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National New Jersey Day

Jensperspectiveblog 1 Comment

On July 27th, National New Jersey Day recognizes the third state to join the Union. Find out what’s unique and captivating about the Garden State!

Early History

When Giovanni Da Verrazzano first explored the shores of the Atlantic coast, he explored lands that included New Jersey. Da Verrazzano discovered diverse communities of people who were later called the Delaware Indians.

In 1160, the Dutch founded New Jersey’s first European settlement, but in 1664 the British took control. At this time, the land was divided into half and named New Jersey after the Isle of Jersey in the English Channel.

New Jersey State of Mind Hardcover – June 12, 2020 by Peter Genovese  (Author)
New Jersey State of Mind Hardcover – June 12, 2020

by Peter Genovese  (Author)


Revolution

Leading up the American Revolution, the colony as a whole was equally divided in its loyalties to the crown. Colonists who remained undecided were just as likely to support the rebel cause as they were to support the king. The same applied to colonists in New Jersey.

Due to New Jersey’s central location among the thirteen colonies, more battles during the Revolutionary War took place here than any other state.While the state was the third to enter the union, New Jersey signed the Bill of Rights before any other state.

  • State Capital – Trenton
  • State Flower – Common Violet
  • State Nick Name – The Garden State
  • State Song – none
  • State Tree – Red Oak
  • State Mineral –
  • State Fossil -Hadrosaurus
  • State Motto – Liberty and Prosperity
  • State Fish – Brook Trout
  • State Fruit – Blueberry
  • State Hero –
  • State Heroine –
  • State Bird – American Goldfinch
  • State Insect – Honey Bee
  • State Folk Dance – Square Dance
  • State Animal – Horse

Industry and Innovation

During and after the war, New Jersey industry grew. Rapidly, innovation and technology took place in New Jersey. One well-known innovator found a home in Menlo Park. There, Thomas Edison nourished his ingenuity. While industry and innovation grew, so did the state’s population.

The Wizard of Menlo Park: How Thomas Alva Edison Invented the Modern World Kindle Edition by Randall E. Stross  (Author)
The Wizard of Menlo Park: How Thomas Alva Edison Invented the Modern World Kindle Edition

by Randall E. Stross  (Author)

Today New Jersey’s population density thrives at the highest of any state in the United States.While it may be an industrial powerhouse, its nickname the Garden State is precise. New Jersey supplies the world with cranberries, blueberries, and tomatoes.

New Jersey Flavor

While we thank New Jersey for a few delicious foods we can enjoy anywhere, the state produces a large number of dishes travel is a must.During the summer months, enjoy the fresh blueberries from New Jersey. At the turn of the 20th century, the intuitive Elizabeth White helped domesticate the wild blueberries found along the Eastern seaboard. Today, blueberry production in New Jersey is a global business.

Dishing Up® New Jersey: 150 Recipes from the Garden State Paperback – May 17, 2016 by John Holl  (Author), Amy Roth (Photographer), & 1 more
Dishing Up® New Jersey: 150 Recipes from the Garden State Paperback – May 17, 2016

by John Holl  (Author), Amy Roth (Photographer), & 1 more

Pork roll is to New Jersey as carrots are to Bugs Bunny. The cured, smoked pork product creates debates between residents of the state. Trenton loves their pork roll so much, in fact, they hold an annual Pork Roll Festival. However, pork roll does exist west of the Delaware River.Now, for most of these other dishes, come visit or pay for postage.

The Pork Roll Cookbook Hardcover – February 24, 2015 by Jenna Pizzi (Author), Susan Sprague Yeske (Contributor)
The Pork Roll Cookbook

by Jenna Pizzi (Author), Susan Sprague Yeske (Contributor)

Folks from New Jersey have a different idea about what a sloppy joe is. Tomato. To-mah-to. This one sounds delicious. Their version places slices of pastrami or corned beef (or both), coleslaw, Russian dressing, and swiss cheese layered between three slices of rye bread.

The Jersey Shore Cookbook: Fresh Summer Flavors from the Boardwalk and Beyond Hardcover – April 12, 2016 by Deborah Smith  (Author), Thomas Robert Clarke (Photographer)
The Jersey Shore Cookbook: Fresh Summer Flavors from the Boardwalk and Beyond

by Deborah Smith  (Author), Thomas Robert Clarke (Photographer)

Also, New Jerseyan’s make their pizza pie on the flip side. That is to say – they like their sauce on top. Its called tomato pie with seasoning crushed tomatoes on top of the other ingredients. Crust on the bottom, of course.

Lastly, saltwater taffy, sandy beaches, and long boardwalks of Atlantic City all go together. Both saltwater taffy and America’s boardwalks got their start there.

Sweet's Original Salt Water Taffy Assortment 4.5 Pound by Sweet's Saltwater
Sweet’s Original Salt Water Taffy Assortment 4.5 Pound

by Sweet’s Saltwater

HOW TO OBSERVE

#NationalNewJerseyDayJoin us in recognizing this unique and captivating state on National New Jersey Day.

Use #NationalNewJerseyDay to share on social media.

You can also celebrate National Scotch Day, today. Will these days quench your thirst?

Hidden Treasures

The Hindenburg Crash Site – Lakehurst
War of the Worlds Crash Site – West Windsor Township
Paranormal Museum – Ashbury Park
Diggerland USA – West Berlin
Navesink Twin Lights – Highlands
Basto Village – Egg Harbor City
Northlandz – Flemington
Amatol Ghost Town – Hammonton
Princeton Cemetery – Princeton

Famous ?

Mary Ludwig Hays McCauley- Revolutionary Hero – (October 13, 1754 – January 22, 1832)

Mary Ludwig Hays McCauley- Revolutionary Hero - (October 13, 1754 - January 22, 1832)
Mary Ludwig Hays McCauley- Revolutionary Hero – (October 13, 1754 – January 22, 1832)
Continue reading “National New Jersey Day” →

NATIONAL TEQUILA DAY

Jensperspectiveblog 7 Comments

On July 24th, commemorate National Tequila Day with a little lime and salt. Mix up a Margarita, Paloma, or a Mamasita to celebrate the day! People have been making Tequila for centuries, and it was once known as mezcal wine.

In fact, Tequila is mezcal, but mezcal isn’t Tequila. That’s because Tequila is distilled from a specific type of agave plant. Also, the law protects its production. Take a sip, and we’ll travel into Tequila’s history.

Tequila History

It all started around the 16th century. Cortez arrived on the North American continent with his Spanish conquistadors. They didn’t care much for the fermented mezcal wine served to them. However, the Spanish introduced copper stills to the population. Enter the distilling process. 

Now, our story takes us to Tequila, Jalisco, Mexico. Located in a valley west of Guadalajara in Jalisco, Mexico, the town made a name for themselves by distilling Blue Agave. Even though a variety of succulents in Mexico produce mezcal, only one delivers the nectar to distill Tequila. Blue Agave grows in the highland region. Indeed, the unique growing conditions contribute to a larger size and sweeter tasting agave. In contrast, agave grown in the lowland regions taste and smell more herbal.

Greater Than a Tourist – Guadalajara Mexico: 50 Travel Tips from a Local by Juan Uribe (Author), & 2 more
Greater Than a Tourist – Guadalajara Mexico: 50 Travel Tips from a Local

by Juan Uribe (Author), & 2 more

In Mexico, the law protects the production of Tequila. The rule states Tequila is only Tequila if it is made within Jalisco. Additionally, the law limits production to regions in the states of Guanajuato, Michoacan, Nayarit, and Tamaulipas. However, the same ingredients distilled anywhere else cannot be labeled Tequila. 

Interestingly, many names in the tequila business today were the very first commercial producers of Tequila. For example, José Antonio Cuervo held the first license for making the favored beverage. He kept a well-known company, too. Two other names include Don Cenobio Sauza and Félix López, whose businesses continue in some form today.

Equally enjoyed in cocktails such as the margarita or tequila sunrise, connoisseurs savor a good tequila like a good whiskey. As a result, savvy drinkers experience the smooth renaissance of Tequila. Surprisingly, it’s not the firewater they remember from their youth. 

Libbey Yucatan Margarita Glasses, Set of 4 by Libbey
Libbey Yucatan Margarita Glasses, Set of 4

by Libbey

Explore More…

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalTequilaDay

While cooking up fajitas, mix a drink for you and your friends. Try margaritas or a new cocktail. Make a celebration out of your meal.  These are great to revisit on Cinco De Mayo too. (Remember always to drink responsibly and never drink and drive). Join the conversation by posting on social media using #NationalTequilaDay.

Huray Rayho Tequila Shot Board Serving Tray Huray Rayho Shot Glass Holder Display and Storage Shot Glasses with Salt Rim Bar Wooden Tray for Liquor Birthday Party Wedding Housewarming Men Women Gifts
Huray Rayho Tequila Shot Board Serving Tray Huray Rayho Shot Glass Holder Display and Storage Shot Glasses with Salt Rim Bar Wooden Tray for Liquor Birthday Party Wedding Housewarming Men Women Gifts

WORLD CHOCOLATE DAY

Jensperspectiveblog 30 Comments

World Chocolate Day on July 7th each year indulges in one of the world’s favorite treats. Whether it is chocolate milk, hot chocolate, a chocolate candy bar, chocolate cake, brownies, or something covered in chocolate, this day is for chocolate lovers.

How is chocolate made?

Chocolate comes from the seed of the tropical Theobroma cacao tree. Cacao has been cultivated for at least three millennia and grows in Mexico, Central America, and Northern South America. The earliest known documentation of using cacao seeds is from around 1100 BC.

Since cacao tree seeds have a very intense, bitter taste, they must be fermented to develop the flavor.

Godiva Chocolatier Classic Gold Ballotin Chocolate, Perfect Hostess Gift, Gifts for Her, Mothers Day Gift, Chocolate Lovers, 19 Count by GODIVA Chocolatier
Godiva Chocolatier Classic Gold Ballotin Chocolate, Perfect Hostess Gift, Gifts for Her, Mothers Day Gift, Chocolate Lovers, 19 Count

by GODIVA Chocolatier

Research has found that chocolate, when eaten in moderation, can lower blood pressure.

ChocZero's Keto Bark, Dark Chocolate Almonds with Sea Salt. Sugar Free, Low Carb. No Sugar Alcohols, No Artificial Sweeteners, All Natural, Non-GMO (2 bags, 6 servings/each) by ChocZero
ChocZero’s Keto Bark, Dark Chocolate Almonds with Sea Salt. Sugar Free, Low Carb. No Sugar Alcohols, No Artificial Sweeteners, All Natural, Non-GMO (2 bags, 6 servings/each)

by ChocZero

Once fermented, the beans are dried, cleaned, and roasted. After roasting, the shell is removed to produce cacao nibs. The cacao nibs are then ground into cocoa mass, which is pure chocolate in rough form. The cocoa mass is usually liquefied then molded with or without other ingredients. At this point in the process, it is called chocolate liquor. The chocolate liquor may then be processed into two components: cocoa solids and cocoa butter.

  • Unsweetened baking chocolate – cocoa solids and cocoa butter in varying proportions.
  • Sweet chocolate – cocoa solids, cocoa butter or other fat and sugar.
  • Milk chocolate – sweet chocolate with milk powder or condensed milk.
  • White chocolate – cocoa butter, sugar, and milk but no cocoa solids.
Ghirardelli Assorted Squares XL Bag, 15.77 Ounce by Ghirardelli
Ghirardelli Assorted Squares XL Bag, 15.77 Ounce

by Ghirardelli

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HOW TO OBSERVE #WorldChocolateDay

Visit your favorite restaurant and indulge in a delicious chocolate dessert. Another idea is to host a chocolate tasting party. Invite friends to bring their best chocolate recipes to share. Here are a few recipes to try. Explore chocolates from around the world, too. Post photos on social media using #WorldChocolateDay.

Lindt, Hershey, Belgian, truffles, bars,
With so many to choose from it’s hard to pick a favorite when its chocolate!

NATIONAL HOT DOG MONTH

Jensperspectiveblog 4 Comments

Hot Diggity Dog!  Or should I say dogs! July is National Hot Dog Month according to the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council. Grab your dogs and toppings, because here are some interesting bits on an American classic!

Now that the weather has warmed up and gotten nice outside, grilling season is upon us yet again.  Time to fire up those grills and buy some juicy hamburgers, sausages, and hot dogs, of course!

Grilling Accessories, Grill Tools, Fathers Day Grilling Gifts for dad, Heavy Duty Stainless Steel Grill Set BBQ Grill Accessories for Outdoor Grill with Aluminum Case and Apron #NationalGrillingMonth
Grilling Accessories, Grill Tools, Fathers Day Grilling Gifts for dad, Heavy Duty Stainless Steel Grill Set BBQ Grill Accessories for Outdoor Grill with Aluminum Case and Apron

The exact origins of hot dogs are unknown, but likely their predecessor was brought over by immigrants.  What we do know, however, is how they are made, and what goes into them.  Hot dogs are usually pork or beef, but they can be made from poultry as well.  The meat is put into a machine to be finely ground until it resembles a paste or batter (don’t look it up, trust us).

Spices and flavorings are added for flavor, and some brands add sugar or corn syrup for sweetness. Some brands also add preservatives to extend the shelf life of the product.  After the meat has been finely ground, it is sent to a machine that pumps the meat into the casings.  Some brands use cellulose casings, but others still use a traditional natural casing.  After being injected with meat, the casings go through another machine to link the casings into strands of hot dogs.

Johnsonville Brat Griller - BBQ Basket for 5 Sausage Links - Easily Handle, Flip and Grill Brats to Perfection#NationalHotDogMonth
Johnsonville Brat Griller – BBQ Basket for 5 Sausage Links – Easily Handle, Flip and Grill Brats to Perfection

Afterward, the strands of hot dogs are sent to an oven to cook. During this stage, smoke may be used to add extra flavor.  After cooking, the dogs are showered in water to let them cool before being sent to packaging. If a cellulose casing was used, the hot dogs are sent to another machine to remove the casing.  Then they are cut into individual dogs, packaged and sealed ready to be shipped to a store near you.

National Hot Dog Day, July 22

Certified International Hot Dogs Rectangular Tray withHandles 19" x 12" Servware, Accessories,Hostess Serving, Multicolor Brand: Certified International
Certified International Hot Dogs Rectangular Tray withHandles 19″ x 12″ Servware, Accessories,Hostess Serving, Multicolor

Brand: Certified International

Some Fun Facts :

  • Joey Chestnut currently holds the world record in hot dog eating by eating 69 hot dogs (and buns) in 10 minutes
  • The Tokyo Dog food truck located in Seattle, WA holds the record for the most expensive hot dog, costing $169
  • The longest hot dog on record, made by Novex SA of Paraguay in 2011, is 668 ft. and 7.62 in. (203.80m.)

HISTORY

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce first named the first observance of National Hot Dog Month in July, 1956. Since then, the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council has begun promoting the month. 

Explore More…

HOW TO OBSERVE

Invite some friends over and throw some hot dogs on the grill. It’s a great time to have an easy meal and enjoy a leisurely time catching up with people we don’t get to see very often. While you’re at it, try different toppings. Get inspired and throw a hot dog buffet and have each guest bring a different ingredient. What imaginative hot dog combinations will your guests design? Use #NationalHotDogMonth to share on social media.

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