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NATIONAL CHOP SUEY DAY

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Get your chopsticks ready!  National Chop Suey Day recognizes this American Chinese culinary cuisine each year on August 29. 

Chop suey, which means assorted pieces, is a dish in American Chinese cuisine. The main ingredients include meat (chicken, fish, beef, prawns or pork) and eggs. As the meat cooks over high heat, add vegetables (usually bean sprouts, cabbage, and celery). The dish is bound in a starch-thickened sauce. Typically, rice accompanies the flavorful dish. 

According to food historian Alan Davidson, chop suey is “A prime example of culinary mythology.” These food myths happen with popular foods. Illustrated below, several colorful and conflicting stories tell of chop suey’s possible origin. 

Chop Suey Stories

Some believe chop suey was invented in America by Chinese Americans. However, anthropologist E.N. Anderson finds another conclusion.  According to Anderson, the word tsap seui means miscellaneous leftovers and hails from Taishan, a district of Guangdong Province.  Many early Chinese immigrants traveled from their home in Taishan to the United States.

Another account claims Chinese American cooks who were working on the transcontinental railroad invented chop suey in the 19th century.

Quote mark

A prime example of culinary mythology. ~ Alan Davidson on the origin of chop suey.

One tale stemming from the Quing Dynasty connects to premier Li Hongzhang’s visit in 1896. According to the story, his chef wanted to create a meal suitable for both the Chinese and American palates. Another version of the story tells that Li wandered to a local Chinese restaurant after the hotel kitchen closed. Even though the chef was embarrassed because he had nothing prepared to offer, he made a dish for Li. Comprised of leftover scraps, the chef created the new “chop suey” dish. 

Still another myth tells of an 1860s Chinese restaurant cook in San Francisco. After hours, the chef was forced to serve something to the drunken miners. He had nothing fresh to offer. However, to avoid a beating, he threw leftovers in a wok, providing a makeshift meal to the miners. The miners loved the dish, asking him for the name of the dish.  To which the chef replied, “Chopped Sui.”  

Traveling to the United States in 1903, Liang Oichao, a Guangdong native, wrote that there existed a food item called chop suey. While regularly served by Chinese restaurateurs, the local Chinese people did not eat this dish.

Explore More…

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalChopSueyDay

Of course, the directive of the day would be to enjoy some chop suey. But why stop there?

  • Take a cooking class and learn to make it yourself.
  • Pick up a Chinese American cookbook and find a new recipe.
  • Share your favorite chop suey recipe.
  • Give a shout out to the restaurant that cooks it best. We love it when you do that!

Be sure to use #NationalChopSueyDay to post on social media.

National Chop Suey Day: Best Activities & Things To Do On National Chop Suey Day: Way to Have a Good National Chop Suey Day #NationalChopSueyDay
National Chop Suey Day: Best Activities & Things To Do On National Chop Suey Day: Way to Have a Good National Chop Suey Day
Chop Suey, USA: The Story of Chinese Food in America (Arts and Traditions of the Table: Perspectives on Culinary History)#NationalChopSueyDay
Chop Suey, USA: The Story of Chinese Food in America (Arts and Traditions of the Table: Perspectives on Culinary History)
From Canton Restaurant to Panda Express: A History of Chinese Food in the United States (Asian American Studies Today)#NationalChopSueyDay
From Canton Restaurant to Panda Express: A History of Chinese Food in the United States (Asian American Studies Today)
Chinese Takeaway Cookbook: From Chop Suey to Sweet 'n' Sour, Over 70 Recipes to Re-create Your Favourites#NationalChopSueyDay
Chinese Takeaway Cookbook: From Chop Suey to Sweet ‘n’ Sour, Over 70 Recipes to Re-create Your Favourites

NATIONAL RED WINE DAY

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On August 28th, National Red Wine Day ushers in the flavors of fall. As the grapes ripen and signal a time for warmer sips, wine drinkers know reds mean tailgating and spicy foods.

Throughout the year, wine days afford us the opportunity to taste and learn about the differences between wines. Earlier this month National Prosecco Day gave us the last bubbly rays of summer. Now we savor the best of the season with Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot noir, Port, and Syrah.

Red Wine Glasses - Lead Free Titanium Crystal Glass, 22 oz. Large Bowl, Long Stemmed Glassware - For Wine Tasting, Birthday, Anniversary or Wedding Gifts – Set of 3 Visit the RÖD Wine Store
Red Wine Glasses – Lead Free Titanium Crystal Glass, 22 oz. Large Bowl, Long Stemmed Glassware – For Wine Tasting, Birthday, Anniversary or Wedding Gifts – Set of 3

Visit the RÖD Wine Store

Red wine varietals produce deep ruby reds as well as subtle ambers and browns. Their beautiful colors hint at the coming change in the season. With that, we can look for delicious menu changes, too. Besides, what better way to enjoy a great bottle of wine than by pairing it with excellent company and food. Restaurants around the country will be happy to oblige throughout the celebration. Be sure to check out the latest menus from appetizers to desserts.

Wine Folly: The Essential Guide to Wine Kindle Edition by Madeline Puckette  (Author)
Wine Folly: The Essential Guide to Wine Kindle Edition

by Madeline Puckette  (Author)

Don’t fear the red, either. Even if you prefer a sweeter wine, there’s a red for you. Also, blends offer a way to enjoy the best of both wine worlds. And don’t fret. Red, red wine pairs well with salad, steak, dessert and so much more.

If you’re hesitant, attend a wine tasting. There you will learn more each time and find the wine that fits not only your palate but your cooking style, too.

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HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalRedWineDay

Pour a glass or two of delicious red wine. Not sure what kind to try? Ask sommelier and enjoy a wine tasting with friends. Use #NationalRedWineDay to share your favorites.

NATIONAL RED WINE DAY HISTORY

In 2014, Jace Shoemaker-Galloway created National Red Wine Day. 

NATIONAL CHOPSTICKS DAY

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Each year on National Chopsticks Day, people worldwide celebrate the humble and ancient utensils on February 6th.

Around 1200 B.C., Chinese cooks began using chopsticks to prepare food. These tools were likely long enough to reach into hot cooking pots. Then about 400 B.C., when fuels for cooking became scarce, food was prepared in smaller pieces reducing the number of resources needed to cook it. At the same time, the need for sharp eating utensils faded, and shorter chopsticks entered the scene.

Delamu Sushi Making Kit, 20 in 1 Bazooka Roller Kit with Chef’s Knife, Bamboo Mats, Rice Mold, Temaki Sushi Mats, Rice Paddle, Spreader, Chopsticks, Sauce Dishes, Guide Book#NationalChopsticksDay
Delamu Sushi Making Kit, 20 in 1 Bazooka Roller Kit with Chef’s Knife, Bamboo Mats, Rice Mold, Temaki Sushi Mats, Rice Paddle, Spreader, Chopsticks, Sauce Dishes, Guide Book
Japanese Indian And Chinese Cookbook: 3 books in 1: 210 Quick Recipes For Classic Asian Food#NationalChopsticksDay
Japanese Indian And Chinese Cookbook: 3 books in 1: 210 Quick Recipes For Classic Asian Food
Sushi Cookbook for Beginners: 100 Step-By-Step Recipes to Make Sushi at Home#NationalChopsticksDay
Sushi Cookbook for Beginners: 100 Step-By-Step Recipes to Make Sushi at Home
The Easy Filipino Cookbook: 100 Classics Made Simple #NationalChopsticksDay
The Easy Filipino Cookbook: 100 Classics Made Simple

The Chinese term for chopsticks is kuai-tzu.

Once these handy eating tools found their way to the dinner table, they spread around the world. Portable and elegant in their design, they also vary in style from region to region.

Today chopsticks may be made from wood such as bamboo or aspen. Elaborately carved chopsticks may be cut from jade, ivory, or wood, and artisans may ornately paint some chopsticks with miniature scenes.

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalChopsticksDay

Use chopsticks to eat your meals. Practice using chopsticks or teach someone how to use them. Share your favorite set of chopsticks or your favorite meal to eat with chopsticks. Visit your favorite restaurant where chopsticks are provided. Make sure you give them a shoutout, too! Of course, you should invite someone to celebrate with you, also! Maybe ask them to join you in a chopstick competition to see who is the most proficient using them. Be sure to use #NationalChopsticksDay to share on social media.

HIWARE 10 Pairs Fiberglass Chopsticks - Reusable Chopsticks Dishwasher Safe, 9 1/2 Inches - Black#NationalChopsticksDay
HIWARE 10 Pairs Fiberglass Chopsticks – Reusable Chopsticks Dishwasher Safe, 9 1/2 Inches – Black
GLAMFIELDS Reusable Chopsticks Japanese Natural Wooden 5 Pairs Classic Style Lightweight Hand-Carved Safe Chop Sticks 8.8 Inch/22.5cm Gift Set #NationalChopsticksDay
GLAMFIELDS Reusable Chopsticks Japanese Natural Wooden 5 Pairs Classic Style Lightweight Hand-Carved Safe Chop Sticks 8.8 Inch/22.5cm Gift Set
TINMARDA Metal Chopsticks Reusable 5 Pairs Stainless Steel Chopsticks Dishwasher Safe Square Lightweight Non-Slip Chop Sticks Gift Set (Silver)#NationalChopsticksDay
TINMARDA Metal Chopsticks Reusable 5 Pairs Stainless Steel Chopsticks Dishwasher Safe Square Lightweight Non-Slip Chop Sticks Gift Set (Silver)
Metal Chopsticks Reusable Multicolor Stainless Steel Chopsticks Dishwasher Safe Chop Sticks Laser Engraved Copper Coin Pattern Chopsticks Square Non-slip Korean Chopstick 9 1/4 Inches 5 Pairs Gift Set#NationalChopsticksDay
Metal Chopsticks Reusable Multicolor Stainless Steel Chopsticks Dishwasher Safe Chop Sticks Laser Engraved Copper Coin Pattern Chopsticks Square Non-slip Korean Chopstick 9 1/4 Inches 5 Pairs Gift Set

POSITIVE ATTITUDE MONTH

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POSITIVE ATTITUDE MONTH | October

Positive Attitude Month is an annual designation observed in October. A positive attitude is the best trait you can carry with you, because it makes any difficult or frustrating situation a lot easier to deal with. If you look at most scenarios as “glass half empty,” now is the time to change that! Looking at things with a “glass half full” perspective is a small thought process that makes a big difference. 

6 Lasting Benefits of a Positive Attitude

  1. Longer life span because of overall lower stress levels
  2. Lower chance of depression
  3. More resistance to sicknesses like the common cold
  4. Increased physical and mental well being
  5. Less risk of death from cardiovascular disease
  6. More developed coping skills during challenges.

Finally, your positive energy will result in more overall motivation, more friends, and many more happy memories. Of course, life can be extremely challenging. In our work and personal lives, speed bumps will always present themselves… there’s really nothing we can do about it. So, why not try to make the best of every situation we are thrown into?

5 POSITIVE THINKING IDEAS

Think positively. Expect great things.  Challenge yourself to be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind. If you struggle to keep a good attitude, here are a few steps you can take to move past that.

  1. Write it down. List the negative things in your life… the things that really upset you and cause you to lose your cool. Seeing them on paper can help you recognize and address them when they happens in real life. Cross them off when you are able to overcome them.
  2. Let go of expectations. Sometimes, negativity begins with unrealistic expectations of yourself or others. Understand that nobody is perfect… and the imperfections add character! They make life real and interesting. If you can learn to work with that, you, and those around you will be much happier.
  3. Forgive yourself and others. Do not dwell on past mistakes. You are only hurting yourself if you do so.
  4. Respond, don’t react. Change can be difficult to manage, but if you take a breath and give yourself some time to think, you’ll find the clarity you need to respond in a positive manner.
  5. Surround yourself with positive people. Yeah yeah, we know, you hear it all the time… But if you can do that, you’ll start to see how happy & successful people think, and you’ll likely start to think the same way.

Use #PositiveAttitude to post on social media.

The Power of Positive Thinking: 10 Traits for Maximum Results#PositiveAttitude
The Power of Positive Thinking: 10 Traits for Maximum Results
Attitude Is Everything: Change Your Attitude... Change Your Life!#PositiveAttitude
Attitude Is Everything: Change Your Attitude… Change Your Life!
Monthly To Do List | Positive Attitude Positive Results#PositiveAttitude
Monthly To Do List | Positive Attitude Positive Results
Chicken Soup for the Soul: Think Positive: 101 Inspirational Stories about Counting Your Blessings and Having a Positive Attitude #PositiveAttitude
Chicken Soup for the Soul: Think Positive: 101 Inspirational Stories about Counting Your Blessings and Having a Positive Attitude

Butter Bacon Brussel Sprouts

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Ingredients

This year, I tried a new recipe and it was such a hit there were no leftovers. Even my hubby who is not that fond of them are seconds! It’s super easy to make and the results will have people thinking you slaved for hours in the kitchen.. .

  • 3 Tbsp butter
  • 2 oz Black Velvet Whiskey
  • 5 strips cooked bacon
  • 1/2 c Parmesean cheese
  • 24 oz steam in bag brussel sprouts
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
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Directions

  1. 24 oz bag of steamable brussel sprouts, in frozen section.. make as directed. We used microwave to save time.
  2. Once steamed empty bags into cassarole dish..I love Corningware and used my favorite oval dish
  3. Add butter, whiskey, stir until butter is melted.
  4. Add black pepper and cooked crumbled bacon
  5. Mix well
  6. Add 1/4 c Parmesean cheese and mix well
  7. Top with remaining Parmesean cheese and warm for about 2 minutes right before you eat.
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