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NATIONAL FRUITCAKE DAY
Across the United States, fruitcake lovers young and old, commemorate National Fruitcake Day each year on December 27th.
Made with chopped candied or dried fruit, nuts, and spices and sometimes soaked in spirits, fruitcake has been a holiday gift-giving tradition for many years.
Dating back to ancient Rome, one of the earliest known recipes lists pomegranate seeds, pine nuts, and raisins mixed into barley mash. Records indicate that in the Middle Ages, makers added honey, spices, and preserved fruits. Recipes for fruitcakes vary from country to country, depending on available ingredients and tradition.
In the 16th century, two achievements crystallized to make fruitcakes more affordable and accessible. First, sugar from the American Colonies became abundant. Second, it was discovered that high concentrations of sugar could preserve fruits. These two actions resulted in excess candied fruit. Consequently, fruitcake making grew.
- Typically, Americans produce fruitcakes abundant in fruit and nuts
- In America, mail-order fruitcake began in 1913.
- Charities often sell commercial fruitcakes from catalogs as a fundraising event.
- In 1935, the expression “nutty as a fruitcake” was coined. The phrase came about as a result of excess nuts some Southern bakeries added to their fruitcakes due to their access to cheap nuts.
- Most mass-produced fruitcakes in America are alcohol-free.
- Some traditional recipes include liqueurs or brandy. Bakers then complete the fruitcake by covering it with powdered sugar.
- Some fruitcake makers soaked their fruitcakes in brandy-soaked linens believing the cakes improved with age.
HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalFruitcakeDay
Share a fruitcake story or recipe. Or maybe share both. Invite someone to enjoy some fruitcake with you. No matter how you celebrate, use #NationalFruitcakeDay to post on social media.
You can also explore the other 5 Time-Honored Christmas Foods to get a jump on next year.
NATIONAL FRUITCAKE DAY HISTORY
National Day Calendar will continue to experiment with recipes until we get it right. In the meantime, we’ve not found the origins of this immortal cornerstone of holiday baking, either.
Butter Rum Sauce is a buttery caramel-like-sauce that has a lovely flavor from the dark rum. Don’t worry it doesn’t taste like a cocktail as the liquor will boil out during cooking. It is made with 5 simple ingredients – butter, brown sugar, sugar, cream, and dark rum.
NATIONAL CANDY CANE DAY
National Candy Cane Day on December 26th gives candy lovers a day to celebrate the red and white striped candies found abundantly during the holidays.
In 1844, a recipe for a straight peppermint candy stick, which was white with colored stripes, was published. However, some stories tell of all-white candy sticks in much earlier times. Folklore tells of the origin of the candy cane, yet no documented proof of its real beginning. Literature begins mentioning the candy cane in 1866, and it was first known to be mentioned in connection with Christmas in 1874. As early as 1882, candy canes have been hung on Christmas trees.
Fun Candy Cane Facts:
- The average candy cane is 5 inches tall.
- While most candy canes are not sugar or calorie-free, they do not have any fat or cholesterol.
- Striped red and white candy canes were first introduced in 1900.
- The first machine to make candy canes were invented in 1921 by Brasher O. Westerfield. Until then, they were made by hand.
- Bob McCormack and his brother-in-law & priest Gregory Keller brought the candy cane to the masses. What started out as candy-making for McCormack’s friends and family turned into mass production when Keller invented the machine that enabled Bob’s Candies to go big time.
- Traditionally the flavor for candy canes is peppermint, but there are a variety of flavors.
- Alain Roby, Geneva pastry chef, holdsthe Guinness World Record for the longest candy cane, measuring 51 feet long.
Merry Christmas and Happy Christmas
We wish people a 'Happy Birthday', and if you're in the USA in November and December you might say 'Happy Holidays', so why do we say 'Merry Christmas' more often than 'Happy Christmas'?!
Saying 'Merry Christmas' rather than 'Happy Christmas' seems to go back several hundred years. It's first recorded in 1534 when John Fisher (an English Catholic Bishop in the 1500s) wrote it in a Christmas letter to Thomas Cromwell: "And this our Lord God send you a mery Christmas, and a comfortable, to your heart’s desire."
There's also the carol "God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen" which dates back to the 16th century in England. It comes from the West Country in England and it was first published in the form we know it today in 1760.
In the English language of the time, the phrase 'Rest You Merry' didn't mean simply to be happy; 'rest' meant "to keep, cause to continue to remain" and 'merry' could mean "pleasant, bountiful, prosperous". So you could write the first line as "[May] God keep you and continue to make you successful and prosperous, Gentlemen" but that would be hard to sing! (This also explains why we don't say 'Merry Birthday', because it didn't mean the same as 'happy'.)
The comma in the phrase should be AFTER the 'merry' not BEFORE it! But it's often put after the merry which changes the meaning to make 'merry Gentleman' and so a 'Merry Christmas'!
The term 'Merry Christmas' might well have been made very popular in 1843 from two different sources.
The first Christmas Card, sent in 1843 by Sir Henry Cole, had this wording on it: "A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to You".
"Firstchristmascard". Licensed under Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens was also published in 1843 and the phrase 'Merry Christmas' appears 21 times in the book! Charles Dickens also quoted "God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen" in A Christmas Carol, but changed it to: "God bless you, merry gentleman! May nothing you dismay!" moving the comma to before the merry!
The Carol "We Wish You a Merry Christmas [and a Happy New Year]" is another old carol from the 'West Country' (South West England) but was only first published in 1935 and this probably confirmed the use of 'Merry Christmas' over 'Happy Christmas'.
National Date Nut Bread Day – December 22, 2021
We celebrate the healthy, wholesome, and flavorful bread that is enjoyed for breakfast and teatime on National Date Nut Bread Day, December 22. Dates and nuts such as walnuts and pecans are thrown into the mix and baked to perfection but, really, you can use any add-ons you like. Date nut bread is popular during the holiday season as it is sweet but not overly so.
I like all types of sweet breads be they banana, cranberries or wild Berrie.
What is your favorite sweet bread?
HISTORY OF NATIONAL DATE NUT BREAD DAY
National Date Nut Bread is a baker’s delight and we’d gladly lay a spread to celebrate this day. The origins of this holiday are unknown despite it being around for years. But that’s not the dilemma here, the big question is whether to choose cream cheese or butter to go with it!
Printed recipes for bread go as far back as the 1920s, but bread baked with fruit was eaten in various parts of the world long before that. It is widely believed that date nut bread was originally baked and first became popular in England.
The first-ever date nut bread recipe was published in 1939, however, dates are among the world’s oldest fruits. The seeds have been excavated by archaeologists in subtropical regions around the world. It is believed by historians that dates were brought to Spain by the ancient Moors and later distributed to America.
There are different traditions for eating date nut bread in countries where it is popular. Britain enjoys a date-and-walnut loaf made with treacle and paired with a cup of tea, of course. The sweet treat is also popular in Australia, New Zealand, and Scotland. In the USA, date nut bread is a go-to during the holidays. This is probably why National Date Nut day is celebrated on December 22, whereas the same holiday is observed on September 8 in other parts of the world. Date nut bread is packed with flavor and nutritious ingredients, without being overwhelmingly sweet. For an added punch, cheese frosting is often used as a topping or filling.
NATIONAL FRENCH FRIED SHRIMP DAY
On December 21st, seafood lovers celebrate National French Fried Shrimp Day. Enjoyed all year long, this delicious dish delights many across the country.
Americans eat more shrimp than any other seafood. I am truly a shrimp lover. I like them fixed about any way you can think of.
The word prawn is used loosely to describe any large shrimp, sometimes known as jumbo shrimp. Some countries use the word prawn exclusively for all shrimp.
Preparing the shrimp for consumption usually involves the removal of the head, shell, tail, and sand vein. There are many ways to cook shrimp. Common methods of preparation include baking, boiling, broiling, sauteing, frying, and grilling.
Convoy of wreaths destined for Arlington National Cemetery begin arriving Friday
Several thousand volunteers will descend upon the cemetery to lay wreaths for Wreaths Across America Day on Saturday, December 18.
Join us on National Wreaths Across America Day
December 18, 2021
Each December on National Wreaths Across America Day, our mission to Remember, Honor and Teach is carried out by coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery, as well as at more than 2,500 additional locations in all 50 U.S. states, at sea and abroad.
My Aunt Emma and Uncle Bruce are buried in Arlington cemetery because of Bruce's honorable service in the First World War! Emma was a civilian in the department of the Navy for 30+ years. She spent time in Israel with a team administrating the Marshall Plan.
Wreaths Across America's Trucking Tributes Presents Crowley
The Wreaths Across America mission to remember, honor, and teach is impossible without the transportation industry. Veterans’ wreaths move by planes, trains, and livestock trailers, but trucks and their professional drivers transport the lion’s share of America’s respect. Many of these drivers are veterans and say the truckload of fresh, balsam-fir wreaths is the most precious cargo they transport in their careers. Wreaths Across America highlights their steadfast commitment in the “Trucking Tributes” feature online and on Wreaths Across America Radio.
Professional drivers and trucking companies give so much to the nation. In December, arguably the busiest time of the year for the transportation sector, the Wreaths Across America mission brings them together in an effort of unparalleled unity. Combined with a “can-do” work ethic, that unity makes it possible for Americans to honor millions of veterans laid to rest here at home and overseas. With over 3,100 participating locations and Arlington National Cemetery, transportation logistics are immense.
We believe if Wreaths Across America were placing wreaths and saying their names when Crowley was founded back in 1892, Tom Crowley would have put them in his rowboat to deliver to mariners. We believe this because today, the third generation of Crowley’s is at the helm of the family-owned transportation logistics company based in Jacksonville, Florida.
Vice President of Crowley’s Government Solutions unit, Patrick Wallace, explains the relationship between Wreaths Across America and Crowley is one of happenstance. “One day, our product manager with Crowley, Jerome was at a trucking trade show and came across the Wreaths Across America booth and asked how we could help,” Patrick shares. “Ironically enough, it was getting wreaths to Puerto Rico. With the Crowley family history, our support of Puerto Rico, and being a Jones Act-carrier, it was the perfect synergy between our support of the armed forces and our support and pride in our relationship with Puerto Rico. When we first got involved, we really didn’t know what to expect, but with so many employees who are veterans in Puerto Rico, it just made sense to get involved with the Puerto Rico National Cemetery.”
Patrick joined Crowley to help support its transition from a maritime-only company to one that handling both land and sea transportation logistics. Their Defense Freight Transportation Services Contract supports the Department of Defense. In doing so, Crowley transports to all the military bases in the U.S. Subsequently, the U.S. military, veterans, and the Wreaths Across America effort are “near and dear” to their hearts. Patrick explains there’s a strong company culture of support for veterans at Crowley that goes beyond the relationship with Wreaths Across America. “Crowley operates on three basic values which are sustainability, high performance, and integrity. When I think of some of these core values veterans come to mind. Our customers and our team members who are veterans have some of the underlying characteristics that we look at and say they’re some of the best representations of our country, and that’s the kind of responsibility and integrity we want representing our team.”
In what Patrick refers to as “a coordination of chaos,” the Crowley logistics chain with the veterans’ wreaths involves trucks, containers, and an LNG vessel. “One of our partners goes up to Maine and brings the wreaths down to Jacksonville. They’re put into the warehouse, and one container supports the laying of wreaths in Jacksonville. We have another container that’s taken to the port and placed on the vessel for the three-day trip to Puerto Rico. I believe they get an escort to the cemetery, and a bunch of Crowley employees will participate in the wreath-laying activities.”
Patrick says the entire Crowley organization is honored to play a part in the Wreaths Across America mission. “The cost of getting those wreaths to the cemetery was the barrier to getting more wreaths down there. Crowley Cares, the charitable piece of the corporation, has matched all the donations that have been made, and all the transportation has been donated, so we removed that barrier. It goes beyond the fact that you’re delivering a wreath to be laid on a servicemember’s grave. You’re delivering so much more when you think of the families that will see that wreath, potentially for the first time, laid on their loved one’s grave. The opportunity to deliver that level of heart-felt thanks is why we do what we do.”
What is R.E.D. Friday?
RED is an acronym that stands for Remember Everyone Deployed. R.E.D. Friday was created to remind people of our heroes overseas and show that we are thinking of them. People across the country wear red every Friday to serve as a reminder and spread the message of how important it is that we keep our troops in our thoughts.
How did R.E.D. Friday Get Started?
Remember those email chains you used to get asking you to forward to 10 friends – or all of your friends? There were all kinds: some claiming ridiculous things, some trying to raise awareness for campaigns or diseases, and some that were just plain silly. This is how R.E.D. Friday originated: an email chain back in 2005.
We Americans, who support our troops, are the silent majority. We are not "organized" to reflect who we are, or to reflect what our opinions are. Many Americans, like you, would like simply to recognize that Americans support our troops. Our idea of showing our solidarity and support for our troops will be continuing on each and every Friday, until ALL of our troops come home, that every RED - blooded American who supports our young men and women, WEAR SOMETHING RED.
Troop morale is as important as basic training. If morale is low, mistakes are made and people die.
Our job is to support our troops and in the process we can help to increase their morale by showing we care.
RED is more than just a color on Fridays. In fact, it stands for “Remember Everyone Deployed,” meaning the color red is a reminder for you to take the time every Friday to remember our troops. You may be excited for the weekend, but not everyone gets to come home, relax, or see their families. Those who are deployed may not even get the chance to see their loved ones for months on end.
RED is more than just a color on Fridays. In fact, it stands for “Remember Everyone Deployed,” meaning the color red is a reminder for you to take the time every Friday to remember our troops. You may be excited for the weekend, but not everyone gets to come home, relax, or see their families. Those who are deployed may not even get the chance to see their loved ones for months on end.
Wearing red on Friday reminds us to not take these privileges for granted. By wearing red, you’re also showing support for the families who don’t get to come home to their loved ones every day. You become a voice for those who may not have it, like children who miss their mother or father.
It can be hard for anyone to go months without seeing a loved one, and when you share your red attire in person or on social media you become a bit of comfort they may need during the day. Our troops and their families need all the support they can get, and sadly, pride and patriotism have been declining over the years, that’s why we ask you stand with our insurance agency and wear red every Friday. Show remembrance for those who gave the ultimate price, so you can live with the privileges you have now.
BILL OF RIGHTS DAY
Bill of Rights Day (by Presidential Proclamation)
“Now, Therefore, I, Franklin D. Roosevelt, President of the United States of America, do hereby designate December 15, 1941, as Bill of Rights Day. And I call upon the officials of the Government, and upon the people of the United States, to observe the day by displaying the flag of the United States on public buildings and by meeting together for such prayers and such ceremonies as may seem to them appropriate.”
The first 10 amendments to the United States Constitution make up the Bill of Rights. Passed by Congress on September 25, 1789, these rights place limits on government power.
Did you know?
- The bill was introduced by James Madison. He later became the 4th President of the United States.
- Congress passed 12 of Madison’s proposed amendments. The states only ratified 10 of them. One of the two rejected by the states concerned the number of constituents for each Representative. The other limited when and how members of Congress are compensated. Neither was ratified at the time.
- The latter of the two rejected amendments was ratified 203 years later. The 27th Amendment restricted compensation for members of Congress.
- The Bill of Rights is displayed in The Rotunda of the National Archives Building in Washington, DC.
- There were 14 copies made; one for each of the 13 states to sign and one for the federal archives. Only 12 copies survive today.
NATIONAL POINSETTIA DAY
Each year on the 12th of December, people across the United States celebrate one of the most recognizable plants of the holidays on National Poinsettia Day.
In 16th-century Mexico, the connection between the poinsettia plant and the Christmas season begins. According to legend, a girl wanted desperately to celebrate Jesus’s birthday. Worried, the girl feared she would have no gift to offer because she was so poor. An angel tells her to give any gift with love. After gathering weeds from alongside the road, the young girl placed them in the manger. Miraculously the weeds bloomed into beautiful red stars.
The poinsettia initially came to the United States with Joel Roberts Poinsett, an American botanist and the first U.S. Minister to Mexico. In 1825, he sent cuttings home to Charleston, South Carolina.
However, it wasn’t until the early 1920s that the poinsettia started taking root in American culture. Paul Ecke, a second-generation farmer in California, discovered a grafting technique that caused the seedlings to branch. Hawking their Christmas flower at roadside stands, Paul Ecke Jr. later advanced sales of the poinsettia through shipping and marketing.
HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalPoinsettiaDay
Check out your local greenhouse or florist and fill your home with the beautiful poinsettia. While you’re there, order one for your neighbor or co-worker. Brightening someone’s day is another way to #CelebrateEveryDay. Don’t forget to offer a shout-out to the florist for their outstanding service. Use #NationalPoinsettiaDay to post on social media.
NATIONAL POINSETTIA DAY HISTORY
The House of Representatives in 2002 created Poinsettia Day to honor the father of the poinsettia industry, Paul Ecke. The date of December 12 marks the death of Joel Roberts Poinsett, the man responsible for bringing the plant to the United States.
Remembering Pearl Harbor 80 years later.
Proclamation on National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, 2021
DECEMBER 03, 2021
PRESIDENTIAL ACTIONS
On December 7, 1941, the Imperial Japanese Navy attacked our forces at Pearl Harbor and other locations in Hawaii, taking the lives of 2,403 service members and civilians and leading the United States to declare its entrance into World War II. It was a day that still lives in infamy 80 years later. As we mark National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, we honor the patriots who perished, commemorate the valor of all those who defended our Nation, and recommit ourselves to carrying forth the ensuing peace and reconciliation that brought a better future for our world. Today, we give thanks to the Greatest Generation, who guided our Nation through some of our darkest moments and laid the foundations of an international system that has transformed former adversaries into allies.
A decade ago, I paid my respects at the USS Arizona Memorial — where 1,177 crewmen lost their lives on that terrible December day. To this day, beads of oil still rise to the surface of the water — metaphorical “Black Tears” shed for those lost in the attack. Reading those names etched in marble was a mournful reminder of the sacrifices and the human cost of protecting our Nation and the ideals this great country represents. Our Nation remains forever indebted to all those who gave their last full measure of devotion eight decades ago. We will never forget those who perished, and we will always honor our sacred obligation to care for our service members, veterans, and their families, caregivers, and survivors.
The Congress, by Public Law 103-308, as amended, has designated December 7 of each year as “National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.”
NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim December 7, 2021, as National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. I encourage all Americans to reflect on the courage shown by our brave warriors that day and remember their sacrifices. I ask us all to give sincere thanks and appreciation to the survivors of that unthinkable day. I urge all Federal agencies, interested organizations, groups, and individuals to fly the flag of the United States at half-staff on December 7, 2021, in honor of those American patriots who died as a result of their service at Pearl Harbor.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this third day of December, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-one, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-sixth.
National Microwave Oven Day takes place every year on December 6 to celebrate one of the most influential kitchen appliances. Microwave ovens serve a variety of uses, such as making popcorn, heating leftovers, melting chocolate and butter, and even heating water. These days, you can even make microwave fudge or cake! Microwave ovens also use less energy than conventional ovens, sometimes up to 80% less. There’s no doubt that microwave ovens change our lives for the better. So, it’s no surprise that we have a day dedicated to celebrating the microwave’s usefulness.
HISTORY OF NATIONAL MICROWAVE OVEN DAY
Percy Spencer, a self-taught American engineer, developed a means to prepare food with microwaves safely. In 1945, he realized a candy bar in his pocket was melting while working with active radar. Amazed by his discovery, Spencer set out to make popcorn in the microwaves. He then attempted to cook an egg. The egg test performed far worse than the popcorn test, and blew up in his coworker’s face! Nowadays we know that we can use microwave ovens to cook or even poach eggs.
Spencer, who worked at Raytheon, experimented with numerous ways to cook food with microwaves safely. He discovered that he could direct the magnetron’s power into a metal box and trap it there. He also noted that food placed in the box quickly heated up. Raytheon submitted a patent for a microwave oven on October 8, 1945. Raytheon introduced the Radarange microwave in 1947, which stood nearly 6 feet tall and cost $5,000. In 1955, Raytheon outsourced its patents to Tappan, which launched a microwave that still wasn’t applicable for domestic use, and cost $1,295 at the time. Raytheon bought Amana in 1965 and released a countertop microwave for $495 in 1967. Shortly after, Litton invented a microwave oven with a design similar to those used today, which helped promote home microwaves even more. In the United States, there were around 40,000 microwaves in use in 1971, rising to one million by 1975.
Although some early models leaked, giving them a negative reputation, their popularity grew. Recipes for microwavable meals were abundant throughout the 1980s, as were consumer goods like cupcake kits but the majority of these items were of poor quality. Nonetheless, by 1986, around 25% of American households owned a microwave, and by 1997, that figure had climbed to 90%.
NATIONAL PERSONAL SPACE DAY
National Personal Space Day on November 30th promotes kindness toward sensitivities and supports healing and self-protection by recognizing everyone’s right to decide when and how to be touched.
Touch can hurt. Many Bacteria and viruses can harm.
The day provides an opportunity to be aware of a person’s unspoken need for space or a gentler and welcomed touch. When you see someone wearing the peach symbol, forgo the handshake or hug and offer a smile and another way to show you care.
National Personal Space Day encourages the use of the effective symbol to essentially say, “I need a little extra space today,” without awkwardness or hurt feelings. The Peach symbol kindly raises the voice of the wearer. The mission is working to change the way people show they care. After all, we are challenged in the 21st century, at a very reflective time regarding our personal space. It is also a time to allow us more understanding regarding the boundaries of others
A newer idea is the Man Cave or he women's Sace of her own.
NATIONAL FRENCH TOAST DAY
Each year on November 28th, people across the United States enjoy National French Toast Day. Also known as eggy bread or omelet bread, it makes a great breakfast for guests or part of a brunch.
Home cooks and professionals alike whip up a few personal favorites when it comes to french toast recipes. The base consists of eggs and milk whisked together. Bread is dipped into the mixture and fried until golden. Many people also add some sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon to the base.
The flavor of French toast can be brightened with a squeeze of fresh orange or stuffed with sauteed apples and cinnamon. Make French toast kid-friendly by cutting it into sticks. Then dip the sticks into syrup. Substitute sugary syrup with a fruit puree and fresh fruit pieces. Nuts and seeds add crunch to this delicious breakfast fare, and don’t forget the whipped cream! Just a dollop goes a long way.
HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalFrenchToastDay
Make French toast as part of a big breakfast. Freeze leftovers for easy breakfasts later in the week. Have breakfast for dinner. Share your favorite French toast recipes. Do you love cinnamon and vanilla? What’s the best fruit toppings? Add apple butter or another jam. Share your favorite combinations using #NationalFrenchToastDay or here on the Front Porch.
NATIONAL BAVARIAN CREAM PIE DAY
Each year on November 27th, National Bavarian Cream Pie Day recognizes a pie that makes a grand entrance. This rich and delectable dessert is possible, thanks to the French chef, Marie-Antione Carême.
In the early 19th century, Carême established many of the French cooking techniques still used today. He’s even given credit for abolishing some practices from his kitchens. One dessert Carême receives credit for includes the creation of Bavarian cream. Perhaps he didn’t create it but perfected this gelatin-based pastry cream. Initially, gourmet restaurants and luxury hotels served Bavarian cream pie in France in the early 19th century.
Also called crème bavaroise, Bavarian cream is a custard made with gelatin that allows the cream to set more firmly in molds. The cream allows a variety of flavors, hence numerous recipes. Once you’ve made the preferred flavor of Bavarian cream, pour into a pie crust and chill until set. Bavarian cream compliments many other desserts, too.
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HOW TO OBSERVE #BavarianCreamPieDay
This delicious dessert is a perfect one to share. Make one at home or sneak out for dessert at your favorite restaurant. Another option is to pick up a pie at your local bakery or café. Be sure to give them a shout-out.
Turkey Potato Chowder
Leftover Turkey Stuffed Peppers
Asian Five-Spice Roast Turkey
Turkey Tetrazzini with Spinach
Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Sandwich with Cranberry Sauce
LEFTOVER TURKEY FRIED RICE
Leftover turkey fried rice with lean and delicious cooked turkey, light and fluffy rice, perfectly scrambled eggs, colourful vegetables, and classic Asian seasonings, is just what your healthy meal planning menu needs. Plus, it's made in one skillet in just 10 minutes. Hello new favourite easy weeknight dinner!
With Thanksgiving coming up in less than a week, it's never too early to start planning ahead on what to do with all those delicious turkey leftovers, especially if you are like me and end up with a big stash of crave-worthy turkey meat after the holidays. Turkey fried rice is the perfect way to use it up in another meal that the whole family will love.
I love using turkey meat in fried rice because it is a super versatile protein that just soaks up all of the delicious Asian flavours that are thrown in there.
National Jukebox Day – November 24, 2021
National Jukebox Day is the day before every Thanksgiving — on November 24 this year. Music is the soundtrack of our lives, and this day celebrates the jukebox, shining some light on the device that brought and still brings music into our lives in a special way. The jukebox has a rich history; the nostalgia it carries is unparalleled. It has been around for era after era of modern music — from jazz to country and blues to rock. Celebrate this historic machine today as you visit your hometown restaurants and bars in preparation for Thanksgiving with family and old friends.
HISTORY OF NATIONAL JUKEBOX DAY
Jukeboxes revolutionized music in multiple ways. With the invention of the jukebox, people could enjoy music in restaurants and bars. Artists found a new way to get public exposure and were further enabled to sell vinyl. The jukebox is a historical and cultural symbol in more ways than one.
Louis Glass and William S. Arnold, managers of the Pacific Phonograph Co., created the first jukebox. Called a nickel-in-the-slot phonograph at the time, this revolutionary was displayed at the Palais Royale Saloon in San Francisco, California, on November 23, 1889. It saw instant success, making over $4000 (the equivalent of about $120,249.23 today) in the first year alone, and inspired innumerable people to create different versions all over the U.S. In no time, “phonograph parlors” with multiple nickel-in-the-slot phonographs spread across America and Europe.
As the machine’s expansion and popularity increased, technological advancements were made. Record manufacturers came up with methods to produce record copies more efficiently, amplifiers were developed to enable large groups to listen simultaneously, and a disc record replaced the phonograph cylinder. In 1905, John Gabel presented the Automatic Entertainer to the world, which had 24 song selections. In 1928, Justus P. Seeburg manufactured a multi-select jukebox called the audio phone, and it had eight separate turntables, allowing people to choose from eight different records.
The jukebox took a hit when radio, another form of free entertainment, emerged in the 1920s, and the Great Depression hit in the 1930s. The sale of records saw a drastic dip as people lost the ability to spend on recreation. However, after the Great Depression, jukeboxes quickly bounced back and were thrust into their Golden Age as people got ready to live it up again.
The term ‘jukebox’ is believed to have originated in southern American states and came into existence in 1937. Since then, the jukebox’s popularity has increased steadily, its form everchanging. From a wooden box with listening tubes to colorful lights, metal, art deco designs, and even bubbles! Jukeboxes gave a new meaning to entertainment and gave artists a louder voice. They have done innumerable things for humanity, inspiring TouchTunes — a digital jukebox platform — to declare the day before Thanksgiving as National Jukebox Day in 2017.
NATIONAL FAST FOOD DAY
On November 16th, food lovers get a dose of their favorite convenience food. Whether they use the drive-thru, dine-in, or get it to go, National Fast Food Day calls for us to grilled, fried, and broiled menu staples.
First popularized in the United States in the 1950s, fast food is considered any meal with low preparation time and served to a customer in a packaged form. The meal makes for quick dine-in, take-out or take-away. Most fast-food restaurants offer drive-thru service.
Merriam-Webster dictionary first recognized the term “fast food” in 1951.
Following World War I, automobiles became popular and more affordable. At that time, restaurants introduced the drive-in.
Much like today’s food trucks, Walter Anderson first began selling hamburgers out of an old streetcar body at a Wichita intersection. Despite the limited menu, the hamburgers were a crowd-pleaser. When the popularity of his hamburgers grew, Anderson partnered with E.W. Ingram and opened the first White Castle in 1921 in Wichita, Kansas. These enterprising restauranteurs opened the first fast-food business, selling hamburgers for 5¢ each.
The United States hosts the largest fast food industry in the world. American fast-food restaurants are located in over 100 countries.
Fun fact: The first Happy Meal was served in June of 1979.
While fast food began as sandwiches and sides, the menus expanded over time. Today fast food includes fish, a variety of fried chicken, tacos, pizza, and a wide selection of sides. Sodas quench the thirst and desserts sweeten the menu. From ice cream and shakes to pies and cakes, fast food delivers.
As times changed, restaurants added breakfast items to the menu, too. Expanding their hours increased their workforce and their menu options, as well. However, not all fast-food chains offer breakfast.
HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalFastFoodDay
Invite a group out to your favorite fast-food restaurant. Share some rings and a shake. Do you prefer breakfast or lunch? No matter which one you prefer you can get it to go to make it faster, too!
WHAT IS YOU FAVORITE FAST FOOD?
Veterans Day 2021 is on Thursday, Nov. 11. The day traces its roots to the end of World War I when on Nov. 11, 1918, an armistice between the U.S.-led Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.
You already know why Veterans Day is important. You are the service members, veterans or family and friends of veterans who stay up-to-date on military news, pay, benefits, fitness and veteran jobs.
Related: 2021 Veterans Day Restaurants Deals and Discounts
Veterans Day is a time for us to pay our respects to those who have served. For one day, we stand united in respect for you, our veterans.
This holiday started as a day to reflect upon the heroism of those who died in our country's service and was originally called Armistice Day. It fell on Nov. 11 because that is the anniversary of the signing of the Armistice that ended World War I. However, in 1954, the holiday was changed to "Veterans Day" in order to account for all veterans in all wars.
Related: Learn about the history of Veterans Day
We celebrate and honor America's veterans for their patriotism, love of country and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.
What do you need to know about celebrating Veterans Day? Here’s some more information.
Is Veterans Day on the same day every year?
When first celebrated as Armistice Day, the day marked the end of World War I, formally recognized on the “11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month” in 1918.
Today we continue to celebrate the day as Veterans Day, still recognizing the original tie with November 11. That means Veterans Day is on the same day every year -- November 11 -- regardless of on which day of the week it falls. When the date falls on a Saturday or Sunday, government officials or businesses may recognize it on both the official day and the following Monday.
Is Veterans Day a federal holiday?
Veterans Day is a federal holiday, a bank holiday and, in most states, a state holiday. That means that federal employees, including military members, are typically given the day off and, in most states, state workers are as well.
Whether Veterans Day is taken as a work holiday by companies is a business decision. Many companies choose to take off either Veterans Day or Columbus Day, which falls in October, but not both.
National Harvey Wallbanger Day – November 8, 2021
National Harvey Wallbanger Day is celebrated on November 8 every year. The day celebrates the alcoholic drink made with vodka, Galliano liqueur, and orange juice. The drink used to be quite popular in the 1970s, however, it can still be readily found on bar menus. It is quite easy to make at home too and you can always experiment with the type of liqueur or switch up the variety of orange. The day is celebrated by mixologists and everyone who enjoys a good drink. Harvey Wallbangers have also been referenced in various TV shows and films.
HISTORY OF NATIONAL HARVEY WALLBANGER DAY
Legend has it that the drink was invented by mixologist Donato “Duke” Antone at the Blackwatch Bar on Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood, in 1952. He supposedly named the drink after a Manhattan Beach surfer named Harvey, or Tom Harvey, who would often visit his bar. The story goes that Harvey got tipsy after an evening of drinking, so much so that it was enough to make him bang into the wall upon his exit. This story is questionable as evidence shows that Antone was in Connecticut when the drink was supposedly invented! Another similar story claims that the drink was created at a bar called Pancho’s Bar in Manhattan Beach.
However, the drink did not gain in popularity until the 1970s, when George Bednar of McKesson Imports Company promoted it as a way to sell Galliano, which was a trademark of his company. In late 1969, Bill Young created a Harvey Wallbanger cartoon figure that was featured on posters and other forms of advertising. Some believe that Bednar used the story of Antone inventing the drink as a way to market the drink. Either way, this catapulted Galliano’s sales and it became the number one imported liqueur in America. Harvey Wallbangers were served on flights and also by Amtrak. The drink has since become a favorite amongst Americans. The 1982 American League pennant-winning Milwaukee Brewers were nicknamed “Harvey’s Wallbangers” after the team started hitting better. So, even though the origins of the drink are dubious, the stories associated with it are quite colorful!
Fun Food Holidays™
November 7th, 2021 is National Bittersweet Chocolate with Almonds Day
NATIONAL BITTERSWEET CHOCOLATE WITH ALMONDS DAY ACTIVITIES
Dip it at home
Buy a nice big bar of dark chocolate along with a jar of almonds to make your own dipped almonds at home. You might add a teaspoon or two of cornstarch to thicken the chocolate sauce. Sprinkle them with some sea salt to add extra flavor.
Buy a dark chocolate and almond candy bar
You have plenty to choose from! You've got Hershey's Special Dark with Almonds, or a Mounds bar, which includes shaved coconut (Mounds' sister bar, Almond Joy, features milk chocolate), or the Dove Silky Smooth Promises Dark Chocolate & Almond.
Tour a chocolate factory
The kids will love you for it! There's Hershey's in (the obviously named) Hershey, Pennsylvania. You can also hit the theme park next door. The Sanders and Morely Candy Makers chocolate factory in Clinton Township, Michigan offers a free tour, as does Hammond's Candies in Denver.
WHY WE LOVE NATIONAL BITTERSWEET CHOCOLATE WITH ALMONDS DAY
It's a tasty combo
The origins of combining dark chocolate and almonds are unknown, but whoever did it knew what they were doing. There's something about the taste and texture of almonds that just works alongside the bittersweet taste of dark chocolate.
Believe it or not, it's healthy!
While there's plenty of fat in dark chocolate-covered almonds, health benefits do exist when eaten in moderation. The antioxidants in dark chocolate, combined with the vitamins and proteins in almonds, offer a snack that can help reduce cardiovascular disease.
Made in the USA
The U.S. is the world's largest producer of almonds, and the majority of production happens in California. One Sacramento plant churns out more than two million pounds of almonds each day.
National Deep Fried Clams Day – November 1, 2021
We couldn’t be more excited about National Deep Fried Clams Day on November 1. Clam is the term used for several types of bivalve mollusks and usually refers to those that live as infauna and are edible. They spend the majority of their lives half-buried in the seafloor or riverbeds. With some flour, milk, eggs, and, of course, shucked clams, you can fry up a whole batch of fun today. Often referred to as the ‘barbecue’ of New England, it’s no wonder this tasty meal has a special day.
HISTORY OF NATIONAL DEEP FRIED CLAMS DAY
There are thousands of clam species, and the majority fall into the soft-shelled or hard-shelled categories. Deep-fried clams are typically soft-shelled clams, and are sometimes called “steamers” or “clam bellies”. The steamers are dipped in flour and milk before frying.
Clams made their first appearance on restaurant menus in the 1840s. Served with liver, veal cutlets, and mutton, they are popular on the East Coast of the United States. Seaside clam shacks (roadside restaurants) serve up this tasty delicacy, often with tartar sauce. They are also served in hot dog buns called clam rolls. Made from Atlantic surf clams, “clam strips” are a favorite outside the New England region.
Fried clams were introduced during the mid-1900s. Lawrence Henry “Chubby” Woodman has been credited with the invention of the version we know today. On July 3, 1916, he served up the delicious meal at his roadside stand. Plying his trade in Essex, Massachusetts, he was renowned for making chips by deep-frying potatoes before making the switch to deep-frying clams from the Essex River.
His determination to improve the business was the driving force behind creating deep-fried clams. Clams weren’t popular and he needed to add a fun, tasty twist to get customers coming back for more. Going on the suggestion of his fisherman friend, Woodman and his wife experimented and settled on the perfect recipe for deep-fried clams dipped in milk and cornflour. Deep-fried clams have taken off since then, quickly winning the hearts of many across the country. We take time today to celebrate this delicious creation with food lovers everywhere.
Halloween or Hallowe'en (a contraction of "All Hallows' evening"), also known as Allhalloween, All Hallows' Eve,[7] or All Saints' Eve, is a celebration observed in many countries on 31 October, the eve of the Western Christian feast of All Hallows' Day. It begins the observance of Allhallowtide, the time in the liturgical year dedicated to remembering the dead, including saints (hallows), martyrs, and all the departed.
One theory holds that many Halloween traditions were influenced by Celtic harvest festivals, particularly the Gaelic festival Samhain, which are believed to have pagan roots; some go further and suggest that Samhain may have been Christianized as All Hallow's Day, along with its eve, by the early Church. Other academics believe Halloween began solely as a Christian holiday, being the vigil of All Hallow's Day. Celebrated in Ireland and Scotland for centuries, Irish and Scottish migrants brought many Halloween customs to North America in the 19th century, and then through American influence, Halloween spread to other countries by the late 20th and early 21st century.
Halloween activities include trick-or-treating (or the related guising and souling), attending Halloween costume parties, carving pumpkins into jack-o'-lanterns, lighting bonfires, apple bobbing, divination games, playing pranks, visiting haunted attractions, telling scary stories, as well as watching horror films.For some people, the Christian religious observances of All Hallows' Eve, including attending church services and lighting candles on the graves of the dead, remain popular, although for others it is a secular celebration. Some Christians historically abstained from meat on All Hallows' Eve, a tradition reflected in the eating of certain vegetarian foods on this vigil day, including apples, potato pancakes, and soul cakes.
BE SURE TO CLICK ON THE BLUE LINKS!
NATIONAL TRICK OR TREAT DAY
National Trick or Treat Day on the last Saturday in October extends one of the country’s favorite holidays – Halloween!
Dressing up as the scariest or most fascinating character we know draws us to the holiday. People of all ages put hours of effort into creating elaborate costumes for one big night. Wouldn’t it be nice to get dress up and pretend just a little bit more? Of course, it would!
This celebration offers the ideal opportunity to host spooky parties, neighborhood trick or treating or local festivals. And everyone gets to wear their scariest, most elaborate, delightful costumes, too! What a fun way to get together with friends and family to carve pumpkins and enjoy the fall weather while extending the life of your creative ideas.
HOW TO OBSERVE #TrickOrTreatDay
Get the whole family dressed up and go trick or treating! Organize a trunk or treat activity with your office, church, or volunteer group. Host costume party. No matter how you celebrate, extend the life of your costume for the season and make sure more people see your creative ideas.
The Centers for Disease Control provides us with excellent tips for a safe Trick or Treat Day. And no matter how you celebrate, be sure to take pictures and share them using #TrickOrTreatDay on social media.
Be sure to take pictures and share them using #TrickOrTreatDay on social media.
NATIONAL TRICK OR TREAT DAY HISTORY
National Trick or Treat Day in 2019 to extend the Halloween season. In 2018 they launched a national petition to change the date Americans celebrated Halloween. Nearly 70,000 people signed their change.org petition, and more than 200 major media outlets covered their story. After interacting with the public and listening to feedback, they initiated an extension to Halloween instead. Additionally, the HCA created an Official Halloween Toolkit with ideas to help communities all across to help implement parades, events and costumes.
The Registrar at National Day Calendar® proclaimed this spooky celebration to be observed the last Saturday in October, annually.
How many Trick or Treaters are you expecting.
Because our complex is on lockdown we will not have any!
NATIONAL FIRST RESPONDERS DAY
October 28th sets aside National First Responders Day to honor the men and women who act quickly when an emergency is at hand.
First responders dedicate their lives to save lives. They are the people who run toward a crisis while the rest of the world flees. According to the Department of Homeland Security, 4.6 million career and volunteer first responders support the communities they live in. They are firefighters, police, emergency medical technicians (EMT), and paramedics. In an emergency, they’re the first on the scene. These dedicated professionals answer the call when a crisis arises, often putting their own lives on the line.
Serving as a national day of gratitude, we pay tribute to their endless hours and around the clock service provided to their communities. As one of the most dangerous jobs in the country, the day also pays tribute to the fallen first responders. According to the CDC, 97 firefighters and 155 police officers die each year in the line of duty. Additionally, their rate of occupational injury is higher than the national average. Often, the very people saving lives are our neighbors, friends, and family members. And their families know the price they pay for their dedication to the job.
And even though they are an integral part of our communities, their sacrifices go beyond the hours they work. They face high stress, often daily. The trauma they see wears on them both mentally and physically. Many experience Post Traumatic Stress. Long periods away from family add stress to their relationships, too.
National First Responders Day is also a call for action. First responders deserve our support. Through resources and awareness, first responders can live healthier, more productive lives and pass their knowledge and skills on to the next generation of first responders, too.
HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalFirstRespondersDay
The day provides you with an opportunity to recognize a first responder in your life. You might be surprised at how many you know. If their service is voluntary, you may only know about their day job. Offer to treat them to their favorite beverage or buy their next meal. Be supportive of their family, too. More importantly, support programs that improve services to first responders. Connect with a first responder who came to your rescue and thank them. Let them know you appreciate their dedication and sacrifice.
Another way to honor first responders is by signing the petition urging Congress to declare a national day in their honor.
Share your appreciation on social media using #NationalFirstRespondersDay.
NATIONAL FIRST RESPONDERS DAY HISTORY
In 2019, the United States Senate passed a resolution designating October 28th as National First Responders Day to honor the men and women putting their lives on the line.
National Mincemeat Pie Day is an annual observance celebrated on October 26th of each year. The celebration of the day has no special reason as it is a food feast. It is the perfect day to try out this English, sweet, and meat pie if you hadn’t eaten it before. For others, National Mincemeat Pie Day is yet another special day to enjoy the meat and fruit treat.
As many mince pies as you taste at Christmas’ so many happy months will you have.” – Old English Saying.
History of National Mincemeat Pie Day
The founder and the exact year in which the National Mincemeat Pie Day was first celebrated are unknown. A mince pie or minced, minced meat, or mincemeat pie is a festive season sweet pie of British origin. A mixture of dried fruits and spices called “mincemeat” is used in the pie stuffing. Traditionally Mincemeat Pie is served during the Christmas season in the English-speaking world. It is a savory Christmas pie associated with supposed Catholic idolatry. The mincemeat was originally developed for preserving the meat without salting or smoking.
Here are today’s five thing to know about Mincemeat Pie:
- Mincemeat was originally a medieval (England) sweet, spicy mixture of chopped (minced) lean meat (usually beef, or beef tongue), suet and fruit.
- It was generally served as an entree.
- Gradually the meat content was reduced, and today the mixture contains nuts, dried fruit (raisins, apples, pears, citrus peel, etc.), beef suet, spices and brandy or rum, but no beef.
- Mincemeat is used primarily in pies and tarts.
- Mince pies date back to medieval times and possibly long before. They are descended from a huge pie baked on Christmas Eve containing chopped beef, suet, nuts, spices and fruit of which whole dried plums were an important constituent.
My mother made Green Tomato preserve and canned it for future use.
Green Tomato Mincemeat Pie Recipe
When tobacco and textiles ruled the South, mincemeat pie was the crown jewel of holiday celebrations. The boozy, heavily spiced, fruit-and-meat fillings preserved meat without smoking or salting. Meatless "mince" pies made with ingredients like sweet potatoes were popular too. In the 1800s, Mrs. Abby Fisher, of What Mrs. Fisher Knows About Old Southern Cooking fame, stirred a half-gallon each of sherry and brandy into her big-batch recipe. Our green tomato mincemeat calls for less alcohol, but we've made up for it with Bourbon-Pecan Ice Cream.
National Greasy Food Day:
National Greasy Food Day is celebrated every year on the 25th of October. This day is all about being guilt-free about the food we eat and the number we get on the scale.
National Greasy Foods Day is the feel good holiday that comes every October 25. It’s state fair season: time to fire up the frying oil, chop the potatoes, and break out the napkins. On October 25, you don’t have to feel guilty about eating greasy foods, because you’re actually encouraged to!
HISTORY OF NATIONAL GREASY FOODS DAY
No one does greasy foods like the U.S.A. Though these foods shouldn’t be eaten on a day to day basis, it doesn’t hurt to indulge every once in a while.
From southern cooking, to soul food, to state fair favorites, greasy foods hold a special place in our hearts and, when eaten excessively, our arteries.
These addictive fan favorites are made greasy by the amount of oil, butter, or fat clinging to them even after the cooking process.
Mary's favorite fried food is
Funnel cake (Pennsylvania German: Drechderkuche is a regional sweet food popular in North America, found mainly at carnivals and amusement parks.
What is your favorite fried food?
Though our cheaper and more affordable foods today tend to be coated in greasy goodness, this wasn’t always the case. In the mid 1800s, since meat was an expensive luxury, getting a fatty piece of anything was rare.
At this time, people mostly cooked their meats in a stew in order to preserve whatever fats they could. If spit-roasted, they used foods like Yorkshire Puddings to place beneath the roast so no fats would go to waste.
Without a fat, it’s difficult for your body to absorb vitamins A, D, E, and K, and a diet without fats can leave the body feeling hungry even after a meal.
So greasy foods are actually good for you…in moderation. Switching out butters for healthy oils is a good way to ensure you’re still getting the fat you need to keep your body functioning, but that doesn’t mean you have to give up pizza permanently. Eating greasy foods in moderation doesn’t hurt, but it’s National Greasy Foods Day! You can go back to mindful eating tomorrow.
Funnel cake with powder sugar!
NATIONAL PUMPKIN CHEESECAKE DAY
Each year on October 21st, National Pumpkin Cheesecake Day ushers in the flavors of fall. Cheesecake is one of America’s favorite desserts and by adding pumpkin, we celebrate the essential flavoring of the season.
This sweet dessert mixes fresh soft cheese, cream cheese or cottage cheese, eggs, and sugar to create a base. The crust is made from crushed graham crackers, crushed cookies, pastry, or sponge cake. Pumpkin may be added to cheesecake recipes in various ways. For example, it may be swirled throughout, mixed thoroughly with all ingredients, or layered. Bakers prepare cheesecakes both baked or unbaked. Some bakers flavor cheesecakes and top them with fruit, fruit sauce, chocolate, or whipped cream.
10 Different Types of Pasta and What Dishes They’re Best Used For
Despite the first real mention of the Italian staple dating back to the 13th century, today pasta is one of the world’s most popular foods. It’s versatile, convenient and satisfying – and there are so many different types to choose from…
We all know the feeling of standing in the middle of the supermarket aisle, overwhelmed by how much choice there is. Because they’re all the same, right? Well, whilst it’s true that there are around 350 different types, it’s a little known fact that each shape and style is best suited to specific types of Italian cuisine.
1. Spaghetti
Perhaps one of the most popular pasta types in the world, spaghetti consists of long, thin noodles which can be paired with a wide variety of sauces. Possibly the most well known dish is Spaghetti Bolognese, where pasta is paired with meat in a marinara sauce. This type of pasta suits meat and vegetable dishes of any sort, or even just garlic and olive oil.
2. Penne
Another popular shape, penne has a round, tube like structure, with diagonal cuts at either end. That’s why it’s best served in dishes that have a relatively thick, creamy sauce as it penetrates the tube and holds the sauce well, such as Penne Arrabbiata. This is also the best type of pasta to use in pasta bake dishes.
3. Lasagne
Contrary to popular belief, lasagne is the name of the thin sheets of pasta that make up a dish, rather than the dish itself. Lasagne is used in oven-baked dishes with the most well known dish being lasagne al forno, which likely comprises of a beef or pork ragu, layered between layers of lasagne and béchamel sauce, topped with cheese. This dish can be adapted to contain any type of filling you like, such as mushrooms instead of meat.
4. Ravioli
Ravioli are pillow shaped squares of dough that can pretty much do anything. They can be filled with cheese, seafood, meat or veggies and topped with sauce, served in soups or simply be drizzled with olive oil.
5. Linguine
Very similar to the likes of spaghetti, linguine is a little flatter and is considered to be more luxurious. The extra surface area means that it is perfect for pairing with lighter textures, like cream based sauces or seafood.
6. Rigatoni
Much like penne, rigatoni are tubes with small ridges on the outside, but they are slightly wider and cut into a square rather than diagonally. As they’re a rather large shape, they’re best paired with chunky sauces full of vegetables or baked into a gratin.
7. Farfalle
Known as ‘bow-tie’ pasta and translating to ‘butterfly’ from Italian, this pasta is shaped like exactly that. It’s a relatively small pasta, with a large surface area which is why it best pairs with a cheese, or rich tomato sauce as the ‘wings’ hold the sauce perfectly. It also compliments a cold pasta salad, and is sometimes served with grilled chicken.
8. Fusilli
This pasta has a spiralled, corkscrew like shape that pair perfectly with rich meat sauces or chunky vegetables as the chunks get caught in the crevices of the twirls giving the dish a lovely texture. They can also be baked into casseroles or pasta bakes for the same reason.
9. Macaroni
A simple shape, macaroni are small tubes of pasta that are cut into short lengths and often curved. Often they’re found floating in a minestrone or cheese sauce, ready to be thrown into the oven for a good old Mac ‘n Cheese so they don’t really need to hold sauces.
10. Cannelloni
This type of pasta can either come flat or pre-rolled into large tubes, which are then stuffed with various fillings, such as spinach and ricotta cheese. This large pasta also pairs well with a simple, light sauce like tomato.
NATIONAL PASTA DAY. PART II
October is National Pasta Month, and October 17th recognizes National Pasta Day. Pasta lovers celebrate!
While we find noodles all over the world, pasta is a type of noodle of traditional Italian cuisine. The first reference dates to 1154 in Sicily and was first attested to in English in 1874. Typically, it is made from an unleavened dough of durum wheat flour. The flour is mixed with water or eggs and formed into sheets or various shapes. It can then be served fresh or dried to be stored for later use.
Types of Pasta
Look for pasta in pasta in both savory and dessert dishes. Since it’s so versatile, pasta lends itself to sweet and every other dish on the table. Cooks feature pasta as a main dish, but they also serve up delicious hot and cold side dishes as well. And then, of course, those special desserts we can’t resist making our mouths water.
Cooks originally made fresh pasta by hand. However, today, many varieties of fresh pasta are made commercially. Large-scale machines bring choices to our grocers daily. Smaller pasta machines on the market make having the freshest pasta at home even easier.
- Dried and fresh pasta come in several shapes and varieties.
- There are so many kinds of pasta! According to the Encyclopedia of Pasta by Oretta Zanini De Vita, 310 specific kinds of pasta identified by over 1300 names have been documented.
- In Italy, names of specific pasta shapes or types vary with locale.
- Example: Cavatelli is known by 28 different names depending on the region and town.
The size and shape of pasta may determine the best sauce to pair with it, too. For example, serve linguine with lighter, thinner sauces to avoid breaking the noodles. A similarly shaped noodle, fettuccine, is less delicate. That’s why it carries heavier sauces like alfredo.
Learn more about pasta from the National Pasta Association.
HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalPastaDay
Explore the world of pasta. Whether you’re cooking up a salad, main dish, or dessert, recipes abound. We offer several on our recipe page, too! If you don’t feel like cooking, take the family out to an Italian restaurant. No matter what you are planning, invite friends to join you. It’s the best way to Celebrate Every Day®! #NationalPastaDay to post on social media.
NATIONAL PASTA DAY HISTORY
National Day Calendar® continues researching the origins of this delicious food holiday.
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