Tag corn

NATIONAL ACORN SQUASH DAY

Jensperspectiveblog 1 Comment

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.

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HOW TO OBSERVE #AcornSquashDay

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.

WHOLE GRAINS MONTH

Jensperspectiveblog 6 Comments

Throughout September, Whole Grains Month promotes the benefits and flavors of whole grains in a healthy diet.

Whole grains include the entire seed of a plant. A grain seed is composed of three parts.

  • Bran – The outer shell of a seed or kernel is hard and contains important minerals, antioxidants, and fiber.
  • Endosperm – The next layer of a seed or kernel (or the middle layer) contains most of the carbohydrates found in grains.
  • Germ – The center layer provides vitamins, minerals, and necessary protein.

Whole grains are a vital part of a healthy diet. Not only do whole grains help reduce heart disease and diabetes, but it also helps improve bowel health. Maintaining a regular bowel movement is at the top of everyone’s list! (Yes, we went there.)

Adding whole grains to your meals is easier than many people think it is. These whole grains can be added to every meal with ease.

A few kinds of whole grains to start incorporating in your diet include:

Whole Grain Month also promotes recipes and shopping tips all month long.

Whole Grains Every Day, Every Way: A Cookbook#WholeGrainsMonth
Whole Grains Every Day, Every Way: A Cookbook
Viva Naturals Organic Quinoa, 64 oz (4 lb) - Plant Based Protein, Fiber and Iron - Pre-Washed Whole Grain Rice and Pasta Substitute for Quinoa Salad - USDA Organic, Gluten Free, Vegan, Non-GMO and Kosher#WholeGrainsMonth
Viva Naturals Organic Quinoa, 64 oz (4 lb) – Plant Based Protein, Fiber and Iron – Pre-Washed Whole Grain Rice and Pasta Substitute for Quinoa Salad – USDA Organic, Gluten Free, Vegan, Non-GMO and Kosher
Lundberg Organic Wild Blend Rice - Wild Rice Blended with Long Grain Brown Rice, Sweet Brown Rice, Red Rice, and Black Rice, Certified GlutenFree Rice, Pantry Staples, Chip Clip Inlcuded, 16 Oz#WholeGrainsMonth
Lundberg Organic Wild Blend Rice – Wild Rice Blended with Long Grain Brown Rice, Sweet Brown Rice, Red Rice, and Black Rice, Certified GlutenFree Rice, Pantry Staples, Chip Clip Inlcuded, 16 Oz
King Arthur Flour Whole Grain Baking: Delicious Recipes Using Nutritious Whole Grains (King Arthur Flour Cookbooks)#WholeGrainsMonth
King Arthur Flour Whole Grain Baking: Delicious Recipes Using Nutritious Whole Grains (King Arthur Flour Cookbooks)

WHOLE GRAIN MONTH HISTORY

The Whole Grains Council has been promoting Whole Grain Month since 2006. Their mission is to share the importance of whole grains and how to incorporate them into a healthy diet.

HOW TO OBSERVE #WholeGrainMonth

Add whole grains to your meals throughout September! Try these delicious ways to incorporate whole grains:

  • Add granola to your yogurt.
  • Switch to 100% whole grain bread – this includes 100% whole wheat breads.
  • Replace refined pasta with whole-grain versions.
  • Replace refined pasta with whole grain rice.
  • Add quinoa to your smoothie.
  • Enjoy a bowl of air-popped popcorn.
  • Switch to whole-grain tortillas.
  • Add whole grains to your baking. Replace a portion of a recipe that calls for all-purpose flour with a whole-grain version.

After a month of adding whole grains to your diet, check-in with your body and see how you feel. Use #WholeGrainsMonth to share your favorite ways to cook with whole grains.

Great Grains Raisins Dates and Pecans Breakfast Cereal, Raisin Cereal with Sweet Dates and Granola Clusters, Non-GMO Project Verified, 16 OZ Box#WholeGrainsMonth
Great Grains Raisins Dates and Pecans Breakfast Cereal, Raisin Cereal with Sweet Dates and Granola Clusters, Non-GMO Project Verified, 16 OZ Box
Wheat Thins Original Whole Grain Wheat Crackers, Party Size, 20 oz Box#WholeGrainsMonth
Wheat Thins Original Whole Grain Wheat Crackers, Party Size, 20 oz Box
KIND Breakfast, Healthy Snack Bar, Peanut Butter, Gluten Free Breakfast Bars, 100% Whole Grains#WholeGrainsMonth
KIND Breakfast, Healthy Snack Bar, Peanut Butter, Gluten Free Breakfast Bars, 100% Whole Grains
RiceSelect Pearl Couscous, Israeli-Style Wheat Couscous Pasta, Non-GMO, 24.5-Ounce Jar#WholeGrainsMonth
RiceSelect Pearl Couscous, Israeli-Style Wheat Couscous Pasta, Non-GMO, 24.5-Ounce Jar

NATIONAL POTATO MONTH

Jensperspectiveblog 3 Comments

This month we salute the terrific tuber, the spud, otherwise known as the potato! September is National Potato Month!

It’s hard to imagine a world without potatoes. Once indigenous to South America, specifically Peru and Bolivia, the potato has become a staple food in much of the world. In fact, it is an integral part of the food supply in many countries. Spuds are grown in all fifty states in the U.S. alone!

Gurney's Seed & Nursery Company Yukon Gold Seed Potato - Best Early Eating Potato on The Market - Includes one 2-lb Bag 
Gurney’s Seed & Nursery Company Yukon Gold Seed Potato – Best Early Eating Potato on The Market – Includes one 2-lb Bag
Lay's Potato Chip Variety Pack, 1 Ounce (Pack of 40)
Lay’s Potato Chip Variety Pack, 1 Ounce (Pack of 40)
Idahoan Four Cheese Mashed Potatoes, Made with Gluten-Free 100-Percent Real Idaho Potatoes, 1.5 oz Cup (Pack of 10)
Idahoan Four Cheese Mashed Potatoes, Made with Gluten-Free 100-Percent Real Idaho Potatoes, 1.5 oz Cup (Pack of 10)
Jackson’s Sweet Potato Kettle Chips with Sea Salt made with Premium Avocado Oil (1.5 oz, Pack of 10) - Allergen-friendly, Gluten Free, Peanut Free, Vegan, Paleo Friendly - Shark Tank Product
Jackson’s Sweet Potato Kettle Chips with Sea Salt made with Premium Avocado Oil (1.5 oz, Pack of 10) – Allergen-friendly, Gluten Free, Peanut Free, Vegan, Paleo Friendly – Shark Tank Product

In 1784, Thomas Jefferson set voyage on a trip to France with his slave James Heming. Jefferson brought his slave along in hopes he would learn some of the French culinary skills. Upon return to the U.S., Jefferson made Heming prepare one of the many culinary delights learned in France, the French fried potato. The dish was served at Jefferson’s private residence. Despite the fact Heming learned the culinary skill to make French fried potatoes and brought that skill back the U.S., Jefferson is given credit for introducing French fried potatoes. The earliest known recipe for the potato chip appeared in a cookbook published in 1817. The preparation resembled the French fried potato prepared by Heming.

The potato continues to have a vast history after its initial introduction. Most notably, the history of potatoes relates to the Irish potato famine of the 1840s. Sadly, starvation and disease claimed as many as a million lives in Ireland during the famine. It was during this time that nearly 500,000 Irish immigrated to the U.S.

Mash-Up Potato Facts:
  • The word “spud” first made an appearance in New Zealand around 1850. Potato planters used spuds, a sharper version of a spade, to dig up potatoes. Technically, it had nothing to the with the potato.
  • The world’s largest potato chip was produced by the Pringle Company in 1990. It measures 23′ by 14.5′.
    Potatoes have even made an entry into pop culture. Possibly the most famous potato known to man, Mr. Potato Head. A creation from New Yorker George Lerner, the Hasbro Company launched the beloved toy in 1952. Unfortunately, Mr. Potato Head lost his pipe in 1987 mostly due to pressure from anti-smoking groups.
  • The “Mashed Potatoes” was a popular dance craze in the early 1960s. Mashed Potato Time was a 1962 chart-topping hit for soul singer Dee Dee Sharp.

Potatoes also have health benefits. For instance, potato skins are a good source of roughage and potassium. The average potato with the skin intact only contains 110 calories. It’s all the stuff you put on it that makes it fattening. As long as toppings are used in moderation, you can enjoy potatoes in all their deliciousness!

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HOW TO OBSERVE

Potato dishes can be found in all corners of the world, making it easy to find something that suits your taste buds!

Use #NationalPotatoMonth in social media correspondence.

OXO Good Grips Y-Peeler
OXO Good Grips Y-Peeler
KitchenAid Gourmet Stainless Steel Wire Masher, 10.24-Inch, Black
KitchenAid Gourmet Stainless Steel Wire Masher, 10.24-Inch, Black
PriorityChef Large 15oz Potato Ricer, Heavy Duty Stainless Steel Potato Masher and Ricer Kitchen Tool, Press and Mash Kitchen Gadget For Perfect Mashed Potatoes - Everytime
PriorityChef Large 15oz Potato Ricer, Heavy Duty Stainless Steel Potato Masher and Ricer Kitchen Tool, Press and Mash Kitchen Gadget For Perfect Mashed Potatoes – Everytime
Farberware Professional Heat Resistant Nylon Meat and Potato Masher, Safe for Non-Stick Cookware, 10-Inch, Black
Farberware Professional Heat Resistant Nylon Meat and Potato Masher, Safe for Non-Stick Cookware, 10-Inch, Black

National Potato Day

Jensperspectiveblog 2 Comments

National Potato Day is August 19, so if you like spuds, this one’s for you! Never celebrated this tasty tot before? Good news, we have the lowdown on how to do things up right with facts and links to turn you from couch potato to party animal.

Potatoes have been a popular food for centuries so it’s about time we recognize this versatile and ap-peeling favorite. Mashed, smashed, chipped, or covered in cheese, potatoes can be eaten with just about every meal — or as a meal! — making these starchy veggies a delicious and easy way to get iron, potassium and vitamin c. The puns are just baked right in! Now just fry and stop us from telling you the whole scoop on what makes National Potato Day so …spudtacular.

NATIONAL POTATO DAY ACTIVITIES

Did you know there are over 4000 different kinds of potatoes? It’s true! Choose your favorite or choose a bunch because potatoes are so tasty and easy to cook that no matter what you pick you won’t be wrong! And not being wrong is a wonderful way to celebrate anything, so try it out this August 19.

There’s no wrong way to prepare a potato and the Internet (and probably your grandma) have a million and one recipes for you to try. Select a favorite, chop to it and discover for yourself why this hot potato is such a hot commodity. Don’t forget to invite some friends and make it an event! This is a celebration, after all.

Creamy and buttery or crispy and salty, the last step to enjoying this day is the best step — eating! —and we will eat potatoes in any form (even baked into bread)! We think consuming these delectable spuds in mass quantities is the best way to pay homage on their special day.

Gurney's Seed & Nursery Company Yukon Gold Seed Potato - Best Early Eating Potato on The Market - Includes one 2-lb Bag - Can't Ship to States of ID, ME, MT, or NE
Gurney’s Seed & Nursery Company Yukon Gold Seed Potato – Best Early Eating Potato on The Market – Includes one 2-lb Bag – Can’t Ship to States of ID, ME, MT, or NE
Betty Crocker Butter & Herb Mashed Potatoes, 4 ounces (Pack of 8)
Betty Crocker Butter & Herb Mashed Potatoes, 4 ounces (Pack of 8)
Idaho Spuds Premium Hashbrown Potatoes, Made from 100 Potatoes No Artificial Colors or Flavors NonGMO Certified Gluten Free Koshe,4.2 Ounce (Pack of 8)
Idaho Spuds Premium Hashbrown Potatoes, Made from 100 Potatoes No Artificial Colors or Flavors NonGMO Certified Gluten Free Koshe,4.2 Ounce (Pack of 8)
Betty Crocker Loaded Casserole Potatoes
Betty Crocker Loaded Casserole Potatoes
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WHY WE LOVE NATIONAL POTATO DAY

Potatoes are a staple for a reason Hashbrowns or potato salad, hot or cold, no matter how you slice ‘em, potatoes have been a staple in diets all over the world because they’re easy to grow, tasty and relatively inexpensive to produce and buy. Nearly ever cuisine has potatoes in it, so you can take a culinary journey with your trusty potato by your side.

Potato chips are the best snackThe people have spoken! Potato chips are regularly regarded as the most delicious snack and we couldn’t agree more. Plus, there isn’t a better party food than the potato chip. Just pour them in a bowl and let the festivities begin! With chips coming in more and more flavors all the time, you’ll never run out of ways to enjoy your favorite spuds with your buds. That deserve a few chip-chip-hoorays!

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How to OBSERVE

Potatoes are America’s cropPotatoes are grown in all 50 states! It makes sense that there should be a national day to celebrate the crop that can feed an entire country. We really do think this starchy, vitamin packed veg is all that and a bag of chips so pick up a bag, choose a recipe and feast with friends!

No matter how you celebrate share it on social media with #NationPotatoDay. We look forward to seeing your favorites.

Spring Chef Premium Swivel Vegetable Peeler, Black
Spring Chef Premium Swivel Vegetable Peeler, Black
Potato Apple Vegetable Peelers for Kitchen, I and Y Peelers for Fruit Veggie Potatoes Carrot Cucumber, 3 in 1 Blade Spin Design With Julienne Function
Potato Apple Vegetable Peelers for Kitchen, I and Y Peelers for Fruit Veggie Potatoes Carrot Cucumber, 3 in 1 Blade Spin Design With Julienne Function
OXO Good Grips Swivel Vegetable Peeler
OXO Good Grips Swivel Vegetable Peeler
KitchenAid KE145OHOBA Classic Y Peeler, One Size, Black 2
KitchenAid KE145OHOBA Classic Y Peeler
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NATIONAL BOURBON DAY

Jensperspectiveblog 14 Comments

On June 14 the Official Spirit of America is recognized.  It is National Bourbon Day.

KANARS Old Fashioned Whiskey Glasses with Luxury Box - 10 Oz Rocks Barware For Scotch, Bourbon, Liquor and Cocktail Drinks - Set of 4 by KANARS
KANARS Old Fashioned Whiskey Glasses with Luxury Box – 10 Oz Rocks Barware For Scotch, Bourbon, Liquor and Cocktail Drinks – Set of 4

by KANARS

Like Scotch, Cognac and some other spirits that must meet certain standards as well as be produced in a particular geographical region, Bourbon is a whiskey which is only so named if distilled in the United States.  To legally be a considered Bourbon, it must be 51 percent corn, stored in new (not aged) charred-oak barrels and distilled no more than 160 proof and barreled at 125 proof.

This particular whiskey derives its name from the Kentucky county which was established in 1785 and was a large producer of corn. The corn, once distilled, would be put in barrels and stamped “Old Bourbon” and shipped down the Ohio River.

Crown Maple Bourbon Barrel Aged organic maple syrup 750ML (25 FL OZ) by Crown Maple
Crown Maple Bourbon Barrel Aged organic maple syrup 750ML (25 FL OZ)

by Crown Maple

In 1964, a Congressional Resolution designated Bourbon as America’s native spirit. Since then, there is nowhere else in the world that can make a whiskey and call it Bourbon.

More to Explore…

HOW TO USE

Pour a glass of Bourbon and use #NationalBourbonDay on social media.