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!
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. .
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..
As we continue our tour of the states, September 21 brings us to the perfect time to honor National New York Day.
People & Places
The Lenape people populated the land now known as New York. They’re also known as the Delaware Indians. Their settlements also spread across New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and parts of Delaware and Connecticut. However, the Dutch were the first Europeans to settle the area and named it New Netherland.
Settlements and trading posts developed up and down the Hudson River. Albany, the state capital, was once called Beverwijck and the center of the fur trade. In 1624, the Dutch established a settlement on Nutten Island named New Amsterdam. Two years later, they would move to Manhattan Island, and the colony flourished.
Over time, the settlement exchanged hands between the Dutch and British several times, each without bloodshed. The first exchange, in 1664, would name it New York.
After delcaring independence, the colonies later created the Articles of Confederation. Soon they discovered a stronger governing document was needed.
While New York sent three delegates to the Constitutional Convention in 1787, only Alexander Hamilton remained to sign the final document. A Federalist, Hamilton held strong opinions that could potentially influence the framing of the young nation’s new governing document. For one, Hamilton supported a life term of service for the President.
From the timeless halls of Ellis Island to the epic beauty of Niagara Falls and breathtaking Adirondacks, New York is infused with grand vistas and endless historical paths to retrace. With New York City as the epitome of a melting pot long before the term was coined, the state is full of inspiration for artists, sparks intelligent debate and philosophical discussion.
New York Symbols
State Capital – Albany State Nickname – The Empire State State Motto – Excelsior State Slogan – I Love NY State Bird – Eastern Blue Bird State Reptile – Snapping Turtle State Flower – Rose State Fruit – Apple State Shell – Bay Scallop State Tree – Sugar Maple State Gemstone – Garnet State Insect – Nine – Spotted Ladybug
NEW YORK FLAVOR
Nailing down New York food is like trying to see all the important sites in one long weekend. It’s just not possible. So, we’ll just name a few and you’ll just have to graze your way through the state tasting the rest.
Buffalo Wings Peppermint Pig Tomato Pie Waldorf Salad Salt Potatoes Chicken Riggies Melba Sauce Sponge Candy Utica Greens Grape Pie Mini Dogs
Explore More….
Looking for an adventure? Take a road trip for your next vacation. Chances are you’ll find a lot more than 50 reasons to enjoy the scenery. Whether visiting family and friends or another specific spot, do some road tripping to some scenic vistas and appreciate the history, flavor and cultures along the way.
MARTIN VAN BUREN (December 5, 1782 – July 24, 1862) MILLARD FILLMORE (January 7, 1800 – March 8, 1874) THEODORE ROOSEVELT (October 27, 1858 – January 6, 1919) FRANKLIN D ROOSEVELT (January 30, 1882 – April 12, 1945) DONALD TRUMP (June 14, 1946 -)
Notable People
Clement Clarke Moore – Poet – (July 15, 1779 – July 10, 1863)
Celebrate New York’s impressive spaces, historic places, and iconic personalities. Explore all New York has to offer! Use #NationalNewYorkDay to share on social media.
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.
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.
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.
National Acorn Squash Day is observed annually on September 7th. The day celebrates winter squash that is also known to some as a pepper squash.
Even though it is considered a winter squash, acorn squash belongs to the same species as all summer squashes including zucchini and yellow crookneck squash.
The most common variety comes in a mostly green outer shell, often with a splotch of orange on its side or top. However, varieties, including the Golden Acorn and the White Acorn, offer gardeners and cooks options. This versatile squash also grows in variegated color.
The acorn squash resembles its name in shape, an acorn. They usually weigh between one to two pounds and generally grow between four and seven inches long. This hardy squash also keeps for several months, making it a great item to store for yumminess all winter long. Just be sure to store it in a cool, dry location.
Since acorn squash is versatile, it can be baked, microwaved, sautéed, or steamed. Some cooks like to stuff it with rice, meat, cheeses, or vegetable mixtures. You can also toast the seeds of the acorn squash much like pumpkin seeds.
Nutritionally, the acorn squash offers a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. It also has some vitamin C and B, magnesium and manganese.
Explore More…
Acorn Squash Day
National Pumpkin Day
National Zucchini Day aka Sneak Some Zucchini on your Neighbors Pourch
Visit your favorite farmer’s market. You can also drive out to a pick your own farm. Once you’ve collected your squash, share your recipes or growing tips. Try acorn squash in soup or broil it. Experiment with the flavors as you fill your plate with this colorful garden vegetable. Whatever you do to celebrate, be sure to share it with others. Use #AcornSquashDay to post on social media.
September is National Blueberry Popsicle Month and a time to honor the creator of this tasty treat.
At age 11, Frank Epperson of Oakland, California, probably had no idea a simple mistake would make him an icon in the world of frozen treats. In 1905, Epperson accidentally left a glass of powdered soda and water with a mixing stick in it on his porch during a cold night. When he woke the next morning, he found his first creation of the ice pop. Blueberry to be exact. In 1923, Epperson patented the concept of ice pops. He initially called the treat “Epsicle” and later called it the “Popsicle.” A couple of years later, Epperson sold the rights to his invention the Joe Lowe Company in New York City.
Frank Epperson reportedly served the first ice pops at a fireman’s ball in Oakland, California. Since then, the Popsicle brand sells about two billion of their frozen treats a year. Though the most popular flavor is cherry. Blueberry popsicles have a few other variations to choose from besides the standard frozen ice pop. There is a Blueberry Greek Yogurt Popsicle and Blueberry Cheesecake Popsicle available too. If you prefer to make authentic ice pops, there are ice pop molds available for purchase. Martha Stewart is among those to have published recipes for blueberry pops.
![Deborah M. Schneider
Salsas and Moles: Fresh and Authentic Recipes for Pico de Gallo, Mole Poblano, Chimichurri, Guacamole, and More [A Cookbook]](https://jensperspectiveblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/91qkezy95vl3104360966143001848.jpg?w=122)
