NATIONAL COUNTRY COOKING MONTH

May 31, 2026May 11, 2026Jensperspectiveblog 8 Comments

June kicks off National Country Cooking Month and a time when we spend more time with family. Whether we’re taking vacations or visiting relatives, we almost always get to savor some country cooking.

Digging into the stick-to-your-ribs biscuits and gravy for breakfast always starts the day off right. Don’t forget fried chicken with some watermelon and green beans on the side at lunch. Wrap up the day with a good ol’ barbeque and a little bit of apple pie and homemade ice cream.

Cook It in Cast Iron: Kitchen-Tested Recipes for the One Pan That Does It All (Cook's Country)#CountryCookingMonth — Cook It in Cast Iron: Kitchen-Tested Recipes for the One Pan That Does It All (Cook’s Country)

Taste of Home All-American Cookbook: 370 Ways to Savor the Flavors of the USA#CountryCookingMonth — Cook It in Cast Iron: Kitchen-Tested Recipes for the One Pan That Does It All (Cook’s Country)

There’s so much more to country cooking. The soul and heart that goes into it, and a whole lot of love. The people who cook the meals we love the most have been making them for our parents and sometimes our grandparents, too. We pass the recipes and the techniques done from generation to generation.

As I was born and raised in Florida Country Cooking inevitably includes Southern Traditions. Banana Pudding, Chicken N’ Dumplings, Sweet Iced Tea, Country Fried Steaks with Gravy, just to name a few. While I am not related to the likes of The Pioneer Woman or Paula Dean some of those traditions will definitely grace our table.

In each serving, we add the seasoning of love and good memories. That’s what country cooking is all about.

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HOW TO OBSERVE

Grab a plate full of country cooking this month. Get in the kitchen and share your favorite recipes by using #CountryCookingMonth on social media.

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NATIONAL SOUL FOOD MONTH

May 31, 2026May 11, 2026Jensperspectiveblog 2 Comments

National Soul Food Month in June is steeped in tradition, tracing its heritage back generations.

While soul food and southern cooking may often be compared, African-American slaves developed soul food’s distinct character by creating outstanding meals from less-than-desirable cuts of meat and produce.
Whether the meal consisted of fried meats and vegetables or bbq and baked goods, the meals served to nourish the body and the fellowship that accompanied it nourished the soul.

According to culinaryhistorians.org, the term “soul food” made its appearance and became popular in the 1960s, giving a name to the flavorful foods, often fried in pork fat, that were becoming known in kitchens and restaurants in cities across the country.

However, soul food doesn’t have to laden with fat. Fresh from the southern garden, it can be just as flavorful as it can be light. Many of the old recipes are new again with spices and herbs and pinches of the old traditions.

HISTORY

Charla Draper founded National Soul Food Month in 2001 to celebrate the rich history of soul food.

HOW TO OBSERVE

Take a tour through soul food heritage. Graze the flavors and spices of the heritage. Have a conversation while you’re at it and feed your soul. Listen to the history of the food, where it’s traveled, how it’s changed through the years. Use #NationalSoulFoodMonth to share your favorites on social media. Visit culinaryhistorians.org to learn more.

I Heart Soul Food: 100 Southern Comfort Food Favorites#NationalSoulFoodMonth — I Heart Soul Food: 100 Southern Comfort Food Favorites

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NATIONAL HOT BREAKFAST MONTH

January 31, 2026January 2, 2026Jensperspectiveblog 11 Comments

February is a cold month for most of us, so what better way to start our days than with a steaming hot breakfast? National Hot Breakfast Month is celebrated every February to encourage everyone to set aside some extra time every morning to a make hot, fresh breakfast.

“What nicer thing can you do for somebody than make them breakfast?” -Anthony Bourdain

You know what they say about breakfast… It’s the most important meal of the day! However, in the busyness of everyday life, it’s easy to put breakfast on the back burner and just grab a quick granola bar on your way out the door in the morning. This month, we are challenged to wake up a little earlier and take the time to really enjoy breakfast.

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You may be surprised at how much better you feel throughout the day when you allow yourself plenty of time in the morning to fully wake up, make breakfast, maybe listen to your favorite podcast as you get ready for the day. Appreciating the beauty that the morning brings and enjoying a hot breakfast will surely make you feel more full, more energized, and just overall better all day long!

Here are a few ideas for healthy, hot breakfasts you can whip up this month. Hopefully, you can get into a routine and continue making tasty, hot breakfasts throughout the rest of the year! (Remember, you can do a TON of variations of these ideas based on your preference.)

Hot toast with peanut/almond/cashew butter, bananas sliced up, and chia seeds sprinkled over the top
Berry smoothie. Throw your favorite berries, half a banana, some cashew or coconut milk into a blender for a few minutes for a delicious, refreshing side to your hot meal. (Smoothies obviously aren’t a hot breakfast, but they go great on the side.)
Oatmeal with fried egg(s) over the top
Avocado spread over toast with a fried or poached egg on top
Overnight egg bakes for much less work to do in the morning
Egg breakfast muffins (basically mini quiche without the breaded crust for a healthy version)
Sweet potato and black bean stuffed breakfast burrito

Some of our favorites..

HOW TO OBSERVE #HotBreakfastMonth

Use #NationalHotBreakfastMonth or #HotBreakfastMonth to post pictures, recipes, and other inspiration for your friends!

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NATIONAL GLAZED SPIRAL HAM DAY

April 14, 2025January 5, 2025Jensperspectiveblog Leave a comment

National Glazed Spiral Ham Day on April 15th each year celebrates an innovative and delicious food. This gourmet looking dish often found at a holiday feast, originated in the basement of Harry J. Hoenselaar.

In 1952, the Detroit, Michigan entrepreneur patented not only his spiral slicer but the ham glaze as well. His innovative device made it possible for the entire bone-in ham to be sliced in one continuous and even spiral. The result was not only perfect for baking but for serving, too. The resulting slices presented a beautiful main course meal. Then in 1957, Hoenselaar founded HoneyBaked Ham.

Since the patent expired in 1981, many companies offer glazed spiral hams. However, we continue to thank Harry J. Hoenselaar for making them a possibility.

A traditional glazed ham is baked with a glaze consisting of sugar, honey, or orange juice. Spices to taste are often added.

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HOW TO OBSERVE #GlazedSpiralHamDay

Pick up a glazed spiral ham and cook up a big meal. The leftovers will make amazing sandwiches, too!

Use #GlazedSpiralHamDay to post on social media.

Jen's Perspective Blog

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NATIONAL COUNTRY COOKING MONTH

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