NATIONAL ANISETTE DAY

July 1, 2026June 30, 2026Jensperspectiveblog Leave a comment

On July 2nd, we recognize a liqueur derived from aniseed on National Anisette Day. Aniseed from the anis herb gives anisette its licorice or fennel flavor. While usually a dry dry liqueur, distillers sometimes add a sugar syrup for a sweeter result. Spain, Italy, Portugal, and France lead the world in drinking this licorice tasting drink.

The herb of the aniseed, usually the main ingredient in anisette, is considered to have medicinal qualities. Sweeter than other anise-flavored liqueurs, anisette’s association with a variety cures date back to ancient Egypt. As a liqueur, distillers create a dryer anisette in Europe than they do in the United States. Distillers add other spices such as coriander and fruit to distill anisette, too.

While most enjoy anisette by sipping it, the liqueur can be mixed as a cocktail, too. However, pure anise extract should not be drunk straight. Since its alcoholic content is high, it irritates the throat. However, mixing it in with coffee, gin, bourbon, or water will bring out a bit of a sweet flavor. The solution? Bake some anise cookies!

If you’re the one who eats all the black jelly beans, you will likely savor a shot with anisette. The licorice flavor comes from the same anise plant that some licorice candies are made.

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HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalAnisetteDay

Anisette mixes well with other liqueurs, juices, and sodas for a variety of cocktails and shooters. Sip some anisette for a toast to the licorice flavor you love! You can also make anise cookies or spiced bars. Post on social media using #NationalAnisetteDay.

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NATIONAL ICE CREAM MONTH

June 30, 2026June 11, 2026Jensperspectiveblog 10 Comments

What makes I scream, and you scream! We all scream for ice cream of course! July is national ice cream month, and what a perfect time to cool off with a scoop of your favorite flavor (or try what other weird flavors that exist out there).

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Like with other foods, the exact origin of ice cream is unknown. What we do know, however, is that the origin of ice cream likely dates back a long time ago. For example, Nero of Rome was said to have enjoyed harvesting ice or snow, then flavoring it with honey or other flavorings. Alexander the Great supposedly enjoyed icy drinks that had flavorings such as honey or nectar.

The first instance of ice cream being in the Unite States, however, was in a letter in 1744 (the author of the letter was a guest of Governor William Bladen.). Early presidents also had a liking towards ice cream. In the summer of 1790, George Washington spent approximately $200 for ice cream (keep in mind that back then $200 was a fairly good sum of money).

Thomas Jefferson actually made his own recipe of ice cream too! Dolly Madison, the wife of President James Madison, served ice cream at the second inaugural ball. For a while, ice cream was only an occasional special treat, mainly for the rich.

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In 1843, Nancy Johnson patented the hand crank ice cream maker. About 8 years later, in 1851, Jacob Fussell built the first ice cream factory. The invention of mechanical refrigeration helped kept large amounts of ice cream cool. Improvements and new inventions in technology helped ice cream spread towards the general public.

Fun Facts

-Vanilla is the most popular flavor of ice cream

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by McCormick — McCormick All Natural Pure Vanilla Extract, 16 Fl Oz

by McCormick

-The ice cream soda was invented in 1874

– It takes roughly 50 licks to finish an ice cream cone

-California produces the most ice cream in the United States

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-You can make homemade ice cream in a bag! All you need is your ingredients (milk, sugar, and vanilla extract or other flavorings), ice, salt, and two plastic bags (one large one to hold the ice and salt, and one smaller one to put inside the large bag. The smaller bag hold’s your ingredients/eventual ice cream)

–You can deep fry ice cream too!

HISTORY

President Ronald Reagan designated July as National Ice Cream Month with the third Sunday of the month as National Ice Cream Day.

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HOW TO OBSERVE

Check out all the fun flavors during July. July 1 is National Creative Ice Cream Flavors Day. In the middle of the month, National Peach Ice Cream Day brings some refreshing fruitiness to the month. The end of the month is rounded out with good old National Vanilla Ice Cream Day. What’s your favorite? Don’t forget Chocolate Ice Cream Day in June too.

Use #NationalIceCreamMonth to share on social media.

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NATIONAL AMARETTO DAY

April 18, 2026March 25, 2026Jensperspectiveblog 5 Comments

Each year on April 19th, National Amaretto Day recognizes a liqueur known around the world for its flavor and aroma.

Amaretto in Italian means “a little bitter” and is made from bitter almonds or apricot kernels or both. Makers infuse it in pure alcohol or brandy, resulting in a strong almond flavor. This traditionally Italian liqueur carries a reputation for being fragrant.

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Taking us back to the 1525 Renaissance in Saronno, Italy, painter Bernardino Luini selected a young innkeeper as his model for a fresco of the Madonna of the Miracles. In gratitude for being selected, the innkeeper gave the artist a gift of her own secret blend of almond and brandy.

Centuries later, the well-guarded recipe Saronno, Italy began producing the amaretto on a larger scale. At the turn of the 20th century, Disaronno began producing its amaretto for a broader market. The liqueur began appearing for sale in advertisements in the United States in the late 1940s. The family still bottles their recipe today.

Another Amaretto tale comes from the same area of Italy. However, this story tells of a young Lazzaroni couple blessed by the Cardinal of Milan in 1718. The couple honored his visit with a unique recipe of their own, producing an amaretto cookie like no other. And this one came in a bottle. Of course, their recipe was also a closely guarded family secret for generations. In 1851, the Lazzaroni family began selling their amaretto liqueur, and the family is still producing it today.

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HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalAmarettoDay

Amaretto can be enjoyed in several ways. Whether you bake or mix a drink, celebrate the day with the flavor of amaretto. The aroma alone is quite satisfying. The amaretto sour is likely the most familiar amaretto cocktail. However, amaretto also complements coffee and citrus beverages, too. Thanks to amaretto flavor syrups you can also enjoy delicious mocktails.

But you don’t have to stop there for amaretto flavor. Baked amaretto also makes for delicious baked goods! Experiment with recipes or share your favorites. Use #NationalAmarettoDay to share on social media.

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NATIONAL DEEP DISH PIZZA DAY

April 4, 2026April 3, 2026Jensperspectiveblog 2 Comments

On April 5th, National Deep Dish Pizza Day gives pizza lovers a day to celebrate one of America’s favorite varieties of pizza.

Whether it’s dine-in, delivered, take out or homemade, deep-dish pizza satisfies pizza lovers all across the country. Pick whatever toppings you like. This day focuses on the deep crust that holds an amazing amount of sauce and toppings. Like other styles of pizza, the deep-dish menu offers a variety of combinations to choose from. If you prefer an all meat pizza, the deep-dish makes it. Top it with vegetables galore. Or order extra mushrooms, the deep-dish can manage.

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In ancient Greece, the Greeks covered their bread with oils, herbs, and cheese which some people believe is the beginning of the pizza.
In Byzantine Greek, the word was spelled “πίτα,” pita, meaning pie.
A sheet of dough topped with cheese and honey, then flavored with bay leaves was developed by the Romans.
The modern pizza had its beginning in Italy as the Neapolitan flatbread.
The original pizza used only mozzarella cheese, mainly the highest quality buffalo mozzarella variant which was produced in the area surrounding Naples.
It was estimated that the annual production of pizza cheese in the United States in 1997 was 2 billion pounds.
The first United States pizza establishment opened in 1905 in New York’s Little Italy.
Pizza has become one of America’s favorite meals.

Be sure to Explore More Pizza….

National Pizza Month, Pizza …. Not Delivery It’s Mom’s, National Cheese Pizza Day, National Deep Dish Pizza Day, National Pizza Day, National Pizza Party Day, National Detroit Style Pizza, National Pepperoni Pizza Day, Pizza with the works except Anchovies Day, National Sausage Pizza Day, National Italian Cheese Month, National Mushroom Month, and Italian American Heritage Month.

HOW TO OBSERVE #DeepDishPizzaDay

Order (or make) your pizza a deep dish one. Top it with any toppings you like, too! Use #DeepDishPizzaDay to post on social media.

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STRAW HAT MONTH

March 31, 2026March 5, 2026Jensperspectiveblog 5 Comments

As the sun begins its ascent into the sky, signaling the arrival of warmer days, there’s one timeless accessory that effortlessly blends tradition with style: the straw hat. Originating from centuries-old craftsmanship and cultural heritage, the straw hat has transcended generations, becoming an emblem of laid-back elegance and summer sophistication. With the onset of April marking Straw Hat Month, it’s the perfect time to delve into the rich history and contemporary allure of this iconic headwear.

Throughout history, the straw hat has been more than just a piece of attire; it has been a symbol of identity and social status across cultures. From the classic Panama hat hailing from Ecuador to the chic boater hat popularized in the early 20th century, each style carries its own narrative and craftsmanship. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the straw hat serves a practical purpose, offering protection from the sun’s rays while allowing for optimal ventilation during hot summer days. Its versatility knows no bounds, seamlessly complementing both casual ensembles and formal attire with equal grace.

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In today’s fashion landscape, the straw hat continues to reign supreme as a must-have accessory for the discerning individual. Whether lounging on a sandy beach, strolling through bustling city streets, or attending outdoor soirées, the straw hat effortlessly elevates any look with its timeless charm. With sustainable fashion practices gaining momentum, the straw hat’s eco-friendly materials and artisanal production methods further enhance its appeal, aligning with conscientious consumers’ values. This Straw Hat Month, let’s celebrate not only the sartorial splendor of this iconic accessory but also the enduring craftsmanship and cultural significance it embodies.

HISTORY

The Headwear Information Bureau sponsored Straw Hat month to remind everyone to put away their cloth and felt hats in exchange for the airier straw hats for spring and summer.

HOW TO OBSERVE

Wear your favorite straw hat or purchase a new one. Use #Straw Hat Day to share on social media.

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NATIONAL ANISETTE DAY

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