NATIONAL GUACAMOLE DAY

September 15, 2026August 7, 2026Jensperspectiveblog Leave a comment

National Guacamole Day on September 16 brings fresh flavors together for the perfect celebration. What a great way to kick off Hispanic Heritage Month!

Avocados shine as the star of this dip! Lime juice, tomatoes, onion, and seasonings make guacamole a guilt-free addition to any snack or meal.

Since avocados fall under the superfood category, feel free to indulge. Packed full of good fats and nutrients, along with the fresh taste of lime and hint of spice, the dip is flavorful. It’s easy to make, too. Take it to work or use it for a party dish.

Guacamole is versatile, too. For example, add it as a topping on a quesadilla or even add it to a salad. Of course, the simplest way to enjoy is by dipping your favorite tortilla chip.

Gorilla Grip 100% Granite Slip Resistant Mortar and Pestle Set, Stone Guacamole Spice Grinder Bowls, Large Molcajete for Mexican Salsa Avocado Taco Mix Bowl, Kitchen Cooking Accessories, 1.5 Cup, Gray

PrepWorks by Progressive Fresh Guacamole ProKeeper Plastic Kitchen Storage Container with Air Tight Lid,Green — Gorilla Grip 100% Granite Slip Resistant Mortar and Pestle Set, Stone Guacamole Spice Grinder Bowls, Large Molcajete for Mexican Salsa Avocado Taco Mix Bowl, Kitchen Cooking Accessories, 1.5 Cup, Gray

Originating with the Aztecs in Mexico, guacamole is an avocado-based sauce that has become popular in American cuisine as a dip, condiment, and salad ingredient.

Using a mortar and pestle, mash ripe avocados and then mixing in sea salt. Beyond the tomatoes, onion, garlic, and lemon juice, hot sauce, yogurt or other seasonings can be added. If a celebration calls for spicier guacamole, add jalapenos, chilis, cumin, or red pepper.

Want More????

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalGuacamoleDay

Mix up your favorite recipe for guacamole. Go to your favorite restaurant and order some fresh guacamole. While there, give a shout out to the restaurants with the best guacamole around. Be sure to invite friends. As we say around here, why #CelebrateEveryDay if you don’t do it with friends? Share your recipes and find the best combination. Use #NationalGuacamoleDay to share on social media.

HERDEZ Guacamole Salsa, Medium, 32 oz. jug
#NationalGuacamoleDay — HERDEZ Guacamole Salsa, Medium, 32 oz. jug

MaeMai Crispy Onions & Garlic Flakes - Keto, Healthy Spicy Seasoning, Salad Toppings, Fried Onions - Ramen, Rice Seasoning, Vegan, Gluten-free | Medium Spice | 75g | Single
#NationalGuacamoleDay — HERDEZ Guacamole Salsa, Medium, 32 oz. jug

NATIONAL FAJITA DAY

August 17, 2026August 10, 2026Jensperspectiveblog 2 Comments

On August 18th, National Fajita Day recognizes the sizzling deliciousness of the savory Tex-Mex flavor found in fajitas.

In the early 1930s, Mexican vaqueros in Southwest Texas developed what we’ve grown to love all over the United States. Using throwaway cuts of beef, they developed the fajita. However, it wasn’t long before they became a staple in the region. These cowboys cooked the steak over an open fire or grill. Once cooked, they served it with flour or corn tortillas. In later years, fresh Pico de gallo, guacamole, and southwestern spices elevated the fajita. Soon the convenient meal for hardworking cowboys made an introduction to new audiences. The fajita became a destination food in the culinary world.

As their popularity grew, fajitas added a colorful flair to Tex-Mex menus. Sizzling platters full of bright peppers, onions, and a mouthwatering aroma delighted patrons. Menu choices beyond tender steak also broadened the fajita spectrum. Sweet shrimp, lean chicken, or pork with freshly made tortillas arrived at tables with fanfare. By the 1980s, most Mexican restaurants in the United States served fajitas. In the modern culinary kitchen, lime, cilantro and a plethora of vegetables find their way into a fajita, too. Add to that the perfect seasonings and mouths really begin to water!

Another flavor boost comes from grilling with mesquite. It adds a smoky flavor and bacon adds crunch. Of course, who could forget the cheese? With their festive presentations, fajitas continue to be enjoyed today. The fajita has come a long way from skirt steak trimmings!

NATIONAL FAJITA DAY HISTORY

In 2016, On the Border Mexican Grill & Cantina founded National Fajita Day to celebrate the sizzling Tex-Mex flavor of the fajita!

About On The Border

On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina is the world’s largest Mexican casual dining brand. They offer an extensive menu of great-tasting, classic, and contemporary Mexican food. When you visit, enjoy sizzling mesquite-grilled fajitas, and Margaritas as big and bold as the border itself. On The Border is owned by Border Holdings, LLC, with more than 150 restaurants in 34 states, Puerto Rico, Asia, and the Middle East. Follow and like On The Border on Facebook at www.facebook.com/OnTheBorderMexicanGrillandCantina and @ontheborder on Twitter. For more information, visit www.ontheborder.com.

Lodge L8SGP3 Cast Iron Square Grill Pan, Pre-Seasoned, 10.5-inch

Explore More…

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalFajitaDay

While you’re celebrating the day, invite a friend to join you for these flavorful entrees! Whether you prefer shrimp, steak or chicken, there’s a fajita for you. Pick your favorite from all the amazing flavors, and don’t forget to use #NationalFajitaDay to share on social media.

La Victoria Red Enchilada Sauce Traditional, Mild, 28 oz

CHI-CHI'S Thick and Chunky Salsa Medium, 60 ounce — La Victoria Red Enchilada Sauce Traditional, Mild, 28 oz

PIGS-IN-A-BLANKET DAY

April 23, 2026April 11, 2026Jensperspectiveblog Leave a comment

On April 24, observe National Pigs-in-a-Blanket Day with just a few ingredients.

Celebrated across the world, the term often refers to a variety of different dishes. In the United States, Pigs-in-a-Blanket is often hot dogs or sausages wrapped in biscuit or croissant dough and baked. Pigs-in-a-Blanket are generally served as an appetizer or as breakfast. However, it can be served at any mealtime!

Another popular version of pigs-in-a-blanket includes cabbage rolls stuffed with a beef filling. It’s often covered with a tomato or cream sauce. Many recipes use the name “Pigs-in-a-Blanket” to describe just about any meat product wrapped in something. For example, one recipe we found called for stuffing a hotdog with a slice of cheese and wrapping the whole works with bacon. No dough or cabbage involved here.

And while some references give Betty Crocker credit for the first printed use of the phrase in 1957, records as early as 1901 reference recipes for pigs-in-a-blanket in a variety of forms. However, the phrase did increase in usage in the English language after it was printed in the 1957 cookbook.

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalPigBlanketDay

No matter how you make pigs-in-a-blanket, make enough to share. We even have two recipes for you to try. The ones wrapped in pastry dough make great appetizers or snacks and can be dipped in a variety of sauces. Check out the sauce recipes, too!

Pigs-In-A-Blanket(Cabbage)
Pigs-In-A-Blanket (mini smokies)
Dipping Sauces

Share your version of Pigs-In-A-Blanket using #NationalPigBlanketDay on social media.

NATIONAL MAKE LUNCH COUNT DAY

April 12, 2026April 12, 2026Jensperspectiveblog 1 Comment

On April 13th, we have an opportunity to break a trend that has been occurring around the country by joining National Make Lunch Count Day.

According to a recent study commissioned by TGI Fridays, the majority of U.S. workers suffer from “FOLO” – otherwise known as a “Fear of Lunching Out.” Many workers eat lunch at their desk at least twice a week (73%) while one-third have lunch at their desk every day of the week. Don’t fear lunching out any longer!

Taking a break from the workday improves productivity. That includes taking a lunch break. Leaving the office or even your desk for 20-30 minutes to refuel also reinvigorates your creative juices. Our brains and bodies need the daily break. When you return, you’ll be refreshed and ready for new ideas and approaches to whatever your job throws your way.

Include fresh vegetables and lean proteins with your lunch. Restaurant portions tend to be oversized, so divide your plate in half and take the rest home for supper. Finally, drink water or tea instead of carbonated beverages.

NATIONAL MAKE LUNCH COUNT DAY HISTORY

TGI Fridays founded National Make Lunch Count Day in 2016 to remind American workers to get away from their desks for lunch.

The observance is here to remedy FOLO and help American workers increase their creativity and productivity.

Getting to know your co-workers can be awkward sometimes. Great conversation starters include:

What was the best movie you watched last year?
What skill do you wish you had but don’t?
If you could travel anywhere in the world right this moment, where would it be?
Everyone has at least one talent. What’s yours?

Explore More…

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalMakeLunchCountDay

Break the cycle of FOLO. Get away from your desk.
Join your co-workers and enjoy a real lunch with stimulating conversation.
Share your favorite ways to make lunch count and promote them with your peers.
Don’t just do it today, do it every day! Use #NationalMakeLunchCount to share on social media.

T.G.I. Friday's Gift Card#NationalMakeLunchCount — T.G.I. Friday’s Gift Card

T.G.I. Friday's Gift Cards, Multipack of 3#NationalMakeLunchCount — T.G.I. Friday’s Gift Card

NATIONAL EMPANADA DAY

April 7, 2026April 5, 2026Jensperspectiveblog 6 Comments

Each year on April 8th, National Empanada Day recognizes a delicious pastry that comes in several different forms. The name empanada comes from the Galician, Portuguese and Spanish verb em pandar, meaning to wrap or coat in bread.

Empanadas are made by folding the dough or bread around a seasoned stuffing. The stuffed dough is then baked or fried. Very much like hand pies, these delicious pastries offer a variety of choices. You can make your empanadas with meat, cheese, vegetables or fruit fillings. However, they may be made with other ingredients, too.

A cookbook published in 1520 in Catalan, the Libre del Coch by Ruperto de Nola, mentions empanadas filled with seafood.

If you’ve never had an empanada, you might be surprised just how versatile they are. Different parts of the United States make them with their own style and flavors. Starting in the Southern and Southwestern United States where an empanada is called a Creole empanada, the dish becomes a savory meal. There, they fill the half-circle flaky crust with seasoned pork, beef or chicken, and cheese.

Head to the Southeastern part of the country and empanadas transform. A little more on the sweeter side, they fill these pastries with fresh or reconstituted dry fruit. Some choices include apples, apricots, peaches or sweet potatoes. Once fried, the pies have a crispy outer shell with piping hot fruit inside.

Further west in New Mexico, making empanadas for Christmas is a winter tradition. They make sweetmeats, similar to mincemeat, using ground pork, sugar, pinon nuts, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Everything is then sealed in a tortilla-like dough and deep-fried in lard.

Top 50 Most Delicious Empanada Recipes: A Cookbook with Beef, Pork, Chicken, Turkey and more - [Books on Meat Pies, Samosas, Calzones and Turnovers]#NationalEmpanadaDay — Top 50 Most Delicious Empanada Recipes: A Cookbook with Beef, Pork, Chicken, Turkey and more – [Books on Meat Pies, Samosas, Calzones and Turnovers]

Empanada Recipes: Discover a Classic Latin Savory Pie with Easy Empanada Recipes in a Delicious Empanada Cookbook #NationalEmpanadaDay — Top 50 Most Delicious Empanada Recipes: A Cookbook with Beef, Pork, Chicken, Turkey and more – [Books on Meat Pies, Samosas, Calzones and Turnovers]

More to Expolre…

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalEmpanadaDay

Make your favorite version of empanadas. You can choose from a variety of fillings and make one for everyone in the family. Have everyone try their hand at making the dough and filling them. Whether you prefer to make them into a meal or a dessert, the day will be celebration-worthy!

If you’re doubting your dough-making skills, try frozen or canned dough. While you’re cooking, be sure to share your recipes, too!

Use #NationalEmpanadaDay to post on social media.

Jen's Perspective Blog

Love, laugh, live! Life to the fullest.

Tag burritos