Tag Bake and Decorate Month

NATIONAL SPONGE CAKE DAY

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On August 23rd, enjoy National Sponge Cake Day with the quintessential classic of the cake world. This airy queen of teas is the guest of honor, but we get the pleasure of tasting! 

One of the trickiest cakes for bakers to master, a perfect sponge stands tall. Another balancing trick for bakers includes maintaining a fine crumb while keeping the cake moist. If you enjoy layering berries and whipped cream, the sponge handles this task beautifully. 

The sponge cake is believed to be one of the first non-yeasted cakes. 

The sponge cake is thought to have originated in the Caribbean. However, the earliest English printed recipe for sponge cake comes from an English poet and author, Gervase Markham. In 1615 he published a sponge cake recipe in the book The English Huswife, Containing the Inward and Outward Virtues Which Ought to Be in a Complete Woman.

I can’t knit or make plum jam, but I can bake a bloody Victoria sponge. ~ Helen Mirren as Chris in Calendar Girls (2003)

In 2003, the sponge cake played a tiny role in the movie Calendar Girls starring Helen Mirren. In the scene, Mirren’s character, Chris, enters a baking competition. However, she forgets she entered, and instead of entering a sponge cake of her own making, she submits a store-bought Victoria sponge cake.

Want More Cake…

HOW TO OBSERVE #SpongeCakeDay

Be sure to find more of your favorite cakes here.

Get some sponge cake and enjoy it. Or, if you are up to the challenge, try this Glorious Sponge Cake recipe. Serve it with berries or a preserve. Use #SpongeCakeDay to post on social media.

NATIONAL SUGAR COOKIE DAY

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Observed each year on July 9th, National Sugar Cookie Day honors the ever-popular and delicious sugar cookie.

A holiday favorite and very easy to make, sugar cookies disappear quickly once they come out of the oven. Most sugar cookies include sugar, flour, butter, eggs, vanilla, and either baking powder or baking soda. While most people have the ingredients on hand at all times, some of the ingredients should be fresh for the best outcome. Children enjoy baking and decorating anytime someone makes a batch of sugar cookies.

AmazonBasics Silicone, Non-Stick, Food Safe Baking Mat - Pack of 2 Visit the AmazonBasics Store
AmazonBasics Silicone, Non-Stick, Food Safe Baking Mat – Pack of 2

Visit the AmazonBasics Store

The sugar cookie is believed to have originated in the mid-1700s in Nazareth, Pennsylvania. German Protestant settlers created a round, crumbly and buttery cookie that came to be known as the Nazareth Cookie.

Wilton Perfect Results Premium Non-Stick Bakeware Cookie Baking Sheets Set, 2-Piece Visit the Wilton Store
Wilton Perfect Results Premium Non-Stick Bakeware Cookie Baking Sheets Set, 2-Piece

Visit the Wilton Store

Today, sugar cookie making and decorating has become an art form for kids and adults alike. Starting with the shape of the cookie, the dough is formed with either a cookie cutter or other methods of cutting and shaping the dough. Once the cookie is baked, the cookie artist adds colored frosting or icing. Sprinkles, edible glitter, colored sugars, and additional details may be added. Some cookies receive so much detail, it’s almost a shame to eat them. 

Wilton How to Decorate Cakes and Desserts Kit -39-Piece Cake Decorating Kit with Spatula, Decorating Brush, Decorating Bags, Decorating Tips, Recipes and Tutorial Video Visit the Wilton Store
Wilton How to Decorate Cakes and Desserts Kit -39-Piece Cake Decorating Kit with Spatula, Decorating Brush, Decorating Bags, Decorating Tips, Recipes and Tutorial Video

Visit the Wilton Store

My Super Soft Sugar Cookie recipe

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HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalSugarCookieDay

While making some delicious and beautiful sugar cookies, marvel at the skill of bakers who have mastered the skill. Learn some of their tips and tricks, or share your own. Don’t forget to give a shout out to your favorite baker and let them know you appreciate their delicious cookies. Post on social media using #NationalSugarCookieDay.

Assorted cookies to celebrate.
Celebrate all things cookie!

NATIONAL PEANUT BUTTER COOKIE DAY

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We are heating up some deliciousness on June 12 for National Peanut Butter Cookie Day! This scrumptious food occasion permits treat sweethearts and peanut butter darlings to move back from the pies and cakes to enjoy a little peanut butter treat.

Alabama’s American farming augmentation instructor, George Washington Carver, advanced the peanut broadly. Notable for his advancements, Carver incorporated 105 nut recipes from different cookbooks, agrarian announcements, and different sources. In 1916, he made an Exploration Release called How to Develop the Peaut and 105 Different ways of Setting it up for Human Consumption. The notice included three recipes calling for squashed or hacked peanuts as one of its fixings. In any case, peanut butter cookies were not one of them.

It was in the early 1920s peanut butter began to be listed as an ingredient in cookies. 

175 Yummy Peanut Butter Cookie Recipes: From The Yummy Peanut Butter Cookie Cookbook To The Table #NationalPeanutButterCookieDay
175 Yummy Peanut Butter Cookie Recipes: From The Yummy Peanut Butter Cookie Cookbook To The Table
Ah! 123 Yummy Peanut Butter Cookie Recipes: Not Just a Yummy Peanut Butter Cookie Cookbook!#NationalPeanutButterCookieDay
Ah! 123 Yummy Peanut Butter Cookie Recipes: Not Just a Yummy Peanut Butter Cookie Cookbook!
Betty Crocker Peanut Butter Cookie Mix, Makes twelve (12) 2-inch Cookies#NationalPeanutButterCookieDay
Betty Crocker Peanut Butter Cookie Mix, Makes twelve (12) 2-inch Cookies
PBfit All-Natural Peanut Butter Powder, Powdered Peanut Spread From Real Roasted Pressed Peanuts, 8g of Protein 8% DV, 30 Ounce#NationalPeanutButterCookieDay
PBfit All-Natural Peanut Butter Powder, Powdered Peanut Spread From Real Roasted Pressed Peanuts, 8g of Protein 8% DV, 30 Ounce

Incidentally, the peanut butter we know and love today didn’t become commercially available until the 1920s. In 1922, Joseph Rosefield kept the peanut oil from separating from the solids through this process. Afterward, he patented the process of homogenization and sold it to a company that began making a peanut butter called Peter Pan.

No one knows why we press criss-crossed fork marks into our peanut butter cookies before baking. However, homemade peanut butter cookies would just not be the same without a bit of decoration.

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The best way to celebrate this cookie holiday is with some homemade peanut butter cookies, a glass of milk, and a friend. If you don’t feel like baking in the summer heat, visit your favorite baker and grab a dozen. Don’t forget to give them a shout-out and let them know how much you appreciate their mad cookie baking skills!

Share your peanut butter cookie recipe on social media using the hashtag #NationalPeanutButterCookieDay. 

David's Cookies 2lbs Peanut Butter Fresh Baked Cookies - Delectable & Premium Ingredients - No Added Preservatives Cookie Gift Basket#NationalPeanutButterCookieDay
David’s Cookies 2lbs Peanut Butter Fresh Baked Cookies – Delectable & Premium Ingredients – No Added Preservatives Cookie Gift Basket
Back to Nature Peanut Butter Creme Sandwich Cookies - Dairy Free, Non-GMO, Made with Wheat Flour & Whole Grains, Delicious & Quality Snacks#NationalPeanutButterCookieDay
Back to Nature Peanut Butter Creme Sandwich Cookies – Dairy Free, Non-GMO, Made with Wheat Flour & Whole Grains, Delicious & Quality Snacks
Amazon Brand - Happy Belly Peanut Butter Sandwich Cremes, 1 pound #NationalPeanutButterCookieDay
Amazon Brand – Happy Belly Peanut Butter Sandwich Cremes, 1 pound
Simple Mills Creamy Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies - Gluten Free, Vegan, Healthy Snacks#NationalPeanutButterCookieDay
Simple Mills Creamy Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies – Gluten Free, Vegan, Healthy Snacks

NATIONAL MACAROON DAY

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Each year on May 31st, National Macaroon Day the small coconut cookie that’s full of flavor and variety, too. Don’t mistake these with the delicate sandwich cookies called macarons. No, these small, but substantial cookies hold their own despite the sometimes mistaken identity. For coconut lovers, this day is a little bit of bliss.

The Italians receive credit for creating these sweet morsels sometime around the 8th or 9th century. The recipes later traveled to France. However, in other parts of the world, the once flourless cookie served its purpose during religious observances.

French Macarons for Beginners: Foolproof Recipes with 60 Flavors to Mix and Match#NationalMacaroonDay
French Macarons for Beginners: Foolproof Recipes with 60 Flavors to Mix and Match
Pierre Hermé Macaron: The Ultimate Recipes from the Master Pâtissier#NationalMacaroonDay
Pierre Hermé Macaron: The Ultimate Recipes from the Master Pâtissier
The Ultimate Macaron Baking Cookbook for Beginners: How to Make Colorful Macarons Easily (The Ultimate Macarons Baking Guides 1) #NationalMacaroonDay
The Ultimate Macaron Baking Cookbook for Beginners: How to Make Colorful Macarons Easily (The Ultimate Macarons Baking Guides 1)
HOTPOP Macaron Baking Kit Cup Set (17pcs) – 2 Half Size Macaroons Baking Kit - Macaron Kit - Macaroon Baking Supplies - Kitchen Pastry Mat - 8 Piping Tips & 3 Piping Bags with 3 Bag Ties 1 Coupler#NationalMacaroonDay
HOTPOP Macaron Baking Kit Cup Set (17pcs) – 2 Half Size Macaroons Baking Kit – Macaron Kit – Macaroon Baking Supplies – Kitchen Pastry Mat – 8 Piping Tips & 3 Piping Bags with 3 Bag Ties 1 Coupler

Coconut is one of those love-hate ingredients. ~Chef Marcus Samuelsson

Eventually, the cookie made its way to the United States, where the coconut macaroon takes only a few ingredients to make. The main ingredient is always shredded coconut, usually sweetened and sometimes toasted. Other ingredients include flour, sugar or sweetened condensed milk, and egg whites and flavoring. Once the ingredients are combined, the mixture is dropped by spoonfuls onto baking sheets and baked. Most varieties of coconut macaroons are dipped in milk chocolate, dark chocolate or white chocolate. Almonds, pecans, cashews, or other nuts are sometimes added to the cookie.

More Cookies….

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalMacaroonDay

While you celebrate the day, jump into baking with a macaroon recipe! Make a variety, too. Add nuts or chocolate or both. You can also visit your favorite bakery and pick up a dozen to share. Give them a shout out, too!

Use #NationalMacaroonDay to post on social media.

Jennies Coconut Macaroons - 8 Ounce (Pack of 2)#NationalMacaroonDay
Jennies Coconut Macaroons – 8 Ounce (Pack of 2)
Leilalove Macarons - Mademoiselle de Paris Collections of 15 - Gift box varies in color - cookies are individually packaged for the perfect freshness#NationalMacaroonDay
Leilalove Macarons – Mademoiselle de Paris Collections of 15 – Gift box varies in color – cookies are individually packaged for the perfect freshness
Tipiak French Macarons, Limited Edition, Variety Pack, 14.8 oz, 36 ct#NationalMacaroonDay
Tipiak French Macarons, Limited Edition, Variety Pack, 14.8 oz, 36 ct
French Macarons Gift Box - 24 Assorted Macarons#NationalMacaroonDay
French Macarons Gift Box – 24 Assorted Macarons

NATIONAL PINEAPPLE UPSIDE DOWN CAKE DAY

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National Pineapple Upside Down Cake Day on April 20th celebrates a sweet cake that contains pineapples and cherries. Americans have been enjoying this springtime cake since the early 1900s when many cakes were made in cast iron skillets.

To make a Pineapple Upside Down Cake, line the bottom of a cake pan with pineapple rings. Then place a cherry in the center of each ring followed by a butter and sugar mixture. Finally, cake batter is poured over the pineapples and baked. When the cake is done, it is turned upside down onto a platter before serving, revealing a delightful and delicious masterpiece. For an extra treat, serve the cake with a dollop of whipped cream. 

The bright quality and simplicity of this cake announces spring with its flavor. And it can even be made in ramekins to serve individually. Pineapple upside down cakes also make a terrific presentation for teas and brunches. 

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HOW TO OBSERVE #PineappleUpsideDownCakeDay

Bake up a pineapple upside down cake. Whether you use fresh or canned pineapple, it will bring a brightness to your table. Serve this tropical cake warm for the best impact and your whole family.

Use #PineappleUpsideDownCakeDay and share your pictures of your cake on Social Media.