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NATIONAL SPICE BLEND DAY

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If an alluring aroma of spices is tempting your senses on September 4th, that is because it is National Spice Blend Day. Home cooks and professional chefs alike know herbs and spices bring our favorite foods alive on our palates. That is why every recipe, every food blog, and every cook stresses the importance of quality herbs and spices for everything you cook.

National Spice Blend Day celebrates the unique combinations of flavors found in handpicked spice blends worldwide. Does a little smoky paprika, cumin, and rosemary tantalize your senses? Did you know there are four main types of cinnamon, each with different flavor profiles? Depending on where the cinnamon grows, the warmth, sweetness, and color change. When you blend it with nutmeg, ginger, cardamom, and other spices, it brings an extra special touch to your baking and other recipes.

Orii 20 Jar Spice Rack with Spices Included - Revolving Tower Organizer for Kitchen Spices and Seasonings, Free Spice Refills for 5 Years (Stainless Steel)#NationalSpiceBlendDay
Orii 20 Jar Spice Rack with Spices Included – Revolving Tower Organizer for Kitchen Spices and Seasonings, Free Spice Refills for 5 Years (Stainless Steel)
SpaceAid Spice Rack Organizer with 28 Spice Jars, 386 Spice Labels, Chalk Marker and Funnel Set for Cabinet, Countertop, Pantry, Cupboard or Door & Wall Mount - 28 Jars, 13.4" W × 10.8" H, Black#NationalSpiceBlendDay
SpaceAid Spice Rack Organizer with 28 Spice Jars, 386 Spice Labels, Chalk Marker and Funnel Set for Cabinet, Countertop, Pantry, Cupboard or Door & Wall Mount – 28 Jars, 13.4″ W × 10.8″ H, Black
SpaceAid Spice Drawer Organizer with 28 Spice Jars, 386 Spice Labels, 4 Tier Seasoning Rack Tray Insert for Kitchen Drawers, 13" Wide x 17.5" Deep #NationalSpiceBlendDay
SpaceAid Spice Drawer Organizer with 28 Spice Jars, 386 Spice Labels, 4 Tier Seasoning Rack Tray Insert for Kitchen Drawers, 13″ Wide x 17.5″ Deep
Simply Organic Herbs, Spices and Seasonings Assorted Variety Sampler Gift Set - By Veher (24-Pack) #NationalSpiceBlendDay
Simply Organic Herbs, Spices and Seasonings Assorted Variety Sampler Gift Set – By Veher (24-Pack)

Herbs are also vital to every kitchen, and just like spices, the Earth has created a bountiful variety! Worldwide, so many kinds of Basil grows it would be impossible to list them all, but each one imbues unique characteristics worth exploring. When this herb is combined with curry or Mediterranean blends, you know you’re cooking for a celebration.

With only a few examples, we know we have your creative and gastric juices flowing for National Spice Blend Day!

NATIONAL SPICE BLEND DAY HISTORY

Angel Gregorio Spice Blend SpiceSuite

Angel Gregorio, owner and founder of The SpiceSuite, founded National Spice Blend Day in 2021 to commemorate The SpiceSuite’s 6th anniversary on September 4th. The celebration also recognizes all the world’s spices and how they contribute to a neverending creative food experience.

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalSpiceBlendDay

Demonstrate how you use spice blends to enhance your creativity in the kitchen. We know you bring diverse flavors to your tables every day, and that’s one of the number one reasons to celebrate. Otherways to celebrate National Spice Blend Day include:

One excellent way to encounter all these spicy possibilities is by visiting The SpiceSuite. When you celebrate, be to share your experience on social media by using #NationalSpiceBlendDay.

  • Dabble in a creative cooking experience by taking a cooking class.
  • Learn more about the best spices to use with your favorite foods.
  • Become a culinary adventurer by exploring new spice blends from around the world.
McCormick Grill Mates Unique Blends Grilling Variety Pack (Chipotle & Roasted Garlic, Mesquite, Spicy Montreal Steak, Smokehouse Maple)#NationalSpiceBlendDay
McCormick Grill Mates Unique Blends Grilling Variety Pack (Chipotle & Roasted Garlic, Mesquite, Spicy Montreal Steak, Smokehouse Maple)
The Spice Lab Italian Seasoning Spice Gift Set For The Italian Cuisine - Italian Spices For Cooking - Perfect for Pasta Sauces, Meatballs, Pizza and More - Gluten Free, Kosher & Non GMO#NationalSpiceBlendDay
The Spice Lab Italian Seasoning Spice Gift Set For The Italian Cuisine – Italian Spices For Cooking – Perfect for Pasta Sauces, Meatballs, Pizza and More – Gluten Free, Kosher & Non GMO
Flavor Mate No Salt Seasoning Blend - Variety Pack - Original,Garlic and Herb,Southwest Chipotle,Lemon & Pepper, Table Blend - 2.5 oz-Kosher#NationalSpiceBlendDay
Flavor Mate No Salt Seasoning Blend – Variety Pack – Original,Garlic and Herb,Southwest Chipotle,Lemon & Pepper, Table Blend – 2.5 oz-Kosher
Sprinkle Generously®, Put Some Dan-O's On It Sprinkle Generously®, Put Some Dan-O's On It#NationalSpiceBlendDay
Sprinkle Generously®, Put Some Dan-O’s On It
Big Cock Ranch Big 6 Sampler (Pack of 6 Seasonings with 1 each of Bull, Special, Good, Aw, Chicken, and No)#NationalSpiceBlendDay
Big Cock Ranch Big 6 Sampler (Pack of 6 Seasonings with 1 each of Bull, Special, Good, Aw, Chicken, and No)

NATIONAL ICE CREAM MONTH

Jensperspectiveblog 10 Comments

What makes I scream, and you scream! We all scream for ice cream of course! July is national ice cream month, and what a perfect time to cool off with a scoop of your favorite flavor (or try what other weird flavors that exist out there). 

Cuisinart ICE-100 Compressor Ice Cream and Gelato Maker, Silver, 1-1/2-Quart by Cuisinart
Cuisinart ICE-100 Compressor Ice Cream and Gelato Maker, Silver, 1-1/2-Quart

by Cuisinart


Like with other foods, the exact origin of ice cream is unknown. What we do know, however, is that the origin of ice cream likely dates back a long time ago. For example, Nero of Rome was said to have enjoyed harvesting ice or snow, then flavoring it with honey or other flavorings. Alexander the Great supposedly enjoyed icy drinks that had flavorings such as honey or nectar.

The first instance of ice cream being in the Unite States, however, was in a letter in 1744 (the author of the letter was a guest of Governor William Bladen.). Early presidents also had a liking towards ice cream. In the summer of 1790, George Washington spent approximately $200 for ice cream (keep in mind that back then $200 was a fairly good sum of money).

Thomas Jefferson actually made his own recipe of ice cream too! Dolly Madison, the wife of President James Madison, served ice cream at the second inaugural ball. For a while, ice cream was only an occasional special treat, mainly for the rich.

LorAnn Super Strength Variety pack of Flavors in 1 dram (.0125 fl oz - 3.7ml) bottles - 12 pack by LorAnn
LorAnn Super Strength Variety pack of Flavors in 1 dram (.0125 fl oz – 3.7ml) bottles – 12 pack

by LorAnn


In 1843, Nancy Johnson patented the hand crank ice cream maker. About 8 years later, in 1851, Jacob Fussell built the first ice cream factory. The invention of mechanical refrigeration helped kept large amounts of ice cream cool. Improvements and new inventions in technology helped ice cream spread towards the general public.

Fun Facts

-Vanilla is the most popular flavor of ice cream

McCormick All Natural Pure Vanilla Extract, 16 Fl Oz by McCormick
McCormick All Natural Pure Vanilla Extract, 16 Fl Oz

by McCormick


-The ice cream soda was invented in 1874

– It takes roughly 50 licks to finish an ice cream cone

-California produces the most ice cream in the United States

Ice Cream Freezer Storage Containers with Silicone Lids (3 Pack, 1- Quart Each) + 2 Serving Cups – Dishwasher Safe - Large Reusable BPA-Free Tub for Homemade Ice-Cream by My Trendy Kitchen
Ice Cream Freezer Storage Containers with Silicone Lids (3 Pack, 1- Quart Each) + 2 Serving Cups – Dishwasher Safe – Large Reusable BPA-Free Tub for Homemade Ice-Cream

by My Trendy Kitchen


-You can make homemade ice cream in a bag! All you need is your ingredients (milk, sugar, and vanilla extract or other flavorings), ice, salt, and two plastic bags (one large one to hold the ice and salt, and one smaller one to put inside the large bag. The smaller bag hold’s your ingredients/eventual ice cream)

–You can deep fry ice cream too!

HISTORY

President Ronald Reagan designated July as National Ice Cream Month with the third Sunday of the month as National Ice Cream Day.

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HOW TO OBSERVE

Check out all the fun flavors during July.  July 1 is National Creative Ice Cream Flavors Day.  In the middle of the month, National Peach Ice Cream Day brings some refreshing fruitiness to the month.  The end of the month is rounded out with good old National Vanilla Ice Cream Day.  What’s your favorite? Don’t forget Chocolate Ice Cream Day in June too.

Use #NationalIceCreamMonth to share on social media.

Ninja NC501 CREAMi Deluxe 11-in-1 Ice Cream & Frozen Treat Maker for Ice Cream, Sorbet, Milkshakes, Frozen Drinks & More, 11 Programs, Perfect for Kids, Silver, 11 Functions + (2) 24 oz. Pints #NationalIceCreamMonth
Ninja NC501 CREAMi Deluxe 11-in-1 Ice Cream & Frozen Treat Maker for Ice Cream, Sorbet, Milkshakes, Frozen Drinks & More, 11 Programs, Perfect for Kids, Silver, 11 Functions + (2) 24 oz. Pints
CUISINART Ice Cream Maker, Ice Cream and Frozen Yogurt Machine, 2-Qt. Double-Insulated Freezer Bowl, Silver#NationalIceCreamMonth
CUISINART Ice Cream Maker, Ice Cream and Frozen Yogurt Machine, 2-Qt. Double-Insulated Freezer Bowl, Silver
Ninja CREAMi Cookbook for Beginners (Ninja Cookbooks)#NationalIceCreamMonth
Ninja CREAMi Cookbook for Beginners (Ninja Cookbooks)
Nostalgia Electric Ice Cream Maker - Old Fashioned Soft Serve Ice Cream Machine Makes Frozen Yogurt or Gelato in Minutes - Fun Kitchen Appliance - Vintage Wooden Style - Light Wood - 4 Quart #NationalIceCreamMonth
Nostalgia Electric Ice Cream Maker – Old Fashioned Soft Serve Ice Cream Machine Makes Frozen Yogurt or Gelato in Minutes – Fun Kitchen Appliance – Vintage Wooden Style – Light Wood – 4 Quart

NATIONAL ONION DAY

Jensperspectiveblog 4 Comments

Through all the years — and sometimes tears — National Onion Day on June 27 recognizes the flavor and aroma the bulb of the allium family brings to numerous recipes.

Whether we choose a sweet, white, red, or the ever-favorite yellow, we count on the onion to enhance the flavor of our savory recipes. They pair well with meats and salads, making the ever-versatile onion a cooking powerhouse. Added to eggs or pickled, it’s the required seasoning next to our salt and pepper.

While the onion packs in the flavor with very few calories, it’s also rich in vitamin C and antioxidants. Add onions to every meal to increase your dietary fiber and vitamin B6. As a bonus, you won’t be adding any cholesterol. With so many varieties to choose from, onions provide plenty of opportunities for us to relish the benefits.

As an industry, onions add $6 billion to U.S. markets. From farm to distribution to grocers and restaurants, onions generate economic growth throughout the year.

The Core of an Onion: Peeling the Rarest Common Food—Featuring More Than 100 Historical Recipes #NationalOnionDay
The Core of an Onion: Peeling the Rarest Common Food—Featuring More Than 100 Historical Recipes
The Onion Lover's Cookbook: With Over 100 Recipes: Knowing And Using Onions, Garlic, Leeks, Shallots, Spring Onions And Chives#NationalOnionDay
The Onion Lover’s Cookbook: With Over 100 Recipes: Knowing And Using Onions, Garlic, Leeks, Shallots, Spring Onions And Chives
HISTORY

The National Onion Association founded National Onion Day on June 27, 2019, to honor the anniversary of the association. They represent almost 500 onion growers, shippers, packers and associated members across the country and officially incorporated on June 27, 1913, in Ohio. The association celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2013.

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HOW TO OBSERVE

Be sure to add fresh onion for a punch of flavor to your favorite dish. No matter how you slice it, the onion brings some of the best flavors together! Whether you like to caramelize it or pickle it, tell us how you love to cook with onions!

Try these mouth-watering recipes from the National Onion Association:
High Protein Quinoa, Onion and Kale Salad
Spicy Onion Panini with Basil and Roasted Red Pepper
Oniony Meatloaf
Pan Fried Onion Slices

Use #NationalOnionDay to share your best recipes and tips on social media.

McCormick Culinary Minced Onion, 17 oz - One 17 Ounce Container of Dried Minced Onion Flakes, Perfect for Soups, Sauces, Meatballs, Relishes and Casseroles#NationalOnionDay
McCormick Culinary Minced Onion, 17 oz – One 17 Ounce Container of Dried Minced Onion Flakes, Perfect for Soups, Sauces, Meatballs, Relishes and Casseroles
French's Original Crispy Fried Onions, 24 oz - One 24 Ounce Bag of Crunchy Fried Onions to Sprinkle on Salads, Potatoes, Chicken, Burgers and Green Bean Casseroles#NationalOnionDay
French’s Original Crispy Fried Onions, 24 oz – One 24 Ounce Bag of Crunchy Fried Onions to Sprinkle on Salads, Potatoes, Chicken, Burgers and Green Bean Casseroles
Ortarco Onion Keeper Onion Saver Onion Storage Containers Reusable Onion Holder Organizer#NationalOnionDay
Ortarco Onion Keeper Onion Saver Onion Storage Containers Reusable Onion Holder Organizer
Litehouse Freeze Dried Spring Onion - Fresh Spring Onion, 1 Bunch Inside, Fresh Taste, Gluten Free, Keto Friendly, No Refrigeration - 0.23 Ounce, 2-Pack#NationalOnionDay
Litehouse Freeze Dried Spring Onion – Fresh Spring Onion, 1 Bunch Inside, Fresh Taste, Gluten Free, Keto Friendly, No Refrigeration – 0.23 Ounce, 2-Pack

NATIONAL HERBS AND SPICES DAY

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National Herbs and Spices Day is observed annually on June 10.

It is the season for fresh herbs and spices. They are an essential part of flavorful cooking as well as fun and easy to grow.

Raising your own herbs can be a form of relaxing therapy. Herbs and spices have been used for many hundreds of years, and besides making our food delicious, each has its specific health benefits. Growing your own herbs and spices is a great way to add fresh variety to your food.  Herbs raised in your home add an aromatic and natural fragrance to the air.

Basil, Rosemary, Nutmeg, Garlic, Sage, Tyme, Oregano, Italian, Greek, Cajun, Blackening, Fennel, Chili Powder, Dill, Red Pepper Flakes, Ginger, Paprika, Cinnamon, are among my most used almost every meal. Lavender, Vanilla, Anise, Bay Leaf and Tumeric on occasion as well. It’s a good bet in combination with onions, you’ll find on our table daily. A good mix make Beef Stew, Taco’s and Tex Mex, My Greek Turkey bake, Asian Pork Chops, and don’t forget Spaghetti and My Easy Chili.

I find myself adding to or finessing flavors even if I use a pre-packaged spice mix. Having a hood sense of these help me not only make up my own delicious creations, but help judge recipes to try. I’m happy to be surprised of course although things calling for heavy amounts of Parsley, Cilantro, or heavy amounts of cayenne are things we try to avoid.

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HOW TO OBSERVE

 Use #HerbsAndSpicesDay to post on social media.

WORLD MILK DAY

Jensperspectiveblog 2 Comments

Real milk takes the spotlight on World Milk Day, always on June 1. The day is intended to bring attention to activities connecting the dairy sector.

The annual observance is marked with events across the globe: milking demonstrations and farm visits; games and competitions; concerts; distribution of milk products; and conferences, seminars and information sharing.

Did you know:
The dairy sector supports more than one billion people’s livelihoods.
More than six billion people globally consume dairy products, making it a $413.8 billion market.

China is the fastest-growing dairy market. Europe, the United States, New Zealand, Australia, and Argentina are the primary dairy-producing countries.

However, drinking milk in the U.S. has been on the decline since about 2000. In the 1980s, more than 50 percent of the dairy products regulated by the USDA was beverage milk. By 2015, that had dropped to 33 percent. Prompting the downward trend, according to market watchers, is the annual decline in the market consumption of ready-to-eat cereals. (source: American Farm Bureau)

WORLD MILK DAY HISTORY

In 2001, the United Nations selected June 1 as World Milk Day to celebrate the essential contributions of the dairy sector to sustainability, economic development, livelihoods, and nutrition.

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HOW TO OBSERVE WORLD MILK DAY

Watch for local promotions of dairy products in your area and take advantage of specials. Visit the website https://worldmilkday.org/ to learn more about the day. Use the social media tags #WorldMilkDay, #RaiseAGlass to be part of the trending popularity on World Milk Day.