NATIONAL SPICE BLEND DAY

September 3, 2026August 20, 2026Jensperspectiveblog Leave a comment

If an alluring aroma of spices is tempting your senses on September 4th, that is because it is National Spice Blend Day. Home cooks and professional chefs alike know herbs and spices bring our favorite foods alive on our palates. That is why every recipe, every food blog, and every cook stresses the importance of quality herbs and spices for everything you cook.

National Spice Blend Day celebrates the unique combinations of flavors found in handpicked spice blends worldwide. Does a little smoky paprika, cumin, and rosemary tantalize your senses? Did you know there are four main types of cinnamon, each with different flavor profiles? Depending on where the cinnamon grows, the warmth, sweetness, and color change. When you blend it with nutmeg, ginger, cardamom, and other spices, it brings an extra special touch to your baking and other recipes.

Orii 20 Jar Spice Rack with Spices Included - Revolving Tower Organizer for Kitchen Spices and Seasonings, Free Spice Refills for 5 Years (Stainless Steel)#NationalSpiceBlendDay — Orii 20 Jar Spice Rack with Spices Included – Revolving Tower Organizer for Kitchen Spices and Seasonings, Free Spice Refills for 5 Years (Stainless Steel)

SpaceAid Spice Rack Organizer with 28 Spice Jars, 386 Spice Labels, Chalk Marker and Funnel Set for Cabinet, Countertop, Pantry, Cupboard or Door & Wall Mount - 28 Jars, 13.4" W × 10.8" H, Black#NationalSpiceBlendDay — Orii 20 Jar Spice Rack with Spices Included – Revolving Tower Organizer for Kitchen Spices and Seasonings, Free Spice Refills for 5 Years (Stainless Steel)

Herbs are also vital to every kitchen, and just like spices, the Earth has created a bountiful variety! Worldwide, so many kinds of Basil grows it would be impossible to list them all, but each one imbues unique characteristics worth exploring. When this herb is combined with curry or Mediterranean blends, you know you’re cooking for a celebration.

With only a few examples, we know we have your creative and gastric juices flowing for National Spice Blend Day!

NATIONAL SPICE BLEND DAY HISTORY

Angel Gregorio, owner and founder of The SpiceSuite, founded National Spice Blend Day in 2021 to commemorate The SpiceSuite’s 6th anniversary on September 4th. The celebration also recognizes all the world’s spices and how they contribute to a neverending creative food experience.

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalSpiceBlendDay

Demonstrate how you use spice blends to enhance your creativity in the kitchen. We know you bring diverse flavors to your tables every day, and that’s one of the number one reasons to celebrate. Otherways to celebrate National Spice Blend Day include:

One excellent way to encounter all these spicy possibilities is by visiting The SpiceSuite. When you celebrate, be to share your experience on social media by using #NationalSpiceBlendDay.

Dabble in a creative cooking experience by taking a cooking class.
Learn more about the best spices to use with your favorite foods.
Become a culinary adventurer by exploring new spice blends from around the world.

McCormick Grill Mates Unique Blends Grilling Variety Pack (Chipotle & Roasted Garlic, Mesquite, Spicy Montreal Steak, Smokehouse Maple)#NationalSpiceBlendDay — McCormick Grill Mates Unique Blends Grilling Variety Pack (Chipotle & Roasted Garlic, Mesquite, Spicy Montreal Steak, Smokehouse Maple)

The Spice Lab Italian Seasoning Spice Gift Set For The Italian Cuisine - Italian Spices For Cooking - Perfect for Pasta Sauces, Meatballs, Pizza and More - Gluten Free, Kosher & Non GMO#NationalSpiceBlendDay — McCormick Grill Mates Unique Blends Grilling Variety Pack (Chipotle & Roasted Garlic, Mesquite, Spicy Montreal Steak, Smokehouse Maple)

Big Cock Ranch Big 6 Sampler (Pack of 6 Seasonings with 1 each of Bull, Special, Good, Aw, Chicken, and No)#NationalSpiceBlendDay — Big Cock Ranch Big 6 Sampler (Pack of 6 Seasonings with 1 each of Bull, Special, Good, Aw, Chicken, and No)

CLASSICAL MUSIC MONTH

August 31, 2026August 2, 2026Jensperspectiveblog 2 Comments

September is classical music month. Classical music differs greatly from today’s standards. However, classical music sets stage for the music we have today.

Classical music has many periods and styles throughout its history. Classical music is actually broken into different smaller periods, each having their own differences. It is interesting to see just how much music has changed over time!

Classical Music Time Periods

(PLEASE NOTE: The dates of the time periods are only estimates since there are no exact dates for when each time period occurred/ began/ended)

Medieval (500ish – 1400) The music of this time was connected to the church. Forms of music from the early part of this period would be Gregorian Chants and Organum.

Some Composers From this Period: Hildegard von Bingen, Guillaume de Machaut

Renaissance (1400/1450 – 1600) The Renaissance era brought many new ideas and gave a little bit more freedom from the church, which allowed for more experimentation with music. The printing press, invented in the 1400’s, also allowed for music to be printed. Instrumental music was developed as well.

Some Composers From this Period: William Byrd, Claudio Monteverdi, Josquin Des Prez

Baroque (1600 – 1750) The music of the Baroque was very ornate. This period also had the creation of the concerto, canata, oratorio, and the sonata. There were advancements with instruments as well.

Some Composers From This Period: Johann Sebastian Bach, Georg Frideric Handel, Antonio Vivaldi

Classical (1750/1775 – 1820) Classical era music was more simple/cleaner than Baroque music, and focused more on the melody. Dynamics (the change in volume) were important. The woodwind section of the orchestra was added during this period.

Some Composers From This Period: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Ludwig Van Beethoven*, Franz Joseph Hayden

*Beethoven is considered to be a bridge between the Classical and the Romantic periods

Romantic (1820 – 1910) Romantic pieces are know for being very expressive and emotional. The orchestra saw much growth in this period with the expansion of the woodwind and brass section.

Some Composers From This Period: Frédéric Chopin, Franz Liszt, Richard Wagner, Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Johannes Brahms

CELEBRATE

Find some classical music to listen to alone or with friends and family. If there is a concert you can go to, go with a few friends or family. If you want to learn how to play an instrument, then go out and find a place to do so. You can learn from various resources such as books, websites, or find a private tutor in your area. If you’re in school, then consider taking band or joining a music club. There are plenty of ways to celebrate! Use #ClassicalMusicMonth to post on social media.

Hildegard von Bingen: 11,000 Virgins - Chants for the Feast of St. Ursula#ClassicalMusicMonth — Hildegard von Bingen: 11,000 Virgins – Chants for the Feast of St. Ursula

Gregorian Chant for Meditation Chant Music for the Soul#ClassicalMusicMonth — Hildegard von Bingen: 11,000 Virgins – Chants for the Feast of St. Ursula

NATIONAL SOUL FOOD MONTH

May 31, 2026May 11, 2026Jensperspectiveblog 2 Comments

National Soul Food Month in June is steeped in tradition, tracing its heritage back generations.

While soul food and southern cooking may often be compared, African-American slaves developed soul food’s distinct character by creating outstanding meals from less-than-desirable cuts of meat and produce.
Whether the meal consisted of fried meats and vegetables or bbq and baked goods, the meals served to nourish the body and the fellowship that accompanied it nourished the soul.

According to culinaryhistorians.org, the term “soul food” made its appearance and became popular in the 1960s, giving a name to the flavorful foods, often fried in pork fat, that were becoming known in kitchens and restaurants in cities across the country.

However, soul food doesn’t have to laden with fat. Fresh from the southern garden, it can be just as flavorful as it can be light. Many of the old recipes are new again with spices and herbs and pinches of the old traditions.

HISTORY

Charla Draper founded National Soul Food Month in 2001 to celebrate the rich history of soul food.

HOW TO OBSERVE

Take a tour through soul food heritage. Graze the flavors and spices of the heritage. Have a conversation while you’re at it and feed your soul. Listen to the history of the food, where it’s traveled, how it’s changed through the years. Use #NationalSoulFoodMonth to share your favorites on social media. Visit culinaryhistorians.org to learn more.

I Heart Soul Food: 100 Southern Comfort Food Favorites#NationalSoulFoodMonth — I Heart Soul Food: 100 Southern Comfort Food Favorites

Soul Food: The Surprising Story of an American Cuisine, One Plate at a Time#NationalSoulFoodMonth — I Heart Soul Food: 100 Southern Comfort Food Favorites

National Accordion Awareness Month

May 31, 2026May 6, 2026Jensperspectiveblog 2 Comments

A one and a two and a three…! June is National Accordion Awareness Month.

Through a complex construction of bellows and reeds, the accordion (also known as a concertina) produces its mournful timbre when air is forced over the reeds. While the accordion accompanies traditional polka music, the instrument has found its way into many classical and modern works of music.

For generations the accordion complimented many genres in American music. From jazz and zydeco to folk and Gospel and Blues, musicians found the accordion a fit a variety of musical styles.

The instrument changed, too. Manufactured in several different sizes, the smaller squeeze boxes became popular. The accordion fit well into country music, and when Rock and Roll made the scene, the accordion followed. Today, the instrument is no stranger to the recording studio.

Musicians such as Paul Simon, Bruce Springsteen, John Mellencamp, and Mumford and Sons all have recorded hit songs with the accordion playing a supporting role.

Hal Leonard Accordion Method#NationalAccordionAwarenessMonth — Hal Leonard Accordion Method

16 Most Requested Polkas#NationalAccordionAwarenessMonth — Hal Leonard Accordion Method

HISTORY

Since 1989, National Accordion Awareness Month has been educating the public about the musical stamina of this outstanding instrument.

HOW TO OBSERVE

Learn about the history and kinds of accordions. Each one produces a different quality sound. The sophisticated instrument is not only beautiful to hear but to witness being played. Find a local performance near you or watch a video. Take up lessons. Use #NtionalAccordionAwarenessMonth to share on social media.

Hohner Accordions - Full Manufacturer Warranty
Hohner Accordions - Full Manufacturer Warranty#NtionalAccordionAwarenessMonth — Hohner Accordions – Full Manufacturer Warranty

Kids Accordion Instrument Toys
Kids Accordion Instrument Toys#NtionalAccordionAwarenessMonth — Kids Accordion Instrument Toys

NATIONAL CLAM CHOWDER DAY

February 24, 2026February 3, 2026Jensperspectiveblog 3 Comments

Each year on February 25th people across the nation have a bowl and spoon ready to be filled with clam chowder as they prepare to participate in National Clam Chowder Day.

A clam chowder in its simplest form is a soup or stew containing clams or fish. The most common type of chowder includes milk or cream as well as potatoes, though the Manhattan clam chowder has tomatoes.

The origin of the word “chowder” is up for a little bit of debate. The French word for cauldron is “chaudiere.” The English word “jowter” means fish peddler. Both are on the hook for possible origins.

In chowder, along with the clams, it is common to find diced potatoes, onions (often sautéed with pork or bacon drippings) and celery. Try pan frying diced spam and mushrooms, caramelized onions are a good touch too. I add browned tofu in place of potatoes with extra mushrooms to make it keto friendly.

Following is a list of the basic clam chowder variants:

New England clam chowder
Manhattan clam chowder
Rhode Island clam chowder
Delaware clam chowder
New Jersey clam chowder
Hatteras clam chowder
Minorcan clam chowder
Long Island clam chowder
Puget Sound clam chowder

If you enjoy Clam Chowder be sure to enjoy these soups as well. National Vichyssoise Day, National Gazpacho Day, National Seafood Bisque Day, National Gumbo Day, National Turkey Neck Soup Day, National Soup it Forward Day, National Clam Chowder Day, Homemade Soup Day, National Pepper Pot Day, National Soup Month, National Menudo Month, National Slow Cooking Month, Chicken Noodle, Minestrone, Vegetable Beef, Jen’s Loaded Potato, Jen’s Easy Chili, White Chiken Chili, Beef stew, Pho, New England Clam chowder, Lobster Bisque, Split Pea Soup, National Eat Your Bean Day, Homemade Chicken Noodle, Tuscan Sausage Tortellini, Grown Up Ramen, French Onion, and Creamy Cauliflower Soup.

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalClamChowderDay

Make your region’s best clam chowder. Better yet, have a clam chowder taste-off! Invite friends and family to cook up a variety of chowders from all over the country and try them all. Let us know which one you liked best. Maybe you’ll find a new appreciation for chowders.

My Easy Slow Cooker New England Style Calm Chowder. I changed the recipe to make it more low carb friendly.

Use #NationalClamChowderDay to post on social media.