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NATIONAL WHITE CHOCOLATE DAY

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Satisfy your sweet tooth on National White Chocolate Day on September 22nd. Enjoy it with pretzels or drizzled on pastries. It’s a versatile confection with many ways to celebrate!

Ghirardelli Sweet Ground White Chocolate Flavor Powder, 3.12 lbs.
Ghirardelli Sweet Ground White Chocolate Flavor Powder, 3.12 lbs.
Ghirardelli White Chocolate Flavored Sauce Squeeze Bottle, 16 oz
Ghirardelli White Chocolate Flavored Sauce Squeeze Bottle, 16 oz
Callebaut W2 28% White Chocolate Callets 5.5 lbs
Callebaut W2 28% White Chocolate Callets 5.5 lbs
Merckens Coating Melting Wafers White melting chocolate, 2 pounds
Merckens Coating Melting Wafers White melting chocolate, 2 pounds

Since white chocolate does not contain cocoa solids, it is not chocolate in the strictest sense. During the process of manufacturing chocolate, the dark-colored solids of the cocoa bean separates from the fatty content. But unlike milk or dark chocolate, the solids are not reincorporated.  As a result, white chocolate also does not contain as much caffeine or antioxidants as its darker counterparts.

That’s right, white chocolate loses some of the health benefits when it is processed.  Nestlé launched the first white chocolate bar in Europe. Known by the names Milkybar and Galak, Nestlé first produced the candy bar in the 1930s. Besides candy bars and fudge, white chocolate also comes in liqueurs, chips, ganache, truffles, and liquid forms. .

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HOW TO OBSERVE #WhiteChocolateDay

White chocolate pairs well with salty and sweet flavors. Mix it in with some peanuts or pretzels. Bake up some white chocolate macadamia nut cookies or indulge in a delicious cocktail. Enjoy your favorite white chocolate. Share yours using #WhiteChocolateDay to post on social media..

Starbucks Frappuccino Coffee Drink, White Chocolate Mocha 13.7 fl oz Bottles (12 Pack)
Starbucks Frappuccino Coffee Drink, White Chocolate Mocha 13.7 fl oz Bottles (12 Pack)
Starbucks, Doubleshot Energy Drink, White Chocolate, 15 Fl Oz (Pack of 12)
Starbucks, Doubleshot Energy Drink, White Chocolate, 15 Fl Oz (Pack of 12)
Quest Nutrition White Chocolate Raspberry Protein Bars, High Protein, Low Carb, Gluten Free, Keto Friendly, 12 Count
Quest Nutrition White Chocolate Raspberry Protein Bars, High Protein, Low Carb, Gluten Free, Keto Friendly, 12 Count
Lenny & Larry's The Complete Cookie, White Chocolaty Macadamia, Soft Baked, 16g Plant Protein, Vegan, Non-GMO, 4 Ounce Cookie (Pack of 12)
Lenny & Larry’s The Complete Cookie, White Chocolaty Macadamia, Soft Baked, 16g Plant Protein, Vegan, Non-GMO, 4 Ounce Cookie (Pack of 12)

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

NATIONAL RED WINE DAY

Jensperspectiveblog 4 Comments

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 PINOT NOIR DAY

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National Pinot Noir Day on August 18th encourages wine lovers to experience one of the wine world’s most versatile wines.

Since Pinot Noir’s high acidity along with the lower tannins, it complements food nicely. Wineries around the world produce pinot noir using red wine grapes and primarily the Pinot Noir varietal.

The dry wine includes hints of cherry and raspberry, as well as earthy flavors and notes of floral. It’s one of the world’s favorite red wines, too. One Pinot Noir grown and produced in Burgundy, France bears the name of the region. France also produces more Pinot Noir than any other country. However, today the grape is grown all over the world. The soil, climate, and how it is processed all impact the flavors.

Riedel Extreme Pinot Noir Wine Glasses, Set of 4, Clear,27.16 ounces
Riedel Extreme Pinot Noir Wine Glasses, Set of 4, Clear,27.16 ounces
California Pinot Noir Fontana Wine Kit | Wine Making Ingredient Kit - 6 Gallon Wine Kit | Premium Ingredients for DIY Wine Making | Makes 30 Bottles of Wine
California Pinot Noir Fontana Wine Kit | Wine Making Ingredient Kit – 6 Gallon Wine Kit | Premium Ingredients for DIY Wine Making | Makes 30 Bottles of Wine
SONGMICS 42-Bottle Wine Rack Free Standing Floor, 7-Tier Display Wine Storage Shelves with Table Top, Bamboo Wobble-Free Bottle Holder for Kitchen Bar Dining Room Living Room, Espresso UKWR27BR
SONGMICS 42-Bottle Wine Rack Free Standing Floor, 7-Tier Display Wine Storage Shelves with Table Top, Bamboo Wobble-Free Bottle Holder for Kitchen Bar Dining Room Living Room, Espresso UKWR27BR

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HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalPinotNoirDay

The easiest way to celebrate the day is by having a glass of Pinot Noir. However, don’t stop there. There are other ways to get the fullest enjoyment of this wine.

Share your favorite pairs and bottle of Pinot Noir by using #NationalPinotNoirDay on social media.

California Delicious Golden State Gourmet Foods Gift Basket, 8 pound
California Delicious Golden State Gourmet Foods Gift Basket, 8 pound

NATIONAL MILK CHOCOLATE DAY

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On July 28th dive into the ever-popular National Milk Chocolate Day. When it comes to chocolate, this sweet easily pleases.

On average, we recognize three chocolate holidays a month. Interestingly, July celebrates chocolate as often as February. 

Solid chocolate, when combined with either powdered, liquid or condensed milk, is known as milk chocolate. While candy bar makers use milk chocolate to make their most popular candy bars, the treat isn’t the healthiest of the chocolates. Dark chocolate takes home the honors for nutrition. With added sugar and fat, milk chocolate packs on the calories. Add to that, milk chocolate’s popularity in baked goods, and the calorie count keeps going up. Don’t forget, we add it to specialty coffee drinks and other beverages, too.

DOVE PROMISES Milk Chocolate Candy Individually Wrapped Bulk Pack (43.07 oz, 150 Piece) Bag
DOVE PROMISES Milk Chocolate Candy Individually Wrapped Bulk Pack (43.07 oz, 150 Piece) Bag
HERSHEY'S Milk Chocolate Candy Bars, 1.55 oz (36 Count)
HERSHEY’S Milk Chocolate Candy Bars, 1.55 oz (36 Count)
M & M's Milk Chocolate Candies, Milk Chocolate, 38 Oz Bag
M & M’s Milk Chocolate Candies, Milk Chocolate, 38 Oz Bag
HERSHEY'S, KIT KAT and REESE'S Assorted Milk Chocolate Candy Variety Box, 27.3 oz (18 Count)
HERSHEY’S, KIT KAT and REESE’S Assorted Milk Chocolate Candy Variety Box, 27.3 oz (18 Count)
Chocolate Gift Basket, Candy Food Gifts Arrangement Platter, Gourmet Snack Box, Birthday Present Idea, Corporate Him & Her, Men Women Sympathy Family Parties & Get Well- Bonnie & Pop
Chocolate Gift Basket, Candy Food Gifts Arrangement Platter, Gourmet Snack Box, Birthday Present Idea, Corporate Him & Her, Men Women Sympathy Family Parties & Get Well- Bonnie & Pop

In fact, we’ve been adding milk to chocolate beverages since the mid-17th century. But, in 1875 Daniel Peter invented milk chocolate by mixing a powdered milk developed by Henri Nestlé with the liquor. It’s been milk chocolate bliss ever since. 

Since the days are heating up, melt that chocolate down. Drizzle it on some ice cream or mix it into some popcorn. Nobody said this holiday would be difficult.

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HOW TO OBSERVE #MilkChocolateDay

Enjoy your favorite milk chocolate. Create a sweet treat and share with friends. Don’t forget to share on social media and tag with #MilkChocolateDay.

Fannie May, Milk Chocolate Candy, S'mores and Peanut Butter Pretzel Snack Mix, 2 Pack (18 oz and 22 oz Bags)
Fannie May, Milk Chocolate Candy, S’mores and Peanut Butter Pretzel Snack Mix, 2 Pack (18 oz and 22 oz Bags)