Tag award of garden merit

STRAWBERRY RHUBARB WINE DAY

Jensperspectiveblog 3 Comments

Strawberry Rhubarb Wine Day on the third Saturday in July celebrates the strawberry sweetness of summer with a relaxing sip of wine. The day offers an excellent opportunity for a wine tasting featuring a strawberry rhubarb wine, too. 

In July of 2010, Maple River Winery in historic downtown Casselton, North Dakota, proudly accepted the Double Gold Award at the Indy International Wine Competition for its Strawberry Rhubarb Wine. What a delicious way to celebrate! But what is rhubarb?

It may be difficult for the common person to classify rhubarb. Is it a fruit? Is it a vegetable? While technically rhubarb may be known as a tart perennial vegetable, combining it with strawberries creates a unique flavor. Some even consider it the perfect balance of tart and sweet. Rhubarb even went to court over the matter. In 1947 in a customs court in Buffalo, New York, the court ruled that since rhubarb is used as a fruit in the United States, for the purposes of regulations and duties, it was to be counted as a fruit. 

And from the wine perspective, that’s a good thing. Fruit wines sound so much better than vegetable wine. Of course, strawberry rhubarb wine celebrates the day with a flavor that tastes like summer. 

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HOW TO OBSERVE #StrawberryRhubarbWineDay

While enjoying the summer day, savor some chilled strawberry rhubarb wine. Uncork a bottle and pour a glass. Actually, pour a few glasses and share it with a friend or two. Strawberry rhubarb wine goes well with a picnic, so take a bottle or two! A bottle makes a great gift, too. Strawberry rhubarb wine also complements many dishes and you just can’t go wrong! Share your celebration by posting on social media using #StrawberryRhubarbWineDay.  

Red Wine Glasses Iridescent Wine Glass Stemware Crystal Wine Glasses Rainbow Wine Glasses for Wine Tasting , Wedding Gift, Anniversary, Christmas, Birthday (Set of 4)#StrawberryRhubarbWineDay
Red Wine Glasses Iridescent Wine Glass Stemware Crystal Wine Glasses Rainbow Wine Glasses for Wine Tasting , Wedding Gift, Anniversary, Christmas, Birthday (Set of 4)
OXO Steel Vertical Lever Corkscrew with Removable Foil Cutter#StrawberryRhubarbWineDay
OXO Steel Vertical Lever Corkscrew with Removable Foil Cutter
OKD Farmhouse Wine Bar Cabinet w/Sliding Barn Door, 54" Kitchen Coffee Bar Cabinet w/Wine & Glass Rack, Storage Shelves, 3 Drawers, Rustic Large Buffet Sideboard for Dining Room, Antique White#StrawberryRhubarbWineDay
OKD Farmhouse Wine Bar Cabinet w/Sliding Barn Door, 54″ Kitchen Coffee Bar Cabinet w/Wine & Glass Rack, Storage Shelves, 3 Drawers, Rustic Large Buffet Sideboard for Dining Room, Antique White
Loomie Wine Bar Cabinet with LED Light, Home Coffee Cabinet with Wine Rack and Glass Holder, Kitchen Buffet Sideboard W Storage Shelf, Freestanding Liquor Cabinet for Living Room, Dining Room (Black)#StrawberryRhubarbWineDay
Loomie Wine Bar Cabinet with LED Light, Home Coffee Cabinet with Wine Rack and Glass Holder, Kitchen Buffet Sideboard W Storage Shelf, Freestanding Liquor Cabinet for Living Room, Dining Room (Black)

NATIONAL RAINIER CHERRY DAY

Jensperspectiveblog 4 Comments

National Rainier Cherry Day on July 11th recognizes the cherry variety named after Mount Rainier. In 1952, Harry Fogle of Washington State University developed the Rainier cherry by cross-breeding the Bing and Van cherry varieties. 

The sweet Rainier cherries have a thin skin and a thin creamy-yellow flesh. Cherries are a temperamental crop that is sensitive to temperature, wind, and rain. Each season, birds eat almost one-third of the crop. While cherries in general present growing challenges, Rainier cherries are unique. Their delicate skins require the cherries to be hand-picked. However, superior taste keeps producers and consumers coming back for more.

Due to their superior taste, Rainiers are considered a premium cherry.

This popular fruit is in such high demand that growers take extra pains to ensure the fruit does not go to the birds. They cover the trees in nets and plant them between red cherry trees to encourage the bees to pollinate the blossoms. Besides hand-picking the fruit, the harvesters place the cherries into small bags to avoid bruising. Every necessary precaution is taken, so the cherries arrive in the market in perfect and delicious condition.

In honor of the day and as part of the Tree-to-Table program, the Northwest Cherry Growers hand-pick one restaurant in each state to feature at least one Rainier cherry dish on July 11th in their restaurants.

For more information, visit www.nwcherries.com/treetotable.

More fruit…

HOW TO OBSERVE #RainierCherryDay

Purchase some Rainier cherries. Either bake with them or eat them fresh. Take some time to shop around. You may even find wine, cordials, or preserves made from Rainier cherries. The makers of the products will proudly display a label indicating the item is made with Rainier cherries. Post on social media using #RainierCherryDay to encourage others to join in as well.

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NATIONAL RAINIER CHERRY DAY: Note-book & Sketchbook Glossy cover finish , a Unique GIFT – 6″ x 9″ Note-book: Happy 11th of July Gift for Kids and … choice for the NATIONAL RAINIER CHERRY DAY
Sunrise Fresh Dried Fruit - Dried Rainer Cherries - All-Natural, Unsweetened, No Added Sugar, Resealable Snack #RainierCherryDay
Sunrise Fresh Dried Fruit – Dried Rainer Cherries – All-Natural, Unsweetened, No Added Sugar, Resealable Snack
CHUXAY GARDEN Rainier Cherry Seed 5 Seeds Edible Juicy Sweet Fruit Non-GMO Heirloom Sweet Cherry Great Gardening#RainierCherryDay
CHUXAY GARDEN Rainier Cherry Seed 5 Seeds Edible Juicy Sweet Fruit Non-GMO Heirloom Sweet Cherry Great Gardening

NATIONAL STRAWBERRY SUNDAE DAY

Jensperspectiveblog 8 Comments

On July 7th, it is time to indulge on National Strawberry Sundae Day. Each year on this day, Americans combine vanilla or strawberry ice cream, strawberry sauce, fresh strawberries, and whipped cream. Make several strawberry sundaes, and enjoy this delicious treat with friends and family.

HERSHEY'S Strawberry Syrup Bottle, 22 Oz #StrawberrySundaeDay
HERSHEY’S Strawberry Syrup Bottle, 22 Oz
ZENFUN 6 Pack Glass Tulip Sundae Cups, 6.7 Ounce Clear Milkshakes Footed Ice Cream Cups Dessert Bowls Set for Sherbet Trifle, Fruit, Salad, Snack, Cocktail#StrawberrySundaeDay
ZENFUN 6 Pack Glass Tulip Sundae Cups, 6.7 Ounce Clear Milkshakes Footed Ice Cream Cups Dessert Bowls Set for Sherbet Trifle, Fruit, Salad, Snack, Cocktail
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Lotus Biscoff Cookies, Caramelized Biscuit Cookie Snack, Dispenser Box (20 sleeves of 2 extra large cookies) Vegan, 0.9 Ounce (Pack of 20)
Augason Farms Freeze Dried Sliced Strawberries 6.4 oz#StrawberrySundaeDay
Augason Farms Freeze Dried Sliced Strawberries 6.4 oz

While the oldest known record of an ice cream sundae is an Ithaca, NY advertisement, the originator of the dessert is cooly debated. The October 5, 1892 ad in the Ithaca Daily Journal spelled the ice cream treat with the conventional day of the week spelling – Sunday.

However, Two Rivers, Wisconsin claims that Druggist Edward Berners served the first ice cream sundae in 1881. According to the story, customer George Hallauer ordered an ice cream soda on a Sunday. Since ordinances at the time prohibited the sale of ice cream sodas on the Sabbath, Berners came up with a compromise and served the ice cream in a dish minus the soda. He topped it with chocolate syrup and called it a Sundae. One interesting catch – Berners was 18 at the time the story takes place.

Ithaca’s claim to the ice cream sundae takes place at Platt & Colt Pharmacy in 1892 where Reverend John M. Scott stops to order a bowl of ice cream. When Chester Platt, proprietor, began preparing the ice cream for his customer, he didn’t stop at just a couple of scoops of vanilla. Platt drizzled cherry syrup over the ice cream and topped them with a bright red, candied cherry. The dessert looked and tasted so delightful it required its own name. Since the day was Sunday, it was named for the day it was created. Ithaca also has historical evidence supporting the story, including an advertisement for a Cherry Sunday. 

While an origin story for the strawberry sundae hasn’t surfaced, it isn’t a stretch to imagine a strawberry replacing a cherry. Or strawberries topping chocolate. Celebrating sundaes with strawberries and whipped cream just seems worthy of a holiday no matter who created it.

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HOW TO OBSERVE #StrawberrySundaeDay

It’s summer! Strawberries and ice cream just go together. What better way to celebrate than with a sundae? Set up a strawberry sundae bar and invite the neighbors to make their own. Maybe they would like to try this sundae recipe. Post on social media using #StrawberrySundaeDay.

Glade Candle Jar, Air Freshener, Strawberry Sundae Funday, 3.4 Oz, 2 Count #StrawberrySundaeDay
Glade Candle Jar, Air Freshener, Strawberry Sundae Funday, 3.4 Oz, 2 Count
Glade PlugIns Refills Air Freshener, Scented and Essential Oils for Home and Bathroom, Strawberry Sundae Funday, 1.34 Oz, 2 Count#StrawberrySundaeDay
Glade PlugIns Refills Air Freshener, Scented and Essential Oils for Home and Bathroom, Strawberry Sundae Funday, 1.34 Oz, 2 Count
Strawberry Sundae Hydrangea 2 Gallon#StrawberrySundaeDay
Strawberry Sundae Hydrangea 2 Gallon
Crofters Organic Strawberry Premium Spread, 16.5 oz #StrawberrySundaeDay
Crofters Organic Strawberry Premium Spread, 16.5 oz

NATIONAL STRAWBERRY PARFAIT DAY

Jensperspectiveblog 1 Comment

National Strawberry Parfait Day on June 25th comes around each year during the perfect time – peak strawberry season. 

In fact, parfait is French for perfect. The traditional parfait is a dessert of ice cream or frozen custard layered with fruit and whipped cream in a tall stemmed glass. An additional topping of whipped cream garnishes the dessert. Today, we often replace the ice cream with yogurt or pudding and layers of granola.  

Strawberries are not only in season during June, but they are also an excellent source of Vitamin C, folic acid, potassium, and fiber. At 55 calories and zero fat per 1 cup, these sweet things hit the spot when snack time is calling! When making parfaits, don’t just reserve them for dessert. If serving them with yogurt and granola, they make a delicious breakfast and snack, too.

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HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalStrawberryParfaitDay

This celebration offers a terrific opportunity to explore your farmer’s markets for fresh-picked strawberries. Once you have the bounty home, make a homemade strawberry parfait to enjoy with all the wholesome ingredients you can add. Or indulge a little and make a traditional parfait with ice cream, whipped cream, and maybe a little chocolate syrup, too. We even have a recipe for you to try.

Another way to celebrate is by visiting your favorite ice cream shop and treating the family to strawberry parfaits. Be sure to give them a shout-out. 

How will you be celebrating? Let us know by using #NationalStrawberryParfaitDay to share on social media.  

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50 Pack 5 oz Plastic Dessert Cups with Lids, Yogurt Parfait/Appetizer Cup with Lids for Party, Mini Dessert Cups with Spoons Dessert Shooter Cups for Pudding, Fruit and Ice Cream
6 Pack Footed Glass Dessert Cups, 10 Oz Crystal Glass Trifle Cups, Glass Vintage Ice Cream Bowls for Dessert, Sundae, Ice Cream, Fruit, Salad, Snack, Cocktail, Condiment#NationalStrawberryParfaitDay
6 Pack Footed Glass Dessert Cups, 10 Oz Crystal Glass Trifle Cups, Glass Vintage Ice Cream Bowls for Dessert, Sundae, Ice Cream, Fruit, Salad, Snack, Cocktail, Condiment
Smucker's Simply Fruit Strawberry Spreadable Fruit#NationalStrawberryParfaitDay
Smucker’s Simply Fruit Strawberry Spreadable Fruit
ONETANG Freeze-Dried Fruit Strawberry, 10 Pack Single-Serve Pack, Non GMO, Kosher, No Add Sugar, Gluten free, Vegan, Holiday Gifts, Healthy Snack 0.35 Ounce#NationalStrawberryParfaitDay
ONETANG Freeze-Dried Fruit Strawberry, 10 Pack Single-Serve Pack, Non GMO, Kosher, No Add Sugar, Gluten free, Vegan, Holiday Gifts, Healthy Snack 0.35 Ounce

NATIONAL STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE DAY

Jensperspectiveblog 1 Comment

National Strawberry Shortcake Day is observed each year on June 14th.  Either on a shortcake biscuit or a sponge cake, strawberry shortcake is an easy and refreshing summertime dessert!

Strawberries are sliced, mixed with sugar then allowed to sit for about an hour until they have surrendered plenty of their juices. The shortcakes are then split, and the bottom is covered with a layer of the strawberries, juice and whipped cream.  The top is then put back on, and more strawberries, juice and whipped cream are added to finish it off.

Do you remember the cartoon of the same name? I can’t get over the “new cartoon” as my nieces call it. I had the bedding and dolls when i was a little girl.

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HOW TO OBSERVE

Make a strawberry shortcake and enjoy. We love the old fashioned version made with Bisquick. Make sure there are plenty to go around!  Use #StrawberryShortcakeDay on social media.