1 Small or Medium Crinkle Cut Fries with any purchase in the app or online from July 13 through July 19, 2022. Limit one offer per guest per day.
- Elevation Burger: Treating fans to one free order of French Fries with any purchase from Grubhub from July 13 through July 19, 2022.
- Farmer Boys: Offering Always Crispy Fries for $1- all day with any purchase at participating locations, while supplies last.
- Fatburger: Fans will be treated to one free order of Fat or Skinny Fries starting National French Fry Day, July 13, through July 19 with any purchase made in-store or online. Guest must mention promotion in store or use code FrenchFryDay22 online to redeem.
- Hardee’s: Offering fans the chance to receive free fries for the rest of the year. My Rewards members who make an in-app purchase that includes fries on National French Fry Day (July 13) will receive a Free small natural cut fry with purchase mobile offer in their My Rewards account and can redeem one time per day beginning July 14 through December 31, 2022.
- HEINZ: Offering $5.70 off any DoorDash order of $15 or more with fries included at participating restaurants on July 13, 2022.
- Hot Dog on a Stick: Offering fans a free surprise with any fry purchase in-store and online. Surprises include: a free stick with any lemonade purchase and $5 off $15 or more online.
- Jack in the Box: Offering 2 for $2 French Fries through the Jack in the Box mobile app on July 13. This automatic offer will be on the deals page in the app and applies to medium size fries.
- KFC: Sales of KFC’s Secret Recipe Fries at participating locations support the KFC Foundation, a non-profit organization whose vision is to make every KFC restaurant employee feel supported and empowered to be their best self.
- McDonald’s: Offering a free order of Large Fries exclusively in the McDonald’s mobile app on Wednesday, July 13, 2022 – no purchase necessary.
- Metro Diner: Bringing back a dish in honor of their 30th anniversary and was featured on Guy Fieri’s Diners, Dine-Ins and Dives – The Pittsburgh Steak Salad – a garden salad topped with French Fries, steak tips, blue cheese crumbles and served with blue cheese dressing for $14.99.
- PDQ: Welcoming back the Waffle Fry Shake for one day only on July 13, 2022
- Penn Station East Coast Subs: Giving away the brand’s fresh-cut fries with any sandwich purchase.
- Smashburger: Offering free Smashfries with the purchase a Cheesy burger.
NATIONAL STRAWBERRY SUNDAE DAY | JULY 7
On July 7th, it is time to indulge on National Strawberry Sundae Day. Each year on this day, Americans combine vanilla or strawberry ice cream, strawberry sauce, fresh strawberries, and whipped cream. Make several strawberry sundaes, and enjoy this delicious treat with friends and family.
#StrawberrySundaeDay
While the oldest known record of an ice cream sundae is an Ithaca, NY advertisement, the originator of the dessert is cooly debated. The October 5, 1892 ad in the Ithaca Daily Journal spelled the ice cream treat with the conventional day of the week spelling – Sunday.
However, Two Rivers, Wisconsin claims that Druggist Edward Berners served the first ice cream sundae in 1881. According to the story, customer George Hallauer ordered an ice cream soda on a Sunday. Since ordinances at the time prohibited the sale of ice cream sodas on the Sabbath, Berners came up with a compromise and served the ice cream in a dish minus the soda. He topped it with chocolate syrup and called it a Sundae. One interesting catch – Berners was 18 at the time the story takes place.
Ithaca’s claim to the ice cream sundae takes place at Platt & Colt Pharmacy in 1892 where Reverend John M. Scott stops to order a bowl of ice cream. When Chester Platt, proprietor, began preparing the ice cream for his customer, he didn’t stop at just a couple of scoops of vanilla. Platt drizzled cherry syrup over the ice cream and topped them with a bright red, candied cherry. The dessert looked and tasted so delightful it required its own name. Since the day was Sunday, it was named for the day it was created. Ithaca also has historical evidence supporting the story, including an advertisement for a Cherry Sunday.
While an origin story for the strawberry sundae hasn’t surfaced, it isn’t a stretch to imagine a strawberry replacing a cherry. Or strawberries topping chocolate. Celebrating sundaes with strawberries and whipped cream just seems worthy of a holiday no matter who created it.
HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL STRAWBERRY SUNDAE DAY
It’s summer! Strawberries and ice cream just go together. What better way to celebrate than with a sundae? Set up a strawberry sundae bar and invite the neighbors to make their own. Maybe they would like to try this sundae recipe. Post on social media using #StrawberrySundaeDay.
NATIONAL STRAWBERRY SUNDAE DAY HISTORY
We were unable to identify the creator of National Strawberry Sundae Day.
Today is: National Fried Chicken Day
News-Messenger/News Journal
USA Today Network
National Fried Chicken Day is observed in the United States of America annually on July 6. It is unclear how the day originated. Fried chicken
In observance of the day, fried chicken is prepared in a variety of ways, and eaten.
Some chain fried chicken restaurants such as Church's Chicken and KFC, and other chain restaurants such as Grandy's, offer promotions on National Fried Chicken Day.
Fried chicken, also known as Southern fried chicken, is eaten today. In order to make it, chicken is usually cut at the joints into smaller pieces, and the skin and bones are left on. It is coated in batter, which is made of ingredients such as eggs, milk, flour, and seasoning. It is then pan-fried, deep fried, or pressure fried in lard or oil. It ends up with a crisp or crunchy outside and a juicy inside.
Prior to the mid-20th century, chicken was quite expensive and fried chicken was only eaten on special occasions. Its price went down with the rise of industrial animal farming, and by the late 1990s and early 2000s, fried chicken was being mass-produced. There are now many fried chicken restaurants, and some of them have deals on National Fried Chicken Day.
NATIONAL BARBECUED SPARERIBS DAY | JULY 4
Get the charcoals ready as we observe National Barbecued Spareribs Day across the nation annually on July 4th.
#BarbecuedSpareribsDay
One of the most popular days to barbecue and grill, July 4th will have the back yards, patios, and beaches heating up with the flavors of spareribs. While steak is great, these inexpensive cuts of pork or beef ribs can be seasoned with spice rubs and sauces.
For the best barbecued spareribs, follow these tips for tender, delicious ribs every time.
NATIONAL BARBECUED SPARERIBS DAY | JULY 4
Get the charcoals ready as we observe National Barbecued Spareribs Day across the nation annually on July 4th.
#BarbecuedSpareribsDay
One of the most popular days to barbecue and grill, July 4th will have the back yards, patios, and beaches heating up with the flavors of spareribs. While steak is great, these inexpensive cuts of pork or beef ribs can be seasoned with spice rubs and sauces.
For the best barbecued spareribs, follow these tips for tender, delicious ribs every time.
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Barbecue Tips
- Select the right meat – Choose ribs with meat all over the bone. Fat is ok, just make sure it’s balanced, too. When you find ribs that have fat at one end, walk on by.
- Get enough – Nobody likes missing out. Half a slab per adult should be enough.
- Use a dry rub – Rubs vary. Use one that meets your family’s preferences. Apply the rub before you put the ribs on the grill, but there’s no need to let the ribs marinate in the seasonings for long.
- Low heat – The temperature of the grill should be around 200° F.
- Indirect heat – Whether you’re using charcoal or gas, the important thing to remember is to place the ribs opposite of where the coals or burners are lit.
- Use tongs – Forks will pierce the meat, letting the juices out. Turn the ribs every 20-30 minutes.
- Add sauce – When there are about 40-45 minutes of cooking time left, add the barbecue sauce. Again, use the sauce that best fits your family’s preferences.
- Rest the ribs – 15 minutes will let the meat absorb the juices that heat has forced to the outer surface. The end result is a juicier, more tender rib.
When eating spareribs, don’t wear your Sunday best. While some manners go out the window, try to maintain some decorum. Eat this sweet and messy deliciousness with your fingers, but carry plenty of napkins. Wiping your hands on your shirt is a no-no. The better the ribs, the more napkins you will need.
HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL BARBECUE SPARERIBS DAY
Come share your favorite BBQ recipe with us on our National Day Recipes page!
Give this sparerib recipe or dry rub recipe a try and enjoy the Independence Day weekend! Beyond the recipes, be sure to celebrate with friends and family. This day, as well as many others, offer the opportunity to socialize and share your BBQ and grilling talents. Impart some wisdom while you’re out there tending the ribs and the next generation will be ready to take the tongs!
If you’re just starting out, check out these 7 Hot BBQ Tips to get you started. Share your best barbecued spareribs on social media using #BarbecuedSpareribsDay.
FOURTH OF JULY, 2022
Good morning Freedom Land on this morning after a bustling very warm fireworks popping Sunday night at 11:43pm. Happy 4th of July Everyone! Have a wonderful day spending time with Friends and Family gathered around backyards, front yards or in your home enjoying quality time cooking and laughing and reminiscing about the past. Enjoy the fireworks this evening in your hometowns across America. God bless this beautiful Country! God bless you and your Family! Happy 4th of July Monday Everyone! Peace and tranquility be yours always.
NATIONAL ANISETTE DAY | JULY 2
On July 2nd, we recognize a liqueur derived from aniseed on National Anisette Day. Aniseed from the anis herb gives anisette its licorice or fennel flavor. While usually a dry, dry liqueur, distillers sometimes add a sugar syrup for a sweeter result. Spain, Italy, Portugal, and France lead the world in drinking this licorice-tasting drink.
#NationalAnisetteDay
The herb of the aniseed, usually the main ingredient in anisette, is considered to have medicinal qualities. Sweeter than other anise-flavored liqueurs, anisette’s association with various cures dates back to ancient Egypt. As a liqueur, distillers create a dryer anisette in Europe than they do in the United States. Distillers add other spices such as coriander and fruit to distill anisette, too.
While most enjoy anisette by sipping it, the liqueur can be mixed as a cocktail, too. However, pure anise extract should not be drunk straight. Since its alcoholic content is high, it irritates the throat. However, mixing it in with coffee, gin, bourbon, or water will bring out a bit of a sweet flavor. The solution? Bake some anise cookies!
If you’re the one who eats all the black jelly beans, you will likely savor a shot with anisette. The licorice flavor comes from the same anise plant that we make some of our licorice candies from.
HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL ANNISETTE DAY
Anisette mixes well with other liqueurs, juices, and sodas for a variety of cocktails and shooters. Sip some anisette for a toast to the licorice flavor you love! You can also make anise cookies or spiced bars. Another way to celebrate is by exploring 100 Years of Prohibition History. Post on social media using #NationalAnisetteDay.
NATIONAL ANISETTE DAY HISTORY
National Day Calendar is researching the origins of this distilled holiday.
NATIONAL METEOR WATCH DAY | JUNE 30
On June 30th, National Meteor Watch Day encourages us to look to the stars to witness one of the night sky’s most thrilling sights. Also known as National Meteor Day, on a cloudless night, people turn their eyes to the heavens in hopes of spotting the glow of a falling star.
#NationalMeteorWatchDay
Daily millions of meteors enter the Earth’s atmosphere.
National Meteor Watch Day – A Learning Opportunity
When space debris, such as pieces of rock, enter the Earth’s atmosphere the friction causes the surrounding air to become scorching hot. This “shooting star” streaking through the sky surrounded by flaming hot air is a meteor.
The majority of the meteoroids that cause meteors are only the size of a pebble.
Meteors sometimes occur in showers. It’s an excellent time to plan for a meteor-watching party. Whether we catch a few stray falling stars or witness an entire meteor shower, this day calls for an evening with friends and family under the stars. Identify the constellations while waiting to make a wish or two. Sounds like a romantic night, as well.
Meteor, Meteoroid and Meteor Showers
In the Northern Hemisphere, one of the most active meteor showers is the Perseids. Named after the constellation Perseus where the majority of the activity takes place, particles released by the comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle cause the meteors to shower down onto Earth. One of the most impressive meteor showers in the Northern Hemisphere, the Perseids put on dazzling displays. Some years, on a clear night with a new moon, skywatchers view more than one meteor per minute! The Perseids are active from mid-July to late August.
We usually observe meteors at night, and they are visible when they are about 34 to 70 miles above the Earth. When they come within 31-51 miles of the Earth, they often disintegrate. Their glow time is usually about a second.
Despite the large number of meteors we see, a small percent of meteoroids hit the Earth’s atmosphere and then skip back into space.
HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL METEOR WATCH DAY
Plan your night with these 9 Steps to Great Night Sky Viewing. Gather some friends together, a blanket, and find a place far from the city lights on a cloudless night. Use #NationalMeteorWatchDay to share on social media.
Educators and families, check out the National Day Calendar Classroom for more ways to Celebrate Every Day!
HISTORY OF NATIONAL METEOR WATCH DAY
Within our research, we were unable to identify the creator of National Meteor Watch Day.
NATIONAL WAFFLE IRON DAY | JUNE 29
Waffle lovers finally have their day of recognition on June 29th as they celebrate National Waffle Iron Day. Some people enjoy their waffles plain with syrup, but we like ours topped with berries, whipped cream, too. Who knew a simple machine would make such a big impact on our lives!
#NationalWaffleIronDay
The waffle iron is usually two honeycomb-patterned metal plates hinged together. A person pours or places the batter between the heated plates and then closes it to bake the waffle. Other patterns waffle off and on the market reflecting pop culture so we can make waffles shaped into famous animated characters and iconic logos.
Waffle irons got their start in the 14th century in the Low Countries. Even the earliest designs that were used over an open fire would have elaborate designs such as coats of arms and religious symbols.
To waffle means to waver between decisions. Similar words with this meaning include flip-flop or yo-yo which also have National Days on the calendar!
The first patent in the USA for a waffle iron was in 1869, submitted by Cornelius Swarthout. In 1911, General Electric produced a prototype electric waffle iron. The first electric waffle iron was available to the general public in 1918.
NATIONAL WAFFLE IRON DAY | JUNE 29
Waffle lovers finally have their day of recognition on June 29th as they celebrate National Waffle Iron Day. Some people enjoy their waffles plain with syrup, but we like ours topped with berries, whipped cream, too. Who knew a simple machine would make such a big impact on our lives!
#NationalWaffleIronDay
The waffle iron is usually two honeycomb-patterned metal plates hinged together. A person pours or places the batter between the heated plates and then closes it to bake the waffle. Other patterns waffle off and on the market reflecting pop culture so we can make waffles shaped into famous animated characters and iconic logos.
Waffle irons got their start in the 14th century in the Low Countries. Even the earliest designs that were used over an open fire would have elaborate designs such as coats of arms and religious symbols.
To waffle means to waver between decisions. Similar words with this meaning include flip-flop or yo-yo which also have National Days on the calendar!
The first patent in the USA for a waffle iron was in 1869, submitted by Cornelius Swarthout. In 1911, General Electric produced a prototype electric waffle iron. The first electric waffle iron was available to the general public in 1918.
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Nike Co-Founder Bill Bowerman, an Oregon Track Coach at the time, used his wife’s waffle iron to create a sole for footwear that would be lightweight but also grip a surface. This design would soon be called the “Moon Shoe” in 1972 and the “Waffle Trainer” in 1974. His waffle iron shoe helped spur the growth of Blue Ribbon Sports / Nike.
Waffle iron makers today offer a large variety of choices from waffle irons that make very thin waffles to those that can make
NATIONAL WAFFLE IRON DAY | JUNE 29
Waffle lovers finally have their day of recognition on June 29th as they celebrate National Waffle Iron Day. Some people enjoy their waffles plain with syrup, but we like ours topped with berries, whipped cream, too. Who knew a simple machine would make such a big impact on our lives!
#NationalWaffleIronDay
The waffle iron is usually two honeycomb-patterned metal plates hinged together. A person pours or places the batter between the heated plates and then closes it to bake the waffle. Other patterns waffle off and on the market reflecting pop culture so we can make waffles shaped into famous animated characters and iconic logos.
Waffle irons got their start in the 14th century in the Low Countries. Even the earliest designs that were used over an open fire would have elaborate designs such as coats of arms and religious symbols.
To waffle means to waver between decisions. Similar words with this meaning include flip-flop or yo-yo which also have National Days on the calendar!
The first patent in the USA for a waffle iron was in 1869, submitted by Cornelius Swarthout. In 1911, General Electric produced a prototype electric waffle iron. The first electric waffle iron was available to the general public in 1918.
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Nike Co-Founder Bill Bowerman, an Oregon Track Coach at the time, used his wife’s waffle iron to create a sole for footwear that would be lightweight but also grip a surface. This design would soon be called the “Moon Shoe” in 1972 and the “Waffle Trainer” in 1974. His waffle iron shoe helped spur the growth of Blue Ribbon Sports.
HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL WAFFLE IRON DAY
Break out your waffle iron and give it a good workout. Share your recipes for your favorite waffles, too. We even have two recipes for you to try!
Use #NationalWaffleIronDay to share your masterpieces on social media.
HISTORY OF NATIONAL WAFFLE IRON DAY
National Day Calendar is researching the origins of this kitchen gadget holiday.
NATIONAL ICE CREAM CAKE DAY | JUNE 27
National Ice Cream Cake Day on June 27th each year brings two celebration favorites together under one delicious treat! And in the height of summer, an ice cream cake creates the perfect dessert for just about any occasion.
#NationalIceCreamCakeDay
Ice cream cake makers build these treats out of any flavor of ice cream into the shape of a cake. And they can add many different ingredients, too. Whether you like cookie crumbs, sponge cake, fudge, fruit, or caramel between the layers, they make delicious things happen. Then they take it a step further with the decorating. They begin by adding frosting, whipped cream, or icing. Just like baked cakes, ice cream cakes are decorated to fit any theme or celebration.
Although the origin of the ice cream cake remains somewhat of a mystery, there’s no doubting this popular dessert combines two classics. Between the classic summer treat, ice cream, and the time-honored celebratory cake, the ice cream cake becomes one of culinary history’s favorite combinations.
HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL ICE CREAM CAKE DAY
Order an ice cream cake from your favorite bakery or make your own to share with friends. Whether it’s for the baseball team or your favorite hairdresser, ice cream cakes come in all sizes to fit the celebration. And while you’re celebrating, be sure to give a shout out to your favorite ice cream cake maker, too. We would love to see photos of your creations and learn your favorite flavor combinations. Let us know by using #NationalIceCreamCakeDay to share on social media.
NATIONAL ICE CREAM CAKE DAY HISTORY
The Jurado Family and Cupcakes for a Cause submitted National Ice Cream Cake Day in May of 2018.
On June 22, 2018, the Registrar at National Day Calendar proclaimed celebration to be observed on June 27th annually.
NATIONAL CHOCOLATE PUDDING DAY | JUNE 26
Each year on June 26th, National Chocolate Pudding Day gets us all excited for a serving of this creamy dessert. Children and adults alike love chocolate pudding and have done so for generations. Usually eaten as a snack or dessert, chocolate pudding is also used as a filling for chocolate creme pie.
#NationalChocolatePuddingDay
Chocolate pudding is usually made with milk and sugar, flavored with chocolate and vanilla then thickened with flour or cornstarch. However, some recipes do use eggs when making the pudding. Historically, chocolate pudding is a variation of chocolate custard, using starch as a thickener instead of eggs. The 1903 edition of Mary Harris Frazer’s Kentucky Receipt Book and the 1918 edition of Fannie Farmer’s Boston Cooking School Cook Book, both printed recipes for the earlier version, using both eggs and flour.
In 1934, General Foods (Jello) introduced a chocolate pudding mix as “Walter Baker’s Dessert.” However, in 1936, they renamed it “Pickle’s Pudding.”
Chocolate pudding can be purchased ready-made and sold in grocery stores, convenience stores, and gas stations. The popular brands include Jell-O by the Kraft Foods Corporation and Snack Pack by Hunt’s.
HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL CHOCOLATE PUDDING DAY
Enjoy some delicious Chocolate Pudding as a dessert or as a snack. Try this homemade Chocolate Cornstarch Pudding recipe. Layer it with broken cookies or candy bars, and whipped cream to create a trifle dessert. You can also use chocolate pudding to make parfaits.
If you’re tackling homemade chocolate pudding, we have a few tips to share. Read 5 Tips to Making the Best Homemade Pudding. They also apply to other creamy desserts like mousse and custard. You’ll really be ready to Celebrate Every Day!
What’s your favorite way to enjoy chocolate pudding? Let us know using #NationalChocolatePuddingDay on social media.
NATIONAL CHOCOLATE PUDDING DAY HISTORY
National Day Calendar is researching the origins of this dessert holiday.
HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL CHOCOLATE PUDDING DAY
Enjoy some delicious Chocolate Pudding as a dessert or as a snack. Try this homemade Chocolate Cornstarch Pudding recipe. Layer it with broken cookies or candy bars, and whipped cream to create a trifle dessert. You can also use chocolate pudding to make parfaits.
If you’re tackling homemade chocolate pudding, we have a few tips to share. Read 5 Tips to Making the Best Homemade Pudding. They also apply to other creamy desserts like mousse and custard. You’ll really be ready to Celebrate Every Day!
What’s your favorite way to enjoy chocolate pudding? Let us know using #NationalChocolatePuddingDay on social media.
NATIONAL CHOCOLATE PUDDING DAY HISTORY
National Day Calendar is researching the origins of this dessert holiday.
NATIONAL STRAWBERRY PARFAIT DAY | JUNE 25
National Strawberry Parfait Day on June 25th comes around each year during the perfect time – peak strawberry season.
#NationalStrawberryParfaitDay
In fact, parfait is French for perfect. The traditional parfait is a dessert of ice cream or frozen custard layered with fruit and whipped cream in a tall stemmed glass. An additional topping of whipped cream garnishes the dessert. Today, we often replace the ice cream with yogurt or pudding and layers of granola.
Strawberries are not only in season during June, but they are also an excellent source of Vitamin C, folic acid, potassium, and fiber. At 55 calories and zero fat per 1 cup, these sweet things hit the spot when snack time is calling! When making parfaits, don’t just reserve them for dessert. If serving them with yogurt and granola, they make a delicious breakfast and snack, too.
HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL STRAWBERRY PARFAIT DAY
This celebration offers a terrific opportunity to explore your farmer’s markets for fresh-picked strawberries. Once you have the bounty home, make a homemade strawberry parfait to enjoy with all the wholesome ingredients you can add. Or indulge a little and make a traditional parfait with ice cream, whipped cream, and maybe a little chocolate syrup, too. We even have a recipe for you to try!
NATIONAL FUDGE DAY | June 16
National Fudge Day comes around each year on June 16th, allowing you to indulge in your favorite flavor of this delicious confectionery. Some of the most familiar fudge flavors are chocolate, chocolate nut, peanut butter, maple, and maple nut.
National Fudge Day is a day to enjoy the deliciousness of this decadent, sweet candy that is appreciated all over the world. It cannot be denied that celebrating this delicious, tasty treat is a great way to spend just about any day, especially on National Fudge Day!
Fudge is a soft, smooth confectionary that is made by mixing and then heating milk, butter and sugar. A variety of other ingredients can then be added to create assorted varieties and flavors of fudge. Some of the most popular flavors include chocolate and peanut butter, but there’s a whole world out there of fudge flavors that are waiting to be explored.
Exploring new flavors of fudge and sharing them with loved ones is what National Fudge Day is all about!
History of National Fudge Day
Fudge is thought to have been an American invention. The earliest documented mention of fudge can be found in a letter composed by Emelyn Hartridge, who was studying at the time at Vassar College, located in Poughkeepsie, New York. The letter detailed that fudge had been made and sold in a grocery store in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1886. At the time, the cost of 40 cents per pound of fudge. From here, word of chocolate fudge spread to other women’s colleges and eventually became very popular in the US.
In fact, many people believe that the first incidence of fudge may have been a mistake. It seems it could have been an intended batch of caramels that went awry, or “fudged”. That would make sense of the way we still use the term “fudging” something today.
National Fudge Day is the perfect opportunity to celebrate the delightful and delicious beauty of making and eating fudge!
How to Celebrate National Fudge Day
Celebrating National Fudge Day can come with all sorts of ideas, such as these:
Make a Batch of Fudge
On National Fudge Day, why not try making a batch of delicious fudge?
While some fudge recipes can be complicated and require the use of a candy thermometer, other easier recipes only need access to a microwave. A simple way to get tasty fudge in a short time is to use this basic recipe, creating a delicious treat to make and enjoy right in the kitchen at home!
Easy Chocolate Fudge Recipe:
Melt three cups (700g) of chocolate chips along with fourteen ounces (400g) of sweetened condensed milk and ¼ cup (30g) of butter or margarine in a large bowl in the microwave.
Cook on medium heat for approximately four minutes, or until the chocolate chips have all melted, being sure to stir a couple of times during cooking. Put in a square glass cake pan and cool in the refrigerator.
While some fudge recipes can be complicated and require the use of a candy thermometer, other easier recipes only need access to a microwave. A simple way to get tasty fudge in a short time is to use this basic recipe, creating a delicious treat to make and enjoy right in the kitchen at home!
Easy Chocolate Fudge Recipe:
Melt three cups (700g) of chocolate chips along with fourteen ounces (400g) of sweetened condensed milk and ¼ cup (30g) of butter or margarine in a large bowl in the microwave.
Cook on medium heat for approximately four minutes, or until the chocolate chips have all melted, being sure to stir a couple of times during cooking.
Add in any extra ingredients (nuts, fruit, cookie crumbs, marshmallows, etc.) as desired and then stir well. Pour fudge mixture into a greased 8″x8″ glass dish and refrigerate until set. Simple, quick and tasty!
NATIONAL PEANUT BUTTER COOKIE DAY | JUNE 12
Baking up some goodness on June 12th each year, National Peanut Butter Cookie Day celebrates the only cookie holiday in June. The day allows cookie lovers and peanut butter lovers to step away from the pies and cakes to indulge in a little peanut butter and cookie therapy.
#NationalPeanutButterCookieDay
Alabama’s American agricultural extension educator, George Washington Carver, promoted the peanut extensively. Well-known for his promotions, Carver compiled 105 peanut recipes from various cookbooks, agricultural bulletins, and other sources. In 1916, he created a Research Bulletin called How to Grow the Peanut and 105 Ways of Preparing it for Human Consumption. The bulletin included three recipes calling for crushed or chopped peanuts as one of its ingredients. However, peanut butter cookies were not one of them.
It was in the early 1920s peanut butter began to be listed as an ingredient in cookies.
Incidentally, The peanut butter we know and love today didn’t become commercially available until the 1920s. In 1922, Joseph Rosefield kept the peanut oil from separating from the solids through this process. Afterward, he patented the process of homogenization and sold it to a company that began making a peanut butter called Peter Pan.
No one knows why we press crisscrossed fork marks into our peanut butter cookies before baking. However, homemade peanut butter cookies would just not be the same without a bit of decoration.
But peanut butter is also an extremely useful ingredient in the kitchen, added to savory meals or sweet desserts. Today, the featured baked good is the rich and tasty peanut butter cookie!
Peanut butter cookies are yummy snacks that can be enjoyed any time, but especially on National Peanut Butter Cookie Day.
History of National Peanut Butter Cookie Day
Peanut butter goes back pretty far into history. It has been discovered that the ancient Aztecs and Incas made a paste by mashing roasted peanuts, and that seems to have been the first known instance of the use of peanut butter. Of course, it took quite some time after the ancient Aztecs and Incas for peanut butter to turn into peanut butter cookies.
Peanut butter cookies have been popular since the early 1900s. In fact, in 1913 the wife of the 28th US President, Woodrow Wilson, published a list of her cookie recipes, which generously included a recipe for Peanut Cookies that, of course, used peanut butter
NATIONAL ICED TEA DAY | JUNE 10
National Iced Tea Day on June 10th each year celebrates one of summer’s favorite drinks. Whether you prefer sweetened or unsweetened, with or without lemon, many love and enjoy iced tea by the glass full all summer long.
#NationalIcedTeaDay
Creating your custom iced tea is as easy as adding a hint of flavor. Whether you add a squeeze of lemon or the juice of raspberries, lime, passion fruit, strawberry, or cherry, make your iced tea your way.
An alternative to carbonated soft drinks and quite popular in the United States, iced tea makes up about 85% of all tea consumed. Restaurants, convenience stores, vending machines, grocery stores and self-serve soda fountains make finding iced tea easy and convenient.
Recipes for iced tea have been found dating back to the 1870s. The Buckeye Cookbook, published in 1876, and Housekeeping in Old Virginia, published in 1877, both contain iced tea recipes. It is believed, however, that iced tea started to appear in the United States in the 1860s and became widespread in the 1870s. During that time, hotels offered iced tea on their menus and railroad stations offered the beverage as well. In 1904, the beverage was introduced at the World’s Fair in St. Louis causing its popularity to explode.
HOW TO OBSERVE National Iced Tea Day
Brew and enjoy a glass of iced tea with friends. With so many ways to brew iced tea, it’s become more convenient than ever, too. Create your favorite flavors by adding mint, lemon or fruit. Enjoy a drink during lunch at your favorite restaurant. We even have two recipes for you to try:
Are you looking for iced tea deals to celebrate? We have them! Check out the Celebration Deals page for more information. If you have deals, use the Contact Us link, and we’ll get yours added.
While enjoying your iced tea, be sure to share on social media using #NationalIcedTeaDay.
NATIONAL ROTISSERIE CHICKEN DAY | JUNE 2
On June 2nd each year, chicken lovers celebrate National Rotisserie Chicken Day. While there a numerous ways to cook a whole chicken, rotisserie chicken offers a slow cooking method that seals in flavor.
#RotisserieChickenDay
When cooking chicken using a rotisserie chicken, the whole chicken is cooked on a rotisserie or spit that turns continuously over a heat source. This process slowly roasts and sears the skin to seal in the flavor. The result is a tender and juicy chicken. Some cooks inject rotisserie chicken with a blend of seasonings to give increase the flavor. The popularity of rotisserie chicken continues to grow as the health benefits of it become more widely known.
Rotisserie chicken goes well with a variety of side dishes, too. Whether you like traditional salads, potatoes, rice, and steamed vegetables, or more elaborate dishes, you will not go wrong. You can even use the leftovers in many ways, including salads, sandwiches, and casseroles. It is just as delicious cold as it is hot, too.
National Blueberry Cheesecake Day – May 26, 2022
National Blueberry Cheesecake Day is celebrated every year on May 26. It is a day dedicated to the blueberry cheesecake, one of the most popular desserts in the U.S. Although originating in ancient Greece, cheesecakes have today spread to the far corners of the world and each region has its own varieties of cheesecakes. One such very popular variety is the blueberry cheesecake.
HISTORY OF NATIONAL BLUEBERRY CHEESECAKE DAY
Cheesecake is a rich dessert cake made with cream and soft cheese on a graham cracker, cookie, or pastry crust. Often, it is topped with a fruit compote or puree.
Every year on May 26, people all around the U.S. celebrate National Blueberry Cheesecake Day. Legend has it that blueberry cheesecakes were fed to the athletes at the Olympic Games in Greece. It is a historical dessert that has been carried on through centuries without losing popularity.
While cheesecakes can be traced back to ancient Greece, the cheesecakes that people eat now are a more recent innovation. People have come up with different kinds of interesting flavors for cheesecakes but May 26 is the celebration of the classic blueberry cheesecake.
As cheesecakes spread to different countries, more ingredients were added and different varieties began popping up. While in America, cream cheese is the primary ingredient for cheesecakes, Italians prefer to use ricotta. On the other hand, Germany and Poland use quark, a special kind of curd cheese.
As cheesecakes became localized with time, bakers thought of newer innovations for it. One of the most popular innovations was the addition of fruit to cheesecakes and perhaps the best of them all was the sweet and enticing blueberries!
Blueberry cheesecakes, too, come in a number of varieties. Some of the most unique blueberry cheesecakes include blueberry mint cheesecakes, chocolate blueberry cheesecakes, and kombucha blueberry cheesecakes!
NATIONAL WINE DAY
On May 25th each year, wine lovers everywhere pour a glass of their favorite wine to celebrate National Wine Day.
Made from fermented grapes or other fruits, wine is an alcoholic beverage. During the fermentation processes, yeast consumes the sugars in the grapes converting it into alcohol. Different grapes produce different wines. Winemakers will combine different wines to create more complex flavors. Wines made from fruit or honey are often named according to the variety of fruit used.
Red wine varietals produce deep ruby reds as well as subtle ambers and browns. Their beautiful colors hint at the coming change in the season. With that, we can look for delicious menu changes, too. Besides, what better way to enjoy a great bottle of wine than by pairing it with excellent company and food.
Winemakers produce white wines from grapes with light yellow-green skins or light red skins. However, it’s not the color of the grapes that give the wine its color. It’s the tannins in the grape skins that color wine red and also the flavor. White wines are generally sweeter than red wines and are best served chilled. Most red wines are served at room temperature. However, a sweet red should also be chilled for the best flavor.
HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalWineDay
Reminisce with family and friends over a glass of wine. Enjoy wine with a favorite meal. And just a little tip, in a couple of days we celebrate National Coq Au Vin Day which includes red wine as an ingredient. Pick up an extra bottle to prepare. Post photos using #NationalWineDay on social media.
If you’re looking for more wine days to celebrate Check out these 9 Wine Celebrations.
MAY YOU GET ALL YOUR WISHES BUT ONE, SO YOU ALWAYS HAVE SOMETHING TO STRIVE FOR!”
Of course, we want your dreams to come true, but if you have nothing to work towards you haven’t earned your wine.
NATIONAL YUCATÁN SHRIMP DAY
National Yucatán Shrimp Day on May 24th celebrates a dish exploding with flavor. Plump, peel-and-eat shrimp are the centerpiece of this dish, and the flavors remind diners of the sunny summer evenings.
Shrimp lovers shouldn’t miss out on a dish like this. While the Yucatán Peninsula is further south on the Gulf of Mexico, this recipe hails from the waters along Florida’s coast. The garlic, butter, and special sauce give it a kick that keeps diners coming back for more. Serve it with crusty bread and white wine or an icy cold beer. You can almost imagine the dazzling blue waters of the Gulf and the sea breeze with every bite. And don’t forget the large, tender shrimp, too.
HOW TO OBSERVE #YucatanShrimpDay
Make up a recipe that says summer. Invite friends and family to join you – it’s not a celebration if you don’t. Add some chilled beverages, and you’ll be ready to enjoy some delicious Yucatán shrimp. When you do, be sure to share the occasion using #YucatanShrimpDay on social media. Looking for a recipe to make? Try this delicious recipe from Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille!
Ingredients
1lb of fresh Gulp Shrimp
8 oz of Yucatan Sauce
8 tablespoons of Butter
1 Lime (optional for more zest!)
Fresh cilantro
Preparation
Boil shrimp until cooked through.
Bring Yucatan Sauce along with butter to a simmer.
Reduce heat, toss the cooked shrimp into the sauce and garnish with cilantro.
*Extra* Toast your favorite type of bread for dipping!
NATIONAL YUCATÁN SHRIMP DAY HISTORY
Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille located in Ft. Meyers, St. Pete Pier, Captiva Island, and Sanibel Island, Florida, founded National Yucatán Shrimp Day in 2020 to celebrate one of their signature flavors. On May 24, 2019, they began selling their Doc Ford’s Yucatán Sauce by the bottle. The day marks the launching of their signature product loved all across the country.
In 2020, the Registrar at National Day Calendar proclaimed the day to be observed on May 24th, annually.
I could eat scrimp everyday! How about you?
Proclamation on Armed Forces Day, 2022
MAY 20, 2022 PRESIDENTIAL ACTIONS
On Armed Forces Day, we share our unending appreciation for the proud patriots who answer the call to serve, taking the sacred oath to defend our Constitution. The brave members of our Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Space Force, Coast Guard, and National Guard and Reserve forces represent the best of our Nation. Today and every day, we honor their immeasurable service on behalf of our grateful Nation.
On this special day of tribute, we recognize the sacrifices that our service members and their families make on our behalf, and we recommit to our solemn duty to support them as they protect us. Our Nation has a sacred obligation to properly equip and prepare our troops when we send them in to harm’s way and to support them — both while they are serving abroad and when they return home — as well as their families, caregivers, and survivors. We must meet this obligation.
My Administration’s unity agenda focuses on key issues that bring Americans together: supporting our veterans, beating the opioid epidemic, addressing our national mental health crisis, and ending cancer as we know it. Each of these issues impact our military community, and each is essential to meeting our obligation to our troops, their families, caregivers, and survivors. Mental health issues pose a real challenge to our service members and their families, and my Administration will continue to strengthen the tools, resources, and support for our military community so our brave service members, who have answered the call to serve, can thrive. This includes taking bold action to reduce suicide among service members, veterans, and their families.
The success of our Armed Forces also rests on every member of our military community feeling that their safety and ability to prosper is prioritized as they defend our Nation. That is why my Administration is so focused on addressing the potential adverse consequences related to toxic exposures or exposures to other environmental hazards during deployment or in garrison.
Safety for our troops also means addressing the scourge of sexual harassment and sexual assault in our military. We have already taken important steps. In December, I was proud to sign into law historic military justice reforms as part of the 2022 National Defense Authorization Act. The Department of Defense is working to implement these critical changes, alongside recommendations from the Independent Review Commission on Sexual Assault in the Military for prevention, climate and culture, and victim care and support. Much work still lies ahead to deliver the progress that our troops deserve, and this will remain a top priority for my Administration.
Our diversity is one of our greatest strengths as a Nation, and we will continue to strive for our Armed Forces to reflect society at every level within its ranks. Ensuring equal opportunity and greater inclusivity will bolster the strength of our military and make sure every American knows they can succeed and thrive as a member of the United States Armed Forces. We are renewing our efforts to address the recruitment, retention, and well-being of women in the military as well as providing a path to service for other under-represented groups.
I direct the Secretary of Defense, on behalf of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Space Force, and the Secretary of Homeland Security on behalf of the Coast Guard, to plan for appropriate observances each year, with the Secretary of Defense responsible for soliciting the participation and cooperation of civil authorities and private citizens. I invite the Governors of the States, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and other areas subject to the jurisdiction of the United States to provide for the observance of Armed Forces Day within their respective jurisdictions each year in an appropriate manner designed to increase public understanding and appreciation of the Armed Forces of the United States. I also invite veterans, civic leaders, and other organizations to join in the observance of Armed Forces Day each year.
Finally, I call upon all Americans to display the flag of the United States at their homes and businesses on Armed Forces Day, and I urge citizens to learn more about military service by attending and participating in the local observances of the day.
Proclamation 10210 of May 14, 2021, is hereby superseded.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twentieth day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-two, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-sixth.
JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.
National Apple Pie Day May 13th, 2022
Grab a fork and a napkin, because Apple Pie day is coming this May 13. Talk about a holiday you can really sink your teeth into!
Apple pie has been around since the Middle Ages. A Dutch cookbook dated 1514 lists a recipe for Appeltaerten. It called for a standard pie crust, slices of soft seedless apples, and a few tasty spices—specifically cardamom, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, mace, and sugar—all cooked up in a traditional Dutch oven. The English also had their version of apple pie, which dates back to the time of Chaucer. The English version also suggests adding figs, raisins, and pears to the apple-and-spice mixture. In Sweden, apple crumble was the gold-standard. Traditional Swedish apple crumble requires breadcrumbs or rolled oats instead of pastry, and is served up with custard or ice cream. In France, apple pie is served upside-down as a tarte tatin.
The French also caramelized their apples, an innovation which added a whole new dynamic to the flavor. They were also the ones who decided to add cheese to their pies, which actually makes for a surprisingly delicious treat. In the 17th century, apple pie was finally brought to the American colonies. Over time, apple trees (which were not native to the Americas) began to grow, which made baking much easier. Now, apple pie has become an indelible part of the American identity, to the extent that apple pie is considered one of the most American things in the world.
NATIONAL NUTTY FUDGE DAY
Each year on May 12th, National Nutty Fudge Day tempts you to indulge in smooth chocolate fudge filled with crunchy nuts.
A Western confection, fudge is usually sweet and delicious. It consists of combining sugar, butter, and milk, heating it to the correct temperature, and then mixing it while it cools to a smooth, creamy consistency. There are many varieties and flavors of fudge, with chocolate being the most popular.
In 1886, a letter was found written by Emelyn Bettersby Hartridge a Vassar College student in Poughkeepsie, NY about her Baltimore, MD cousin. It referred to a fudge her cousin had made and sold for 40 cents per pound. Hartridge obtained the recipe, and in 1888, she made 30 pounds of fudge for the Vassar College Senior Auction.
Late in the 19th century, some shops on Mackinac Island, Michigan, began to produce similar products as the Vassar College fudge and sold it to summer vacationers. Fudge is still made in some of the original shops there today.
Many candy makers include pecans and walnuts when they prepare their fudge. As a celebratory treat, fudge makes a delicious gift. It packages well and recipients are often overjoyed to receive homemade fudge.
History of Mother’s Day
Celebrations of mothers and motherhood can be traced back to the ancient Greeks and Romans, who held festivals in honor of the mother goddesses Rhea and Cybele, but the clearest modern precedent for Mother’s Day is the early Christian festival known as “Mothering Sunday.”
Once a major tradition in the United Kingdom and parts of Europe, this celebration fell on the fourth Sunday in Lent and was originally seen as a time when the faithful would return to their “mother church”—the main church in the vicinity of their home—for a special service.
Over time the Mothering Sunday tradition shifted into a more secular holiday, and children would present their mothers with flowers and other tokens of appreciation. This custom eventually faded in popularity before merging with the American Mother’s Day in the 1930s and 1940s.
Ann Reeves Jarvis and Julia Ward Howe
The origins of Mother’s Day as celebrated in the United States date back to the 19th century. In the years before the Civil War, Ann Reeves Jarvis of West Virginia helped start “Mothers’ Day Work Clubs” to teach local women how to properly care for their children.
These clubs later became a unifying force in a region of the country still divided over the Civil War. In 1868 Jarvis organized “Mothers’ Friendship Day,” at which mothers gathered with former Union and Confederate soldiers to promote reconciliation.
Another precursor to Mother’s Day came from the abolitionist and suffragette Julia Ward Howe. In 1870 Howe wrote the “Mother’s Day Proclamation,” a call to action that asked mothers to unite in promoting world peace. In 1873 Howe campaigned for a “Mother’s Peace Day” to be celebrated every June 2.
Other early Mother’s Day pioneers include Juliet Calhoun Blakely, a temperance activist who inspired a local Mother’s Day in Albion, Michigan, in the 1870s. The duo of Mary Towles Sasseen and Frank Hering, meanwhile, both worked to organize a Mothers’ Day in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Some have even called Hering “the father of Mothers’ Day.”
Anna Jarvis Turns Mother's Day Into a National Holiday
The official Mother’s Day holiday arose in the 1900s as a result of the efforts of Anna Jarvis, daughter of Ann Reeves Jarvis. Following her mother’s 1905 death, Anna Jarvis conceived of Mother’s Day as a way of honoring the sacrifices mothers made for their children.
Happy Mother's Day to Mary the Mother of my three Daughters 💗 ❤️ 💕!
National Nurses Day – May 6, 2022
At the end of the 19th century, “The Lady With the Lamp” — or as she is more widely known, Florence Nightingale — founded modern nursing. Thanks to her strict use of hand-washing and hygiene practices while caring for wounded soldiers in the Crimean War, Nightingale and her helpers reduced the death rate from 42% to 2% — ushering in nursing as we know it today. On May 6, we recognize the important role nurses play in our lives by celebrating National Nurses Day.
HISTORY OF NATIONAL NURSES DAY
National Nurses Day is the first day of National Nursing Week, which concludes on May 12, Florence Nightingale’s birthday. Yet the week was first observed in the US in October 1954 to mark the 100th anniversary of Nightingale’s pioneering work in Crimea.
In 1953, Dorothy Sutherland of the U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare sent a proposal to President Eisenhower asking him to proclaim a “Nurse Day” in October of the following year to coincide with the anniversary. Although the President didn’t act, the celebration was observed thanks to a bill sponsored by Representative Frances P. Bolton, and the following year a new bill was introduced to Congress lobbying for official recognition of the celebration.
Twenty years later, in February of 1974, President Nixon proclaimed a National Nurse Week to be celebrated annually in May. Over the next eight years, various nursing organizations including the American Nurses Association (ANA) rallied to support calls for a “National Recognition Day for Nurses” on May 6, which was eventually proclaimed by President Ronald Reagan in 1982.
With over 3 million working nurses in the US today, nurses make up the highest percentage of the US healthcare workforce. Although you might not imagine it, nurses are more likely to sustain a back injury on a shift than construction workers, and they walk an average of 5 kilometers per shift, as caring for others’ health is such an active job!
If you think nurses are only found in hospitals, then think again! The majority of registered nurses (59%) practice elsewhere, such as in a nursing home or on home visits. They work across communities to keep people worldwide happy and healthy, and National Nurses Day is the perfect opportunity to show your appreciation for their important work!
May we all take a moment to remember our mothers who have passed over the years.
NATIONAL HOAGIE DAY
It may go by many names, but on May 5th, National Hoagie Day celebrates a hero of a sandwich!
Besides a hero, the hoagie goes by several other aliases. The sub, grinder, Italian, torpedo, or baguette are just a few of its many names. Some of those names give a hint as to how we make a hoagie, too. We cut a long Italian roll or French bread lengthwise and fill it with various meats, cheeses, vegetables, seasonings, and sauces. Pile it high with your own combination of fillings and enjoy it either hot or cold.
WHAT IS THE NAME OF YOUR FAVORITE SANDWICH MADE WITH FRENCH BREAD?
HERE IN WISCONSIN WE CALL THEM SUBMARINE SANDWICHES!
About the Word “Hoagie”
In 1953, Italians working at the World War I-era shipyard in Philadelphia known as Hog Island packed their lunch to work every day. They introduced the sandwich by putting different meats, cheeses, and lettuce between two slices of bread. It was referred to as the “Hog Island” sandwich, which they later shortened to the “hoagie.”
A different explanation is offered by the Philadelphia Almanac and Citizen’s Manual. They believe early 20th-century street vendors called “hokey-pokey-men” created the sandwich.
HISTORY OF NATIONAL HOAGIE DAY
Philadelphia is famously known for mouthwatering steak and cheese subs, but did you know the City of Brotherly Love is also famous for another epicurean delight served on a big beautiful bun: the hoagie? It is the humble hoagie of Italian immigrant heritage that holds the title “Official Sandwich of Philadelphia,’ not the steak and cheese sub.
The traditional Italian hoagie is a generous sandwich of Italian deli meats and cheeses stuffed into a split long roll, brimming with pepperoncini peppers and veggies, topped with a drizzle of olive oil, vinegar, and seasonings. There are no fewer than a dozen credible stories laying claim to who was responsible for inventing the first long bread Italian sandwich in America. Most stories point to the New England states where many Italian immigrants settled in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Although whose mama or papa is truly responsible for assembling the first hoagie in Philadelphia will always be up for debate, we do know that hoagie naming rights belong to the city of Philadelphia.
The most popular story of how the Italian sandwich got the name hoagie in Philadelphia is one cited by the now-defunct “Philadelphia Bulletin,” Philly’s daily evening newspaper published from 1847 to 1982. The paper’s story revolves around the lunch box staple of 1950s Italian immigrant workers in a Philadelphia shipyard known as Hog Island, a long bread roll stuffed with Italian meats and cheeses. The sandwiches were commonly referred to as “Hog Island sandwiches.” The name was eventually shortened to “hoggies,” which, when said with a south Philadelphia accent, sounded more like “hoagies,” and the moniker stuck.
Two other local Philadelphia publications disagreed with the Bulletin’s published story, both insisting that Philadelphia’s hoagie roots could be traced all the way back 1879. According to the Philadelphia Almanac and the Citizen’s Manual, street vendors known as hokey pokey men sold bakery rolls called pinafores stuffed with antipasto salad and meats to theatre patrons before and after attending the operetta, (light opera,) “H.M.S. Pinafore” by the famed writer-composer duo of Gilbert and Sullivan. The pinafores were commonly referred to as hokies, which again sounded a lot like hoagies in South Philly.
Regardless of who first stuffed all those delicious meats and cheeses into a split Italian long roll, topped it with peppers and drizzled oil and seasonings on top, the name hoagie stuck like the newspaper it was first wrapped with in the city of Philadelphia. By the end of World War II, the term hoagie was quite common on the streets of Philadelphia, and Philly’s favorite sandwich was turning up on restaurant menus all around the city, spelled hoagie, hoggie, hoogie, and hoagy.
As the hoagie’s popularity breached city boundaries and spread to other parts of the country away from the east coast, the term hoagie took on new definitions. Hoagie eventually became a catch-all name for any sandwich served on a long bread roll. In Philadelphia, however, the hoagie remains true to its Italian roots as an Italian meat and cheese sandwich covered with roasted and pickled veggies and peppers, with oil, vinegar, and seasonings topping it all.
Do You Remember May Basket Day?
This beautiful tradition has sadly become forgotten over time.
It's May 1st, and you know what that means!
Or perhaps you don't. After all, it's been a while since May Day, or May Basket Day, was last celebrated widely. Nowadays, springtime is often associated with occasions like Mother's Day and Easter. But years ago, May Day was celebrated with nearly the same springy hoopla on the first of the month, year after year.
My wife Mary was very big on having our 3 daughter's take May Baskets to our neighbors until they were in high school.
May Day 2022: What Is May Day And Why Is It Celebrated?
May Day is a public holiday in some regions, usually celebrated on 1 May or the first Monday of May. It is an ancient festival marking the first day of summer, and a current traditional spring holiday in many European cultures. Dances, singing, and cake are usually part of the festivities.
Origins and celebrations
The earliest known May celebrations appeared with the Floralia, festival of Flora, the Roman goddess of flowers, held from 27 April – 3 May during the Roman Republic era, and the Maiouma or Maiuma, a festival celebrating Dionysus and Aphrodite held every three years during the month of May. The Floralia opened with theatrical performances. In the Floralia, Ovid says that hares and goats were released as part of the festivities. Persius writes that crowds were pelted with vetches, beans, and lupins. A ritual called the Florifertum was performed on either 27 April or 3 May, during which a bundle of wheat ears was carried into a shrine, though it is not clear if this devotion was made to Flora or Ceres. Floralia concluded with competitive events and spectacles, and a sacrifice to Flora.[10]
Maiouma was celebrated at least as early as the 2nd century AD, when records show expenses for the month-long festival were appropriated by Emperor Commodus.According to the 6th-century chronicles of John Malalas, the Maiouma was a "nocturnal dramatic festival, held every three years and known as Orgies, that is, the Mysteries of Dionysus and Aphrodite" and that it was "known as the Maioumas because it is celebrated in the month of May-Artemisios". During this time, enough money was set aside by the government for torches, lights, and other expenses to cover a thirty-day festival of "all-night revels." The Maiouma was celebrated with splendorous banquets and offerings. Its reputation for licentiousness caused it to be suppressed during the reign of Emperor Constantine, though a less debauched version of it was briefly restored during the reigns of Arcadius and Honorius, only to be suppressed again during the same period.
A later May festival celebrated in Germanic countries, Walpurgis Night, commemorates the official canonization of Saint Walpurga on 1 May 870.[13] In Gaelic culture, the evening of April 30th was the celebration of Beltane (which translates to "lucky fire") as well as the similar Welsh Calan Mai, and marks the start of the summer season. First attested in 900 AD, the celebration mainly focused on the symbolic use of fire to bless cattle and other livestock as they were moved to summer pastures. This custom continued into the early 19th century, during which time cattle would be made to jump over fires to protect their milk from being stolen by fairies. People would also leap over the fires for luck.
Since the 18th century, many Roman Catholics have observed May – and May Day – with various May devotions to the Blessed Virgin Mary. In works of art, school skits, and so forth, Mary's head will often be adorned with flowers in a May crowning. 1 May is also one of two feast days of the Catholic patron saint of workers St Joseph the Worker, a carpenter, husband to Mother Mary, and foster father of Jesus.[16] Replacing another feast to St. Joseph, this date was chosen by Pope Pius XII in 1955 as a counterpoint to the communist International Workers' Day celebrations on May Day.
The best known modern May Day traditions, observed both in Europe and North America, include dancing around the maypole and crowning the Queen of May. Fading in popularity since the late 20th century is the tradition of giving of "May baskets," small baskets of sweets or flowers, usually left anonymously on neighbours' doorsteps.
In the late 20th century, many neopagans began reconstructing some of the older pagan festivals and combining them with more recently developed European secular and Catholic traditions, and celebrating May Day as a pagan religious festival.
National Arbor Day: April 29, 2022
Broadleaf. Evergreen. Conifer. How well do you really know your trees? Now you have a goal for National Arbor Day.
America’s first Arbor Day took place toward the start of the 1870s — right around the time Congress established Yellowstone National Park. Celebrate nothing less than humanity’s endearment toward nature on April 29, just after Earth Day.
Note: National Arbor Day always falls on the last Friday in April, but many states observe Arbor Day on different dates throughout the year based on their best tree planting times. That varies widely. For example:
Florida — Third Friday in January
Alaska — Third Monday in May
Hawaii — First Friday in November
Find your state’s date here.
NATIONAL ARBOR DAY ACTIVITIES
Plant a tree
What better way to celebrate Arbor Day than to plant your very own tree? It's an incredible experience watching a tree grow over the years, and it's an unbelievable feeling knowing that you made it happen.
Don't print this!
Deforestation is a huge problem with many implications, and cutting down on our paper usage is the most immediate way to make a difference. You can go a step further by seeking out brands with sustainable business practices, and by adopting strong composting and recycling habits.
Take a hike
The good kind! Hiking is a great escape from the doldrums of everyday life, and it's an activity that's great for people across a wide age range.
WHY WE LOVE NATIONAL ARBOR DAY
Natural beauty
With so much of our population living in big cities, it's easy to lose sight of nature's greatness and splendor.
Our planet needs love
Despite some disagreement about global warming, there's no debating that keeping our planet healthy helps to keep us healthy. There's a lot to love about a holiday that helps make our planet a better place.
A global movement
With over 40 nations having their own version of Arbor Day, it's safe to say that this holiday is global. We've got a lot to be thankful for when it comes to trees, so it's only natural that so many cultures have their own day to celebrate.
Do you have a tree planting ceremony in your area?
10 Facts About Blueberries for National Blueberry Pie Day
We love Michigan blueberries! From blueberry apple sauce, blueberry muffins, and blueberry turnovers to blueberries on salads, and blueberries on oatmeal, we love them every which way. However, it’s no secret that our favorite way to enjoy them is in Blueberry Pie!
For the fellow Blueberry Pie lovers out there, there’s a whole day dedicated to you. National Blueberry Pie Day is celebrated annually on April 28th! To celebrate the holiday, we gathered a few fun facts about blueberries and blueberry pie to please hearts and appetites.
Stop in and celebrate with a slice of our homemade Blueberry Pie made with Michigan Rubel Blueberries (and maybe even add a scoop of vanilla ice cream).
10 Delicious Facts About Blueberries
1. Grand Traverse Pie Company sources all of its Michigan-grown Rubel blueberries from True Blue Farms in Grand Junction, Michigan.
2. Michigan blueberry growers produce over 110 million pounds of blueberries every year, making Michigan the leader in blueberry production.
3. Most of Michigan’s blueberry farms are in West Michigan in the Lower Peninsula along Lake Michigan. The sandy soil and climate, moderated by the lake, are perfect for growing berries.
4. Michigan has about 21,000 acres dedicated to growing blueberries.
5. People have been eating blueberries for more than 13,000 years.
6. Blueberries were called “star fruits” by North American indigenous peoples because of the five-pointed star shape that is formed at the blossom end of the berry.
7. The blueberry is one of the only foods that is truly naturally blue in color. The pigment that gives blueberries their distinctive color—called anthocyanin—is the same compound that provides the blueberry’s amazing health benefits.
8. Blueberry Pie was brought to the United States by settlers from northern Europe and Scandinavia. The first blueberry pie recipe was documented in the Appledore Cook Book in 1872.
9. Between our 15 Grand Traverse Pie Company shops, we used an astonishing total of 134,520 pounds of blueberries last year.
10. National Blueberry Pie Day is celebrated each year on April 28th to honor one of America’s favorite desserts. YUM!
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