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NATIONAL CREME DE MENTHE DAY

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National Crème de Menthe Day on September 15th recognizes the creamy peppermint-flavored liqueur used in cocktails and desserts. Enjoy your favorite combination to celebrate!

Many of the liqueurs we enjoy today started as tonics and cure-alls. And we thank pharmacists for bringing them into existence. Crème de menthe (mint cream) is one of those liqueurs. French pharmacist, Emile Giffard, studied the cooling and digestive properties of mint. His research led him to a recipe for crème de menthe.

Crème de menthe is sweet and mint leaves (usually Corsican mint) give crème de menthe its green color. However, when extracted, the liqueur is colorless. This form of the liqueur is called white crème de menthe. Unless color is essential, both varieties have similar flavors and are interchangeable in recipes.

The traditional formula involves steeping dried peppermint or Corsican mint leaves in grain alcohol for several weeks. This method creates a natural green color.  The following steps include filtration and the addition of sugar.

Several cocktails include crème de menthe as an ingredient. Two popular cocktails include Grasshopper and Stinger. Because of mint’s digestive qualities, crème de menthe makes an excellent after-dinner drink.  Also popular in the kitchen, it is used in many recipes as a flavoring. To make a chilly adult milkshake mix crème de menthe with ice cream.  Add chopped pecans or shaved chocolate as a garnish.

Creme de Menthe Squares
Grasshopper Pudding

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HOW TO OBSERVE #CremeDeMentheDay

Try crème de menthe for the first time or the hundredth. Add it to a dessert or mix up a cocktail. Stir in some chocolate for a mint chocolate flair. Encourage your favorite restaurant or dessert shop to celebrate the day, too. Give them a shout out for their amazing creations, too. If you don’t have a recipe to try at home, check these out:

Share your crème de menthe recipes. Use #CremeDeMentheDay to post on social media.

The Art of Mixology: Classic Cocktails and Curious Concoctions

International Beer Day

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The first Friday in August brings a toast to ales, lagers, and pilsners that put the international in International Beer Day. This year that day falls as August 6, 2021.

The Beer Bible Kindle Edition by Jeff Alworth  (Author)
The Beer Bible Kindle Edition

by Jeff Alworth  (Author)

Perhaps there’s a porter or a Belgian in your glass. Whether yours is fermented or not, dark or pale, hoppy, bitter, smooth, raise your mug. Lift it high among friends around the world, thanking those who work at brewing delicious beer in your local area. Why? Because International Beer Day brings the world together, celebrating the beers of all cultures on one remarkable day.

Mr. Beer Complete Beer Making 2 Gallon Starter Kit, Premium Gold Edition, Brown by Mr. Beer
Mr. Beer Complete Beer Making 2 Gallon Starter Kit, Premium Gold Edition, Brown

by Mr. Beer


Beer not your thing? My husband and lots of my friends love it but I can only handle a couple sops of a dark lager. Given a choice I much prefer these alternatives

Did you know, this is a day for beer lovers everywhere. In backyards, taverns, pubs, and breweries all over, people celebrate beer’s greatness while showing gratitude to their bartender and waitstaff. By the way, did you miss National IPA Day the other day? Don’t miss this one. If you do, be sure to check out these other ways to celebrate:

“A fine beer may be judged with only one sip… but it’s better to be thoroughly sure.” – Czech Proverb

INTERNATIONAL BEER DAY HISTORY

The origin of International Beer Day dates back to 2008. Because August is hot in many parts of the world, the first Friday of August was chosen. 

HOW TO OBSERVE #InternationalBeerDay

Better yet, don’t miss it. Enjoy a glass with friends. Try a new beer. If you don’t know what to try, here are some suggestions.

  • Attend a tasting – Yes, like wine tastings, there are beer tastings, too.
  • Get a flight – Many pubs and breweries offer a flight with of few ounces of 4-5 beers to taste.
  • Take a quiz – There are several flavor profile quizzes online to help you choose your next beer. You can also take a quiz to find out just how much you know about beer, too. Like this one at Fun Trivia.
  • Ask the bartender – They can guide you based on your flavor preferences. Then be sure to thank and tip them, especially if they provided sound advice.
  • Tour a brewery – Brewery tours offer samples. Not only will you find a beer you like, but most breweries have a rich history. Even younger breweries include fascinating stories about their founders or their recipes.

Post on social media using #InternationalBeerDay – Celebrate all who brew such fantastic beer around the globe.

Clear Glass Beer Cups – 6 Pack – All Purpose Drinking Tumblers, 16 oz – Elegant Design for Home and Kitchen – Great for Restaurants, Bars, Parties – by Kitchen Lux by Kitchen Lux
Clear Glass Beer Cups – 6 Pack – All Purpose Drinking Tumblers, 16 oz – Elegant Design for Home and Kitchen – Great for Restaurants, Bars, Parties – by Kitchen Lux

by Kitchen Lux

WORLD CHOCOLATE DAY

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World Chocolate Day on July 7th each year indulges in one of the world’s favorite treats. Whether it is chocolate milk, hot chocolate, a chocolate candy bar, chocolate cake, brownies, or something covered in chocolate, this day is for chocolate lovers.

How is chocolate made?

Chocolate comes from the seed of the tropical Theobroma cacao tree. Cacao has been cultivated for at least three millennia and grows in Mexico, Central America, and Northern South America. The earliest known documentation of using cacao seeds is from around 1100 BC.

Since cacao tree seeds have a very intense, bitter taste, they must be fermented to develop the flavor.

Godiva Chocolatier Classic Gold Ballotin Chocolate, Perfect Hostess Gift, Gifts for Her, Mothers Day Gift, Chocolate Lovers, 19 Count by GODIVA Chocolatier
Godiva Chocolatier Classic Gold Ballotin Chocolate, Perfect Hostess Gift, Gifts for Her, Mothers Day Gift, Chocolate Lovers, 19 Count

by GODIVA Chocolatier

Research has found that chocolate, when eaten in moderation, can lower blood pressure.

ChocZero's Keto Bark, Dark Chocolate Almonds with Sea Salt. Sugar Free, Low Carb. No Sugar Alcohols, No Artificial Sweeteners, All Natural, Non-GMO (2 bags, 6 servings/each) by ChocZero
ChocZero’s Keto Bark, Dark Chocolate Almonds with Sea Salt. Sugar Free, Low Carb. No Sugar Alcohols, No Artificial Sweeteners, All Natural, Non-GMO (2 bags, 6 servings/each)

by ChocZero

Once fermented, the beans are dried, cleaned, and roasted. After roasting, the shell is removed to produce cacao nibs. The cacao nibs are then ground into cocoa mass, which is pure chocolate in rough form. The cocoa mass is usually liquefied then molded with or without other ingredients. At this point in the process, it is called chocolate liquor. The chocolate liquor may then be processed into two components: cocoa solids and cocoa butter.

  • Unsweetened baking chocolate – cocoa solids and cocoa butter in varying proportions.
  • Sweet chocolate – cocoa solids, cocoa butter or other fat and sugar.
  • Milk chocolate – sweet chocolate with milk powder or condensed milk.
  • White chocolate – cocoa butter, sugar, and milk but no cocoa solids.
Ghirardelli Assorted Squares XL Bag, 15.77 Ounce by Ghirardelli
Ghirardelli Assorted Squares XL Bag, 15.77 Ounce

by Ghirardelli

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HOW TO OBSERVE #WorldChocolateDay

Visit your favorite restaurant and indulge in a delicious chocolate dessert. Another idea is to host a chocolate tasting party. Invite friends to bring their best chocolate recipes to share. Here are a few recipes to try. Explore chocolates from around the world, too. Post photos on social media using #WorldChocolateDay.

Lindt, Hershey, Belgian, truffles, bars,
With so many to choose from it’s hard to pick a favorite when its chocolate!

NATIONAL GRAHAM CRACKER DAY

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July 5th recognizes 1/3rd of the s’more. It’s National Graham Cracker Day! Hopefully, you saved a few crackers if you were busy making s’mores over the Independence Day holiday. 

When Sylvester Graham first invented the slightly sweetened cracker, he intended it as a health food. In the early 1800s, the Presbyterian minister developed the cracker as part of his “Graham Diet” program. They were made from whole wheat graham flour with added bran and wheat germs. He believed his snack would curb sinful cravings. 

Today, makers use bleached white flour and blend a variety of flavors including honey, cinnamon, and chocolate. They also come in smaller bite-size snacks and fun shapes. 

While a delicious snack on their own, they also make terrific ingredients for desserts. Crushed graham crackers blended with butter and pressed into pie tins, or springform pans make excellent crusts when lightly toasted. Graham crackers layered between yogurt and fruit taste delicious in a parfait. When it comes to crumb toppings, oats, brown sugar, butter, and crushed graham crackers blended together and lightly toasted will always satisfy.

Graham Cracker Sandwiches

Some of the easiest ways of using graham crackers are making a type of sandwich. Of course, one of the most popular treats made with graham crackers is the S’more. However, that’s not the only type of sandwich we can make with these sturdy crackers.

  • Ice cream sandwiches – It’s summer, so head to the freezer. Just one scoop of ice cream between two crackers is all it takes. Wrap the sandwich in wax paper and place it back in the freezer for 30 minutes to an hour. 
  • Nut butter sandwiches – Whether it’s peanut butter, hazelnut, or sun butter, spread your favorite between two crackers and enjoy. 
  • Fruit sandwiches – Layer banana or strawberry slices between two crackers. Add nut butter. 
  • Frozen fruit sandwiches – Puree your favorite fruit and then freeze slightly. Spread the pulp on the crackers and refreeze just like you did the ice cream. These sweet treats are delightfully refreshing!

During Christmastime, graham crackers go into overtime. They join forces with gingerbread and create magical houses with frosting. The edible delights may not last very long, but they make memories that last a lifetime. 

HOW TO OBSERVE #GrahamCrackerDay

Pick up some graham crackers and start making some memories. No matter how you celebrate, there are numerous, delicious ways to share.  Post on social media using #GrahamCrackerDay to encourage others to join in paying it forward.

HONEY MAID Graham Crackers, Lunch Snacks, Party Size, 28.8 oz #GrahamCrackerDay
HONEY MAID Graham Crackers, Lunch Snacks, Party Size, 28.8 oz
Annie's Organic Honey Graham Crackers, Made With Whole Grain, 14.4 oz#GrahamCrackerDay
Annie’s Organic Honey Graham Crackers, Made With Whole Grain, 14.4 oz
2 in 1 Electric S’mores Maker & Fondue Pot, Tabletop Indoor Smores kit with 4 Roasting Forks, 4 Detachable Trays & 1 Flameless Temperature-controlled Heater, Movie Night Supplies & Housewarming Gifts#GrahamCrackerDay
2 in 1 Electric S’mores Maker & Fondue Pot, Tabletop Indoor Smores kit with 4 Roasting Forks, 4 Detachable Trays & 1 Flameless Temperature-controlled Heater, Movie Night Supplies & Housewarming Gifts

NATIONAL PEACH MONTH

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National Peach Month recognizes the fuzzy stone fruit that provides us with a bounty of sweet goodness all summer long!

As an industry, the peach plays a mighty role in our food supply and economy. From orchard to factory, restaurants to bakeries and grocers, this fruit delivers. We enjoy them fresh off the tree and baked into our favorite desserts. Well-thumbed recipes leap off the page ready to be made as soon as the peaches are ripe.

Hello July
Peach Pie

Generally speaking, there are two types of peaches – freestone and clingstone. The flesh determines the type of peach. How the flesh comes away from the stone or the pit in the middle of the peach gives it the name. When the meat comes away freely from the stone, the peach is a freestone peach; if the flesh clings to the peach, it’s a clingstone.

Lipton Iced Tea, Peach (12 Count, 16.9 Fl Oz Each) by Lipton
Lipton Iced Tea, Peach (12 Count, 16.9 Fl Oz Each)

by Lipton

Red Bull Energy Drink, Peach Edition, 8.4 Fl Oz (24 Pack)#NationalPeachMonth
Red Bull Energy Drink, Peach Edition, 8.4 Fl Oz (24 Pack)
Premier Protein Shake 30g 1g Sugar 24 Vitamins Minerals Nutrients to Support Immune Health 11.5 12 Pack, Peaches & Cream, 138 Fl Oz#NationalPeachMonth
Premier Protein Shake 30g 1g Sugar 24 Vitamins Minerals Nutrients to Support Immune Health 11.5 12 Pack, Peaches & Cream, 138 Fl Oz
BODYARMOR LYTE Sports Drink Low-Calorie Sports Beverage, Peach Mango, Coconut Water Hydration, Natural Flavors With Vitamins, Potassium-Packed Electrolytes, Perfect For Athletes, 16 Fl Oz (Pack of 12)#NationalPeachMonth
BODYARMOR LYTE Sports Drink Low-Calorie Sports Beverage, Peach Mango, Coconut Water Hydration, Natural Flavors With Vitamins, Potassium-Packed Electrolytes, Perfect For Athletes, 16 Fl Oz (Pack of 12)

While Georgia may be the first state to come to mind when we think of peaches, California actually leads the nation in production. In the United States, 20 states produce peaches commercially. Besides California and Georgia, the other two top producers are South Carolina and New Jersey. Pennsylvania and Washington grow a lot of peaches, too.

Find a local farmers market here.

This sweet stone fruit makes delicious ice cream when it’s very ripe and full of peachy juices. However, you don’t have to use fresh peaches to make this ice cream. Buy frozen peaches if the grocery or farmer’s markets don’t have them in yet. The family will love making homemade ice cream together. The best part will be eating up the finished product on a hot summer day.

All season long, the peach juices are running. Whether we are canning, baking or freezing, or even sending the family out for more, we can’t get enough of peaches!

The Peach Truck Cookbook: 100 Delicious Recipes for All Things Peach Hardcover – June 25, 2019 by Stephen K. Rose  (Author), Jessica N. Rose (Author)
The Peach Truck Cookbook: 100 Delicious Recipes for All Things Peach Hardcover – June 25, 2019

by Stephen K. Rose  (Author), Jessica N. Rose (Author)

NATIONAL PEACH MONTH HISTORY

In March of 1982, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed July to be National Peach Month. The National Peach Council promoted National Peach month activities and encouraged everyone to “reach for a peach” during the month of July.

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Peach Melba Day
Peach Cobbler Day                                 Peaches and Cream Day
Peach Ice Cream Day
Peach Pie Day

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalPeachMonth

Enjoy your favorite peach recipes during the height of the peach season. Share some with us! Use #NationalPeachMonth to share on social media.

Amazon Fresh, Yellow Cling Sliced Peaches in Fruit Juice, 15 Oz#NationalPeachMonth
Amazon Fresh, Yellow Cling Sliced Peaches in Fruit Juice, 15 Oz
Dole Fruit Bowls Diced Peaches in 100% Juice Snacks, 4oz 12 Total Cups, Gluten & Dairy Free, Bulk Lunch Snacks for Kids & Adults#NationalPeachMonth
Dole Fruit Bowls Diced Peaches in 100% Juice Snacks, 4oz 12 Total Cups, Gluten & Dairy Free, Bulk Lunch Snacks for Kids & Adults
Sparkling Ice, Peach Nectarine Sparkling Water, Zero Sugar Flavored Water, with Vitamins and Antioxidants, Low Calorie Beverage, 17 fl oz Bottles (Pack of 12)#NationalPeachMonth
Sparkling Ice, Peach Nectarine Sparkling Water, Zero Sugar Flavored Water, with Vitamins and Antioxidants, Low Calorie Beverage, 17 fl oz Bottles (Pack of 12)
Trolli Peachie O's Sour Gummy Rings Candy, 5 Pound Bulk Bag#NationalPeachMonth
Trolli Peachie O’s Sour Gummy Rings Candy, 5 Pound Bulk Bag