NATIONAL MACADAMIA NUT DAY

National Macadamia Nut Day on September 4th recognizes a delicious nut found in many baked goods and desserts.

Delectable macadamia nuts have a creamy, buttery taste. These nuts add a subtle richness to everything they grace. Also versatile, macadamia nuts originated in Australia. They were named for the physician and chemist, John Macadam, who discovered them. Macadam also pursued furthering the cultivation of the tree in Australia making it more abundant.  

Similar to large evergreens, the macadamia tree grows between 30 and 40 feet high. Although they are native to Australia, most of today’s world supply grows in Hawaii. Growers first began cultivating macadamia trees in Hawaii in 1921. Indonesia, South Africa, and California also grow this delicious nut commercially. 

Like many nuts, macadamia may be eaten raw or roasted. Bakers particularly like to use them in baked goods, such as cookies. They pair exceptionally well with chocolate, too.

Since the macadamia is nutrient-rich, they are known for their health benefits. Being in the nut family has its benefits, too! Macadamias are a valuable source of energy, high in dietary fiber, gluten-free, high in mono-unsaturated fat. They also provide an excellent source of minerals and contain many essential B-complex vitamins. 

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HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalMacadamiaNutDay

Whether you seek a healthy snack or satisfaction for a sweet tooth, this nut has you covered. Try a new recipe. Grab a handful of macadamia nuts for a snack at your desk or bake them into a batch of cookies. Add some to your salad or mix them in with popcorn while watching a movie. Share your ideas, celebrations and more by using #MacadamiaNutDay to post on social media.

SOURDOUGH SEPTEMBER

Sourdough September celebrates the world’s oldest leavened bread, giving everyone a chance to enjoy this delicious delight the entire month.

The entire month of September provides opportunity for bread baker’s across the world to share their talent of making sourdough bread. Initially starting as a campaign, this month long bread holiday has turned into a food celebration.

What is sourdough bread? Unlike dry yeast breads, sourdough bread begins from a “starter” that contains a live culture of yeast. Interestingly, a sourdough starter can be a saved piece of sourdough bread from a previous or old piece of bread. The “sour” part of the dough is created by adding water and flour every week to the old piece of bread until it becomes fermented. Basically, a process naturally occurs between the yeast and “good” bacteria causes the mixture to sour and prompts growth. That growth eventually becomes a loaf of bread.

Can you make a sourdough starter from scratch? Making a sourdough starter is super easy. You want to make wild yeast, which is 1/2 cup of flour and 1/2 cup of water mixed into a paste. Over a period of about seven days, you’re going to remove, add, feed, and mix your wild yeast. You can visit any baking website on the Internet for a standard recipe. However, you might want to ask a family member if they have a recipe before you search the world wide web.

Did You Know?

  • It is believed sourdough originated in Ancient Egyptian times around 1500 BC.
  • It appears the French bakers receive credit for bringing sourdough bread to San Francisco during the California Gold Rush in 1848.
  • San Francisco bakers are using the same sourdough culture used during the Gold Rush. In fact, to this day bakers refer to it to as the “Mother dough.”
  • Louise Boudin risked her life to save the original “Mother dough” during the Great San Francisco Earthquake of 1906.
  • You should bake sourdough bread in glass because the metal in baking sheets causes the dough to corrode.

Is sourdough bread healthier than other breads? Yes! Sourdough bread is considered to be the least processed bread because of so few ingredients. It’s also easier to digest because the bread acts as a prebiotic, meaning the bread fiber helps to process the good bacteria found in intestines. Good bacteria helps us maintain a healthy digestive system. Furthermore, sourdough bread has been known reduce the rate starches are digested in the intestines. lowering the glycemic index.

Not Just a Bread

There are other uses for your sourdough recipes besides standard bread. In fact, sourdough can be used for several other things, such as:

  • Crackers
  • English muffins
  • Pancakes
  • Biscuits
  • Pizza crust
  • Pretzels
  • Rolls
  • Pie Crust

BEHIND SOURDOUGH SEPTEMBER

In 2012, the Real Bread Campaign came up with an idea to get people to try, buy, or make their own sourdough. This food month began as a campaign to promote the benefits of real sourdough bread. Though the Real Bread Campaign celebrates food throughout the year, this month long food holiday shines the light on the baker’s who put time and effort into providing a genuine sourdough product.

Each year the Real Bread Campaign encourages people to celebrate through sharing. In fact, they encourage bakers and bread lovers to add their sourdough event to their Real Bread Calendar. Their website provides several tips and ideas on how you can celebrate #SourdoughSeptember in your area.

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CELEBRATING SOURDOUGH 

  • Share your sourdough recipe with family.
  • Bake real sourdough bread and deliver it to friends.
  • Buy 100% genuine sourdough bread from a local bakery.
  • Host a sourdough baking party, complete with condiments to go with your fresh sourdough bread.
  • Create several sourdough starters, add baking instructions and give them away to neighbors.
  • Attend a sourdough baking class.
  • Enter a local bread baking contest with your sourdough recipe.
  • Raise money for the charity Sustain.
  • Tag and share your sourdough celebration on social media using #SourdoughSeptember.

NATIONAL SENIOR CITIZENS DAY

On August 21st, National Senior Citizens Day recognizes the achievements of the more mature representatives of our nation. The day provides an opportunity to show our appreciation for their dedication, accomplishments, and services they give throughout their lives. 

According to the 2017 census, 47 million seniors live in the United States. By 2060, that number will nearly double. Their wealth of knowledge, skill, and experience offer so much to the next generation. As technologies advance, these are the people who’ve experienced each step of change. Not only have they contributed to it, but they understand first hand the benefits and the drawbacks. They know life without the advancements that exist today. 

By the time you’re eighty years old you’ve learned everything. You only have to remember it. ~ George Burns

Just Getting Started

Morgan Freeman (Actor), Tommy Lee Jones (Actor), & 1 more
Just Getting Started

Morgan Freeman (Actor), Tommy Lee Jones (Actor), & 1 more

Our senior citizens are pioneers of science, medicine, psychology, civil rights and so much more. Their valuable contributions to our communities create better places to live. They deserve the respect and dignity their achievements earn them. The day encourages supporting senior citizens to live their lives to the fullest and as independently as possible. 

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HOW TO OBSERVE #SeniorCitizensDay

Spend time with the senior citizens you know. Let them know they are appreciated and loved. It may also be a good day to volunteer at a retirement home. Share your smile with those who may not otherwise get a visitor today. 

Secondhand Lions [Blu-ray]

Michael Caine (Actor), Robert Duvall (Actor), & 1 more 
Secondhand Lions

Michael Caine (Actor), Robert Duvall (Actor), & 1 more 

As Covid19 is still a great concern for these age groups, take it virtual. Video chats, telephone calls, even a special care package direct from Amazon will seriously brighten someones day. With lockdowns being reimposed, communication becomes more important.

Lockdowns mean in some cases they are confined to thier rooms. They cannot speak to or see each other. They can no longer have activities and social meals. No physical therapies room, and no exercise in the halls. While these measures are ment to protect them, they still fall short as we have seen by the numbers reported from facilities. Some do a very good job and some are still struggling.

The biggest danger is the isolation many feel. With no visitors allowed they have been cut off from family, community outreach and as I said even each other. I’ve worked with seniors for many years, that social interaction helps prevent both mental and physical decline. Some more than others profoundly feel the effects. No one wants to be forgotten.

Send a card, chat, patiently endure teaching about technology if possible. Remember when you get frustrated, they may have taught you how to use a spoon.. among other things.

Grumpy Old Men 

Jack Lemmon (Actor), Walter Matthau (Actor), & 1 more 
Grumpy Old Men (DVD)

Jack Lemmon (Actor), Walter Matthau (Actor), & 1 more 

If you are a senior citizen, check for special discounts and promotions that may be offered at stores and restaurants in your area.

Use #SeniorCitizensDay to post on social media.

Red (Special Edition) [Blu-ray]

Bruce Willis (Actor), Morgan Freeman (Actor), & 1 more
Red (Special Edition) [Blu-ray]

Bruce Willis (Actor), Morgan Freeman (Actor), & 1 more

NATIONAL NEW MEXICO DAY

On June 14, National Mexico Day recognizes The Land of Enchantment.

Home to ancestral Pueblos and later to the Navajo, Ute, and Apache, New Mexico’s Southwestern landscape is dotted with ruins that withstand the test of time.

Landscape Dreams, A New Mexico Portrait Kindle Edition  by Marin Sardy  (Author), Jeanetta Calhoun Mish (Author), & 2
Landscape Dreams, A New Mexico Portrait Kindle Edition

by Marin Sardy  (Author), Jeanetta Calhoun Mish (Author)

In the Northeastern part of the state, Vulcanologists and adventurers can explore the extinct Capulin Volcano. Retaining its distinctly volcanic shape, Capulin Volcano rises more than 1000 feet above the surrounding base.

The unique landscape of White Sands National Monument in Southern New Mexico creates backdrops only imagined in the movies. That’s why not only Hollywood but commercials and more find their way there to film and record.

Dreamland: Travels Inside the Secret World of Roswell and Area 51 Paperback – Unabridged, May 18, 1999  by Phil Patton  (Author)
Dreamland: Travels Inside the Secret World of Roswell and Area 51 Paperback – Unabridged, May 18, 1999

by Phil Patton  (Author)

New Mexico does not lack for Hollywood subjects. From Roswell and the Manhattan Project to the Very Large Array, The Land of Enchantment is full of intrigue and mystery. It sets us up for conspiracy and thickening plots.

Roswell, New Mexico: The Complete First Season  Mod  Julie Plec (Director), Jeanine Mason (Actor), & 1 more  Rated:    NR 
Roswell, New Mexico: The Complete First Season

Julie Plec (Director), Jeanine Mason (Actor), & 1 more  

Quench your thirst to the north in Cimarron Canyon State Park. Towering palisades will overwhelm, while streams will lead you to tumbling waterfalls.

While the state was primarily settled by Spanish explorers, military and pioneers in the early 1600s, the seasoning that runs deep within the roots of the landscape is the chile. These flavorful, heat-infused peppers from Central America are added to soups, eggs, sandwiches, and even desserts. In New Mexico, chiles are everywhere.

HIDDEN TREASURES

The Lightning Field – Quemado

La Cieneguilla Petroglyph Site – Santa Fe

The World’s Largest PistachioLand – Alamogordo

The Very Large Array – Datil

Mangus Caloradas – Apache leader – (1793 – January 18, 1863)

Mangus Caloradas

Victorio – Apache leader – ( 1825 – October 14, 1880)

In the Days of Victorio; Recollections of a Warm Springs Apache Paperback – November 1, 1972  by Eve Ball (Author), James Kaywaykla (Author)
In the Days of Victorio; Recollections of a Warm Springs Apache

by Eve Ball (Author), James Kaywaykla (Author)

Conrad Hilton – Businessman – (December 25, 1887 – January 3, 1979)

The Hiltons: The True Story of an American Dynasty Kindle Edition  by J. Randy Taraborrelli  (Author) 
The Hiltons: The True Story of an American Dynasty Kindle Edition

by J. Randy Taraborrelli  (Author) 

Margaret Larkin – Author – (July 7, 1899 – May 7, 1967)

Singing Cowboy. A Book of Western Songs. Hardcover – Import, January 1, 1931  by Margaret Larkin (Editor), Helen Black (Adapter)
Singing Cowboy. A Book of Western Songs

by Margaret Larkin (Editor), Helen Black (Adapter)

Edward Condon – Nuclear physicist – (March 2, 1902 – March 26, 1974)

Edward Condon - Nuclear physicist

Peter Hurd – Artist – (February 22, 1904 – July 9, 1984)

My Land is the Southwest: Peter Hurd Letters and Journals Paperback – June 1, 2000  by Robert Metzger (Editor), Paul Horgan (Introduction)
My Land is the Southwest: Peter Hurd Letters and Journals

by Robert Metzger (Editor), Paul Horgan (Introduction)

William Hanna – Animator – (July 14, 1910 – March 22, 2001)

William Hanna and Joseph Barbera: The Sultans of Saturday Morning (Legends of Animation) Library Binding – May 31, 2011  by Jeff Lenburg  (Author)
The people behind Yogi Bear, The Jetsons, and more of your favorites.
William Hanna and Joseph Barbera: The Sultans of Saturday Morning (Legends of Animation)

by Jeff Lenburg  (Author)

Pete Alvarado – Animator – (February 22, 1920 – December 27, 2003)

Pete Alvarado

Bill Mauldin – Cartoonist – (October 29, 1921 – January 2003)

Bill Mauldin: A Life Up Front Kindle Edition  by Todd DePastino  (Author )

Carolyn S. Shoemaker – Astronomer – (June 24, 1929 -)

Carolyn S. Shoemaker

Harrison Schmitt – Geologist – (July 3, 1935 – )

Return to the Moon: Exploration, Enterprise, and Energy in the Human Settlement of Space Hardcover – November 16, 2005  by Harrison Schmitt (Author)
Return to the Moon: Exploration, Enterprise, and Energy in the Human Settlement of Space

by Harrison Schmitt (Author)

Al Unser – Racecar driver – (May 29, 1939-)

Al Unser

John Denver – Singer-Songwriter -(December 31, 1943 – October 12, 1997)

The Essential John Denver  John Denver
The Essential John Denver

John Denver
Take Me Home: An Autobiography Kindle Edition  by John Denver  (Author), Arthur Tobier (Author)  
Take Me Home: An Autobiography Kindle Edition

by John Denver  (Author), Arthur Tobier (Author)  

Lydia Villa-Komaroff, – Molecular Biologist – (August 7, 1947 -)

Lydia Villa-Komaroff


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HOW TO OBSERVE

Explore the sites, flavors, and beauty of New Mexico and use #NationalNewMexicoDay to share on social media.