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NATIONAL MINT JULEP DAY | MAY 30
National Mint Julep Day on May 30th each year sets up a refreshing toast to summer. Each year, people around the country gather for a glass of mint julep! This refreshing southern classic is a traditional drink of the Kentucky Derby.
#MintJulepDay
A classic mint julep is made with a mint leaf, bourbon, sugar, and water. In the Southern states, where mint julep is more associated with the cuisine, spearmint is the mint of choice. Preparation of the drink may vary from one bartender to another.
- Some believe the mint julep originated in the southern United States sometime during the 18th century.
- The term “julep” is generally defined as a sweet drink, particularly one used as a vehicle for medicine.
- During the 19th century, Americans also enjoyed a gin-based julep.
- Each year, Churchill Downs serves almost 120,000 mint juleps over the two-day period of the Kentucky Oaks and the Kentucky Derby.
- May 2008 – Churchill Downs unveiled the world’s largest mint julep glass (6-foot tall).
HOW TO OBSERVE MINT JULEP DAY
Enjoy a mint ju
lep on this nice spring day! Try out a delicious click >( Mint Julep ) recipe provided by National Day Calendar Ambassadors the Erratic Divas. Use #MintJulepDay to post on social media.
NATIONAL FAMILY FUN DAY
Today is May 28 and the Sunday before Memorial Day at National Day Calendar and we are celebrating National Family Fun Day. This National Day is encouraging families to celebrate everywhere to create some family fun during the long weekend and every day!
#NATIONALFAMILYFUNDAY
People across the U.S. use Memorial Weekend as the time to begin summer fun. Families are camping for the first time this season, attending graduations, and having family reunions. National Family Fun Day is your reminder that you don’t have to plan a huge event to enjoy today’s National Day!
Why is it important to spend time with family?
Families are busy and it can be difficult to spent time together. Sadly, many get caught up in the daily activities of children, work, and family obligations. Families that spend time together are supportive of one another. When families spend time together they tend to have a greater sense of purpose and feel supportive of one another.
Studies show that healthy family relationships encourage security and love. Spending time with family offers the benefits of forming unbreakable bonds. As a family, we learn to offer support and encourage other family members to excel.
National Oatmeal Cookie Day April 30, 2023
Celebrate National Oatmeal Cookie Day with the family - bake delicious oatmeal cookies and enjoy a tasty treat!
cookies from scratch. Decorate with icing, candies, and other toppings while chatting away.
Why We Love National Oatmeal Cookie Day
A. Oatmeal cookies are healthy
Oatmeal cookies are packed with nutritious ingredients like oats, raisins, and nuts. Not only do they taste good, but they provide essential vitamins and minerals that your body needs to stay healthy. Plus, oatmeal adds an irresistible chewiness that you just can't get from other kinds of cookie!
B. Oatmeal cookies are easy to make
No matter your baking experience level, everyone can make delicious oatmeal cookies. All you need is a few basic ingredients such as butter, sugar, and oats and you're on your way to homemade cookie greatness. Plus, there's also lots of recipes available online to help get you started!
C. Oatmeal cookies are customizable
The beauty of oatmeal cookies is that you can easily change them up depending on your tastes. Whether you prefer them chewy or crunchy, loaded with add-ins like chocolate chips or dried fruit, or simply eaten plain - the possibilities for creativity and flavor combinations are endless!
National Zucchini Bread Day April 25th, 2023
Zucchini happens to be a vegetable that tends to take on the flavor of the other ingredients it is combined with. It is a commonly used ingredient in savory meals such as casseroles, stir fry, or side dishes. But many people don’t know that it can also be a yummy, healthful ingredient that is part of a variety of baked goods. Moist and sweet, this popular bread is delicious enough to deserve its own day to celebrate: National Zucchini Bread Day.
History of National Zucchini Bread Day
Zucchini, as it is known today, seems to have developed fairly recently, somewhere around the late 1800s, in Italy. (Although some sources say it may have been around in Mexico for several thousand years prior to this!)
The gourd seems to have made its way to the United States through Italian immigrants and to other places in the world as well. Many countries and cultures now have dishes that they love to cook or bake using this versatile vegetable.
Celebrating National Lineworker Appreciation Day April 18, 2023
When Superstorm Sandy hit the United States in late October 2012, more than 6 million people in 15 states and the District of Columbia lost power, some for weeks. And, while police, firefighters, and other emergency workers came to the nation’s aid, the real unsung heroes of the recovery were the linemen. These brave men and women not only worked tirelessly for 16 hours a day to restore power and phone lines, they helped FEMA clear roads, remove debris, pull up fallen trees, and of course climb poles to rehang fallen lines – one of the most dangerous jobs in the world. In honor of their service, Congress named April 18th National Lineman Appreciation Day. So, if you see a lineman climbing a pole, give a wave and thank them for their tireless, and critical, work!
NATIONAL CHEESE FONDUE DAY APRIL 11TH
Observed annually on April 11th, National Cheese Fondue Day recognizes a food holiday many enjoy. Fondue is a dish of melted cheese or other ingredients, served in a communal pot (caquelon) over a small portable stove (réchaud). Participants then dip the bread into the cheese using long-stemmed forks. Cheese fondue consists of a blend of cheeses, wine, and seasoning.
#National Cheese Fondue Day
A 1966 book published in Zurich, under the name “Kass mit Wein zu kochen” is known for having the earliest known cheese fondue recipe. It calls for grated or cut up cheese melted with wine and for the bread dipped into it.
Cornstarch may be the reason the Swiss became so fond of fondue. In 1905, the thickener was introduced to the land of Switzerland. As many may know, cornstarch thickens liquid and makes smooth and creamy gravies. It also creates a smooth and stable emulsion of the wine and cheese.
HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL CHEESE FONDUE DAY
- Whip up a cheese fondue.
- Invite friends and family (near and far) to join you with their own versions.
- Host an online celebration and catch up with friends.
- Discover how they celebrate with cheese fondue and make a toast to good times.
- Share recipes, and if you don’t have one, we found a recipe for you to try.
- Enjoy this delicious Creamy Cheese Fondue recipe.
- Use #NationalCheeseFondueDay to post on social media.
NATIONAL PEANUT BUTTER AND JELLY DAY
On April 2nd each year, National Peanut Butter and Jelly Day celebrates a classic food favorite. The average American will have eaten over 2000 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches by the time they graduate from high school.
Peanut butter was considered a delicacy in the early 1900s and was only served in New York City’s finest tea rooms. In a May 1896 article published in the Good Housekeeping magazine, a recipe “urged homemakers to use a meat grinder to make peanut butter and spread the result on bread.” That same year, in June, the culinary magazine Table Talk, published a “peanut butter sandwich recipe.”
It is thought that Julia Davis Chandler issued the first reference to peanut butter (or paste) paired with jelly on bread in the United States in 1901. Her article is found in the Boston Cooking School Magazine of Culinary Science and Domestic Economics. In the late 1920s, the price of peanut butter declined, and the sandwich became very popular with children.
According to the Peanut Board, during World War II, both peanut butter and jelly were part of the United States soldiers’ military ration list.
In 1968, The J.M. Smucker Co. introduced Goober, a jarred product that combined alternating vertical stripes of peanut butter and jelly.
April Fools’ Day—occurring on April 1 each year—has been celebrated for several centuries by different cultures, though its exact origins remain a mystery. April Fools' Day traditions include playing hoaxes or practical jokes on others, often yelling “April Fools!” at the end to clue in the subject of the April Fools' Day prank. While its exact history is shrouded in mystery, the embrace of April Fools' Day jokes by the media and major brands has ensured the unofficial holiday’s long life.
April Fools’ Day Pranks
In modern times, people have gone to great lengths to create elaborate April Fools’ Day hoaxes. Newspapers, radio and TV stations and websites have participated in the April 1 tradition of reporting outrageous fictional claims that have fooled their audiences.
In 1957, the BBC reported that Swiss farmers were experiencing a record spaghetti crop and showed footage of people harvesting noodles from trees. In 1985, Sports Illustrated writer George Plimpton tricked many readers when he ran a made-up article about a rookie pitcher named Sidd Finch who could throw a fastball over 168 miles per hour.
In 1992, National Public Radio ran a spot with former President Richard Nixon saying he was running for president again… only it was an actor, not Nixon, and the segment was all an April Fools’ Day prank that caught the country by surprise.
In 1996, Taco Bell, the fast-food restaurant chain, duped people when it announced it had agreed to purchase Philadelphia’s Liberty Bell and intended to rename it the Taco Liberty Bell. In 1998, after Burger King advertised a “Left-Handed Whopper,” scores of clueless customers requested the fake sandwich. Google notoriously hosts an annual April Fools’ Day prank that has included everything from “telepathic search” to the ability to play Pac Man on Google Maps.
In 1992, National Public Radio ran a spot with former President Richard Nixon saying he was running for president again… only it was an actor, not Nixon, and the segment was all an April Fools’ Day prank that caught the country by surprise.
In 1996, Taco Bell, the fast-food restaurant chain, duped people when it announced it had agreed to purchase Philadelphia’s Liberty Bell and intended to rename it the Taco Liberty Bell. In 1998, after Burger King advertised a “Left-Handed Whopper,” scores of clueless customers requested the fake sandwich. Google notoriously hosts an annual April Fools’ Day prank that has included everything from “telepathic search” to the ability to play Pac Man on Google Maps.
National Chocolate Covered Raisin Day
There are a ton of different holidays that are dedicated to chocolate and chocolate desserts, so it should be no surprise to anyone that there is also a day dedicated to chocolate-covered raisins. This holiday is called National Chocolate Covered Raisin Day and it falls on March 24th every year. It’s a great day to purchase a box of Raisinets at the concession stand of your local movie theater, or simply enjoy some chocolate-covered raisins while you’re sitting on the couch watching TV.
History and Origin of National Chocolate Covered Raisin Day
Our research did not find the creator or the origin of this day. This day was most likely created by the candy makers. We also find it surprising that this day is during the Christian season of Lent when many people give up chocolates. Sometimes, life just isn’t fair……..
We found no documentation in congressional records to confirm that this is truly a national day. Nor, did we find a presidential proclamation.
NATIONAL PUPPY DAY
Observed each year on March 23rd, National Puppy Day celebrates the unconditional love and affection puppies bring to our lives. Their cuddles and wiggles make us smile and without a doubt, there are squeals of delight when there are puppies around!
National Puppy Day
The day also brings awareness to the need for care of and homes for orphaned pups as well as to educate people about the horrors of puppy mills across the country. Puppies are a big responsibility. Be sure to consider everything involved and adopt from a shelter. The puppies there need love and a home just as much as any other and they grow into loyal pets, too!
Kona is our daughter
Janice's rescue dog. She is an American Boxer.
National Blueberry Popover Day – March 10, 2023
In honor of National Blueberry Popover Day (which is March 10th), we’ve got a tasty recipe for a homemade blueberry popover for you! This is a delicious treat that your kids will love to wake up to in the morning or come home to for an after school snack. This recipe is also healthier and cheaper than the box of stale Pop-Tarts that’s sitting in your pantry. [image via flickr]
What exactly is a popover? It’s not really a muffin or cupcake, it’s more of a hollow bread that rises when baked, hence the term popover. If you really like this recipe and want to try it with other things like apples, strawberries, chocolate chunks, or chopped nuts, feel free to do so. You could also add a touch of cinnamon or vanilla for extra flavor.
Ingredients
2 cups of all-purpose flour
4 eggs
1 cup of sugar
4 tablespoons of butter or margarine
2 cups of non-fat or low-fat milk
2 cups of fresh blueberries
Cooking spray
Directions
Preheat the oven to about 350 degrees. Coat your muffin pan with non-stick cooking spray like Pam. Divide the butter evenly into each cup of the pan. Place the pan in the oven.
In a bowl, mix the milk, eggs, and sugar. Slowly pour in the all-purpose flour and whisk well.
Chop up the blueberries into smaller chunks or chop them up in the food processor. Ideally, you’ll want slightly smaller chunks of blueberries, just be careful not to turn them into mush.
Pour the blueberries into the batter and mix well. Take out the muffin pans and let them cool before you pour the batter into the pans. Put them back in the oven to bake. Leave them in for about twenty minutes or until soft and golden.
Blueberry popovers are a delicious treat to make day or night. These treats are also easy enough for kids to make with the help of adult supervision of course. Why not make this recipe a part of every Saturday morning?
NATIONAL WHITE CHOCOLATE CHEESECAKE DAY
National White Chocolate Cheesecake Day on March 6th offers another way to celebrate one of our favorite desserts. This indulgent day inspires bakers across the country to wow us with their delicious creations!
#WhiteChocolateCheesecakeDay
Cheesecake is a sweet dessert that is a mixture of soft fresh cheese, cream cheese or cottage cheese, eggs, and sugar on a crust made from crushed graham crackers, crushed cookies, pastry, or sponge cake. Cheesecakes can be prepared baked or unbaked and are often served topped with fruit, chocolate, or whipped cream. There are many flavors in which cheesecakes can be prepared. However, this day honors the white chocolate cheesecake.
National Margarita Day: Grab These Drink Discounts and Deals
Take these National Margarita Day deals on the rocks, blended or with a salted rim.
National Margarita Day is today, and many restaurants are offering discounts on margaritas and other promotions to celebrate.
But first, where did this cocktail come from? There's a lot of debate over the origin of the 'rita. According to tequila brand Jose Cuervo, the first margarita was made in 1938 by a bartender hoping to "capture the heart" of Mexican showgirl Rita de la Rosa.
Another origin story credits Francisco "Pancho" Morales with inventing the drink on July 4, 1942, at Tommy's Place, a bar in Juárez, Mexico.
And yet another claims Dallas socialite Margarita Sames concocted the cocktail at her vacation home in Acapulco in 1948.
We may never know the truth. But with great National Margarita Day deals like this, does it matter?
National Margarita Day, an annual made-up holiday, is Wednesday this year, and many restaurants will offer special deals and promotions to celebrate the popular cocktail.
A traditional margarita consists of tequila, orange liqueur and lime juice, often served with salt on the rim of the glass. Tequila, the cocktail's primary base, is among the five fastest-growing spirits categories in the U.S., according to the industry group Distilled Spirits Council of the United States.
Want more drink deals? Check out the best alcohol delivery apps and the best nonalcoholic cocktails and spirits.
Bahama Breeze
Bahama Breeze has more than 40 locations across 15 states. Today, the Caribbean-inspired chain is offering $2.22 classic margaritas.
Chevy's Fresh Tex Mex
On National Margarita Day, sip on a flight of Chevy's strawberry, mango and signature lime margaritas for $10.
Chili's
Chili's Tequila Trifecta, Straw-Eddy Rita and Grand Romance Ritas are just $5 on National Margarita Day. Plus, you get to keep your "Rita with the Best" souvenir cup.
Do you have a favorite place to get a Margarita? Or do you fix them at home?
FEBRUARY 21, 2023 | NATIONAL PANCAKE DAY
The Christian tradition, Pancake Day, also called Pancake Tuesday, Shrove Tuesday, Fat Tuesday and Mardi Gras (which is French for "Fat Tuesday"), is the last day of feasting before Lent begins on the following day, Ash Wednesday. It's called so due to the custom of eating pancakes on this day, a tradition that comes from a time when any remaining rich foods were eaten on the day before Lent to use them up, and fasting begins. It's observed mainly in English-speaking countries, especially Ireland, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the United States, but also in the Philippines and Germany.
Pancake Day is a movable feast whose date is determined by Easter, and it's celebrated exactly 47 days before Easter Sunday. The date can vary from as early as February 3 to as late as March 9.
Random act of kindness
A random act of kindness is a nonpremeditated, inconsistent action designed to offer kindness towards the outside world.[1] The phrase "practice random kindness and senseless acts of beauty" was written by Anne Herbert on a placemat in Sausalito, California in 1982. It was based on the phrase "random acts of violence and senseless acts of cruelty". Herbert's book Random Kindness and Senseless Acts of Beauty was published in February 1993 speaking about true stories of acts of kindness.
The phrase is commonly expressed as the suggestion to "Practice random acts of kindness." There are groups around the world who are sharing acts of spontaneous kindness.
National Almond Day 2023: History, significance and all you need to know
Updated On:
16 Feb 2023 13:53:PM
80 per cent of the world’s almonds are grown in California.
The day reminds us to allow loved ones to take a respite from their daily lives and eat almonds, the most versatile and delicious nut filled with Vitamin E, magnesium and fibre.
National Almond Day 2023
February 16
Today February 16th 2023 is National Almond Day! Who knew?
The humble almond is believed to be one of the most ancient fruit to be cultivated. There are several mentions of almonds along with dates in the Old Testament of the Bible along with another familiar nut- the pistachio.
We’re sure you are familiar with the almond, whether you eat them whole or use them as an ingredient in your cooking and baking, but did you know that almond is not actually a nut? It’s a stone fruit that is related to cherries, plums and peaches. But in case with almonds only stone is eaten, not the pulp.
With many varieties of almond available across the globe, one of the finest almond varieties is Jordan almond. This almond is frequently sold in a colored sugar glaze.
There is a nice legend about almonds, that comes from the Greek mythology. The myth tells about beautiful princess Phyllis, who was left waiting at the altar in the day of her marriage by Demophon, her intended. Phyllis was waiting for him, but finally died of a broken heart. Gods sympathized Phyllis and transformed her into an almond tree, that has become the symbol of hope.
Almonds are an excellent source of vitamin E and magnesium, they have the highest level of protein and fiber among all tree nuts.
The protein in almonds is more like a protein of human breast milk, that is why almonds are the best base for baby formulas.
Enjoy your almonds today!
NATIONAL HOT CHOCOLATE DAY
Each year on January 31st, National Hot Chocolate Day warms up people across the country by celebrating the timeless cold-weather beverage.
With windchills of -20 to- 25 below here
there will be gallons and gallons consumed today.
A. Yes. Hot chocolate is made by melting high-quality chocolate into the milk. It’s almost like syrup but slightly thinner. You can thin it down further by adding more milk, though.
Q. Will I like hot chocolate if I like hot cocoa?
A. Both are delicious but hot chocolate is a little more luxurious than hot cocoa. Some prefer one over the other and many people enjoy both equally.
Cocoa vs Hot Chocolate
We make hot cocoa with cocoa powder, heated milk or water, and sugar. We’re able to do this thanks to a process developed by father and son chemists. For the thicker, more flavorful beverage, we make hot chocolate from ground chocolate containing cocoa butter. It is also called drinking chocolate. Hot chocolate has also been around longer than hot cocoa. In the early 1800s, Casparus van Houten Sr. developed a process to separate the cocoa solids from the butter. His son, Coenraad Johannes made those fats more soluble in water. Together their processes made cocoa powder possible.
NATIONAL PEANUT BUTTER DAY
National Peanut Butter Day on January 24th recognizes an American staple in our pantries. Whether creamy or chunky, with chocolate or with jelly, peanut butter gets the recognition it deserves each year on this day.
National Peanut Butter Day
The early peanut butter made by the Aztecs and Incas around 1000 BC was more of a paste and not nearly as creamy as the peanut butter we know now.
Click play and enjoy a story about National Peanut Butter Day featuring our founder, Marlo Anderson. If you enjoy the 2-minute show, subscribe with your favorite podcast player.
Adding water to the powder creates a paste very similar to creamy peanut butter. .
Q. Does powdered peanut butter have fewer calories?
A. Yes. Powdered peanut butter contains less fat and fewer calories than regular peanut butter. Two tablespoons of powdered peanut butter contain about 50 calories
National Bacon Day:
The National Bacon Day is celebrated every year on December 30 to celebrate nature’s most flavored gift.
The History of Bacon
In Central Asia, about 10,000 years ago, the first wild pigs were domesticated in Central Asia. Not long after that, people began to enjoy bacon. A dish that was salty, fatty and really good. However, not everyone thought that bacon was a good food. Many cultures in the Mideast thought that pigs were dirty animals and as a result, many religions from the area forbid eating the flesh of the pig. Regardless of this ban, bacon still managed to travel to the Roman Empire and was an almost immediate hit.
The Romans knew this food as petaso and was eaten not only as a breakfast food but also as a dinner food. It was widely eaten because it was inexpensive, easy to cook and it was very tasty. From Rome, it would spread to Germany where it was known as Bak. The name for this cured meat would continue to evolve until the 16th century when it became known as bacoun. Eventually, the word for it would get whittled down to simply bacon.
In 1539, Hernando de Soto brought 13 pigs to the Americas and within 3 years he had a herd of them that was 700 strong. Which is probably why he’s credited as being the father of the American pork industry. Over the years, the popularity of bacon continued to grow. Today, it is one of the most popular food items on the planet.
Until the 20th century, most types of bacon made in the U.S were what would now be called artisanal bacon. It was hand crafted using locally obtained ingredients. However, that changed in 1924, when Oscar Meyer received a patent for packaged, sliced bacon and began selling it to the American public.
Today, there is a wide variety of different types of bacon on the market, including both commercial and artisanal varieties. Bacon has also made it into a great range of products which include bacon mayonnaise, bacon chocolate, bacon brittle and even bacon popcorn. Bacon is one of the most popular foods in the U.S with sales in the billions of dollars. Over $4 billion dollars of bacon was sold in 2014 and bacon sales increase each year after that.
Types of Bacon
Of course, no two types of bacon are the same and there’s a significant difference between the various types. For instance, Canadian Bacon is made from the back of the pig and looks quite similar to American ham. Irish bacon is also made from the back of the pig, but it is generally sliced thicker. American bacon is made from the fattier belly of the pig and then there is speck – an Italian bacon which is from the legs of the pig and is cured with various spices which include juniper, garlic, nutmeg, and salt.
And that’s just the tip of the pig, so to speak. Other types of bacon are made nowadays and not all of them come from pig meat. Some of the more popular forms of bacon include duck bacon, gypsy bacon, slab bacon, pepper bacon, elk bacon, lamb and beef bacon, venison bacon, turkey bacon and soy protein bacon. However, not all bacon enthusiasts agree that these types of bacon are bacon at all.
Sizzling Bacon Facts
- A bust of Kevin Bacon was once made from Bacon
- Bacon & Eggs are eaten together 71% of the time
- A 250 pound pig will yield approximately 23 pounds of bacon
- 53% of American homes keep bacon on hand at all times
- New York And Los Angeles are the top American consumers of bacon
- The average American eats 18 pounds of bacon a year
- Bacon grease was used to make explosives during WWII
Popular Bacon Dishes
There are a variety of popular bacon dishes. The following is only a partial list: BLT sandwich, Bacon Explosion, Fool’s Gold Leaf, Candied Bacon, Chicken Fried Bacon and Griebenschmalz.
Celebrating National Bacon Day
The best way to celebrate National Bacon Day is by serving or eating bacon in one of it various forms. You can have eggs and bacon, a BLT sandwich or maybe just bacon by itself. If you want a more exotic bacon dish, you can try bacon Guacamole, peanut butter & bacon sandwiches or bacon muffins.
You can also throw a bacon-themed party, order bacon novelty products or take pictures of your bacon creations and post it to social media using the hashtag #NationalBaconDay. And if you want to share this holiday with a friend or family member, you can send them a bacon gift such as bacon roses, bacon scented underwear or maybe a “Making Bacon” T-shirt.
Conclusion
National Bacon Day is the perfect holiday to celebrate a food product that is commonly known as “meat candy.” If you love bacon, and who among us doesn’t, then you might think that this holiday is almost as good as bacon.
Than there is bacon on your burger.
BACON PANCAKES have been a family favorite for years! We first had these savory pancakes and bacon bits at the Calgary Stampede in Canada and have been making them ever since. If you’ve been thinking about making Bacon Pancakes, today is the day! It’s our favorite easy breakfast recipe. The savory/sweet combo just can’t be beat!
Had my first bacon pancakes about a month ago. I myself prefer my bacon separate from the pancakes.
How about you? How do you like your bacon fixed?
What is National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day?
Have the holidays let you down? Do you feel like the magic and mystique of Christmas has faded with maturity and age? Well fear not my fine friends. National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day is here to save you. National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day is a day of light hearted fun and a day to be yourself and not that buttoned up corporate version of yourself you have grown to despise. Most importantly, National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day is a day to make the holidays fun...the way they were intended to be! So this National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day, leave the school uniform at home, keep the preppy office blouse in your closet, and whatever you do, don't even think about taking your suit to work. All you need to wear is your ugly Christmas sweater because this is your day, this is our day, this is National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day.
When is this magical day?
National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day is celebrated on the third Friday of December each year. In 2022, it falls on Friday, Dec 16th.
How can I participate?
Participating in National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day is quite easy. By following the three easy steps below, you can be an active participant in the world's greatest holiday.
BUY AN UGLY CHRISTMAS SWEATER
Check out our list of preferred vendors for ideas of where to pick up an ugly Christmas sweater for men or women. Tipsy Elves is the official sponsor of National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day and their sweaters have been featured on ABC's Shark Tank, where they received an investment from one of the sharks on the show. They have hundreds of hilarious, cute and festive ugly Christmas sweaters to choose from. They also allow you to subscribe to their email list and receive 20% off of your first order with them.
WEAR YOUR SWEATER FOR THE ENTIRE DAY
Rock your sweater all day and all night, from the time you wake up till the time you sleep. No breaks. No copouts. No excuses. The sweater must stay on.
SHARE THIS DAY WITH YOUR FRIENDS
Share this special day with friends and help us spread the word. Each year, hundreds of thousands of people participate in National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day, and with your help, we can put this holiday on the calendar for years to come!
NATIONAL COCOA DAY – December 13
NATIONAL COCOA DAY
December 13th ushers in a celebration worthy of the winter holidays with National Cocoa Day. What better way to warm up after a cold day outside?
NationalCocoaDay
We make hot cocoa with cocoa powder, heated milk or water, and sugar. However, Americans often use hot chocolate and hot cocoa interchangeably, sometimes causing a bit of confusion. There is a difference between the two beverages. We make hot chocolate by using ground chocolate containing cocoa butter. We mix it with hot milk, and it is drinking chocolate.
Hot chocolate is also known as drinking chocolate.
We make hot cocoa from cocoa powder. We produce a paste called chocolate liquor through the fermentation, drying, roasting, and grinding process of cocoa beans. Through another method, they separate cocoa butter, leaving cocoa powder. We use this cocoa powder to make hot cocoa. The result has very little fat and calories.
Cocoa History
The Mayans are credited with creating the first chocolate beverage around 2000 years ago. Culturally, cocoa became an essential part of the Aztec civilization by 1400 AD. After the drink found its way from Mexico through the New World, Europeans popularized the chocolate drink. However, it has undergone multiple changes since then. Until the 19th century, drinkers used hot chocolate medicinally to treat ailments such as stomach diseases.
In the United States, an instant form of the drink is popular. Mixed with hot water or milk, the packet contains mostly cocoa powder, sugar, and dry milk. We also like to add marshmallows or whipped cream. It makes the chocolatey drink creamier and sweeter. What better way to celebrate National Cocoa Day?
friends and family. They fill these chocolate spheres with cocoa, marshmallows, and many of the ingredients listed above for a delightful hot cocoa treat. What’s your favorite way to enjoy hot cocoa? Share your celebration using #NationalCocoaDay to post on social media.
NATIONAL COCOA DAY HISTORY
Undeterred by our research, National Day Calendar® continues seeking the origins of this toasty holiday.
Hot Cocoa FAQ
Q. Can I use hot cocoa mix to make a dessert?
A. Yes. While we first think of hot cocoa when we open that container, there are other ways to use it. Use cocoa mix in baking to add a chocolatey flavor to cookies, breads, and cakes. Another way to enjoy that cocoa flavor is by mixing it into your ice cream and topping it with marshmallows.
Q. What other beverages can I use cocoa mix in?
A. Do you like chocolate flavor in your coffee? Add a teaspoon or two of the cocoa mix to your morning coffee.
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