NATIONAL BROWNIES AT BRUNCH MONTH

No one should ever need an excuse to eat a brownie in the morning, but if you do, August is National Brownies At Brunch Month!

We’re not sure where the original brownie came from, but we like to  celebrate brownies, a few times a year. Chewy, fudgy, chocolatey, what’s not to love? One legend has it that Bertha Palmer, a Chicago socialite, who in 1893 asked a pastry chef to prepare an appropriate dessert for ladies attending the World’s Columbian Exposition.

Specifically, she wanted something like a cake that was small enough to include in boxed lunches. The result was the “Palmer House Brownie.” By 1907, the brownie was well-established, appearing in Lowney’s Cookbook as the “Bangor Brownie.” Maine food educator Mildred Brown Schrumpf claimed that the brownie was invented by Bangor housewives. The largest brownie ever made was cooked up in 2001 at the Hudson Valley Chocolate Festival in Suffern, New York. It weighed 3,000 lbs.

Brownies are surprisingly low in calories. Although loaded with sugar, brownies also can be prepared as low-sugar brownies. The experts recommend you cut back the sugar intake by 25 – 50% without seriously compromising the texture. Brownies are rich in carbs. Carbs provide energy. If you’re active, a helping of carbs first thing in the morning can be an excellent thing. Brownies are also relatively low in saturated fat, associated with the bad kind of cholesterol. However, brownies don’t offer much in the way of protein, though eggs are part of the mix. If you want to increase protein in your brownies, you can mix in some nuts, protein powder or peanut butter into your batter. Walnuts are the most popular protein added to brownies.

Enjoy them in moderation, for brunch, or any time of day. Want more Brownies…

HOW TO OBSERVE

Enjoy a brownie, or its light-colored cousin the Blondie! Use #NationalBrowniesAtBrunchMonth in social media correspondence.

Sheila G's Brownie Brittle Low Calorie, Thin Sweet Crispy Snack and Treats Dessert, Healthy Chocolate Chip & Salted Caramel, 1 Oz, Pack of 20
Sheila G’s Brownie Brittle Low Calorie, Thin Sweet Crispy Snack and Treats Dessert, Healthy Chocolate Chip & Salted Caramel, 1 Oz, Pack of 20

NATIONAL SANDWICH MONTH

August is National Sandwich Month. The basic concept of the sandwich long predates the Earl of Sandwich, the real-life 18th-century aristocrat who reportedly loved them, and gave them their modern name. The ancient Jewish sage Hillel the Elder is said to have wrapped lamb-meat and bitter herbs between two pieces of matzoh (unleavened bread) during Passover. Early versions of the “wrap” have also been found in Asia and Africa. The sandwich grew in popularity among aristocrats in the 18th and 19th centuries. Legend has it they were popularly shared, held with one hand, during late-night gaming and drinking.

The Encyclopedia of Sandwiches: Recipes, History, and Trivia for Everything Between Sliced Bread Paperback – April 5, 2011

by Susan Russo  (Author), Matt Armendariz  (Photographer)
The Encyclopedia of Sandwiches: Recipes, History, and Trivia for Everything Between Sliced Bread Paperback – April 5, 2011

by Susan Russo  (Author), Matt Armendariz  (Photographer)

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, a sandwich must have at least 35% cooked meat and be no more than 50% bread. The average American child eats about 1,500 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches before finishing high school. Astronaut John Young once smuggled a corned beef sandwich on board a Gemini flight. Submarine sandwiches are called “hoagies” in Philadelphia and “heroes” in New York. The Dagwood sandwich was first introduced by Chic Young, creator of the Blondie strip, who described the sandwich as a “mountainous pile of dissimilar leftovers.”

Stasher 100% Silicone Reusable Food Bag (Bundle, Aqua)
by Stasher
Stasher 100% Silicone Reusable Food Bag (Bundle, Aqua)

by Stasher


SANDWICH HACKS: HOW TO ENJOY NATIONAL SANDWICH MONTH

  • When making a BLT, weave the bacon together to avoid the bacon from falling out when you bite into it.
  • Worried about “fridge thieves” sealing your sandwich at the office? Get a Moldy Sandwich Bag. The bag isn’t really moldy; it only gives the appearance your lunch looks moldy and spoiled.
  • Instead of bread or toast, make your breakfast sandwiches with waffles.
  • Turn your freshly-baked bread over and slice it on the soft side. That helps prevent squishing the bread.

HISTORY

In 1952, the Wheat Flour Institute established August as National Sandwich Month. Newspapers across the country filled their pages with recipes fit for the Earl of Sandwich and picnics alike. The annual observance continues today.

HOW TO OBSERVE

Try a new sandwich recipe every week and share them on social media! Get some of our family favorites from our recipes page. Wraps, Panninis, and family dinners can be found here. Use #NationalSandwichMonth to post your creations.

Don’t forget to subscribe to Jen’s Perspective Magazine for more special times..

NATIONAL CHEESECAKE DAY

National Cheesecake Day on July 30th offers a slice of one of America’s favorite desserts. Order up a slice of cheesecake with your favorite topping. Get it delivered or make it at home.

This smooth dessert hits the spot when dessert time rolls around. While most cakes have a crumb, cheesecake’s texture is nothing like cake. Indeed, its creamy, thick pudding-like character comes from the soft cheese used as the main ingredient.  Depending on the recipe, either cream cheese or cottage cheese is used. When the cheese is mixed with sugar, eggs, and other ingredients, the batter is added to a crust.

When making cheesecake, one of the most common crusts used is a graham cracker crust. Other options include a cookie crust, pastry or sponge cake. However, some cheesecakes are crustless. Depending on the recipe, cheesecakes may be prepared baked or unbaked.

When faced with choosing a cheesecake flavor, don’t panic. While the options may seem overwhelming, bakers solved this problem. They offer a variety of flavors in one cake. So, take one home and try each one. Since cheesecakes do come in a wide variety, consider your tastes. If you prefer summer fruits and berries, cheesecakes have you covered. Tropical options hit the spot, too. For coffee lovers, bakers provide a rich selection. And don’t forget delicious chocolate and nutty flavors. Each cheesecake may be served with fresh fruit, a sauce, whipped cream or plain. 

History of the Cheesecake

When it comes to searching cheesecake history, we look to ancient Greece. A form of the dessert comes up as recipe served to athletes.  It has been found that the earliest attested mention of a cheesecake is by Greek physician Aegimus, who wrote a book on the art of making cheesecakes.

James Kraft developed a form of pasteurized cream cheese in 1912.  In 1928, Kraft acquired the Philadelphia trademark and marketed pasteurized Philadelphia Cream Cheese. Today, cheesecake makers use this brand more than any other. 

Styles of Cheesecakes:

Explore More…

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalCheesecakeDay

Whether you make one at home or pick one up at a bakery, savor the creamy taste of cheesecake!  Post on social media using #NationalCheesecakeDay and share your favorite variety.

The Cheesecake Factory Email Gift Card
The Cheesecake Factory Email Gift Card

Turkey Bacon Wraps

These are a great lunch or dinner. They are easy on carbs and will have you begging for more. Best of all they are easy and not to pricy for a family meal. I made 13 and they fed 8 people and we had leftovers.

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Turkey Bacon Wrap

16 oz Spinach Artichoke dip

1 small red bell pepper (cut into small strips)

1 small bag tri-color slaw mix (I got my stuff at Walmart so we just had to pick it up).

1 pkg bacon

1 8oz pkg cream cheese

1 pkg fresh chives (I minced mine)

1 16 oz pkg extra sharp cheddar cheese

1 32oz pkg lean turkey breast sliced

1 10 CT pkg tortillas (we had 3 leftover from an open pkg that o used first)

Place about 1 1/2 Tbsp spinach Artichoke dip and smooth over totilla. We discovered they are easier to roll if you place ingredients to one side.

Next sprinkle with 1/8 cup shredded tricolor mix.

Add 3 to 4 slices of turkey (o use deli thin slices).

Place 3 or 4 slices of red bell pepper, add cream cheese. (I used 1/8th thick slices from the boxed pkg).

Sprinkle with fresh chopped chives. Add handful of extra sharp shredded cheese then place single cooked slice of bacon.

Roll tortilla like a burrito tucking in the ends.

They are even better if made a little ahead and allowed to sit in refrigerator for 45 minutes to an hour. The flavors meld making them taste even better. We served ours with fresh veggie platter with leftover Spinach dip. We added fries for the kids involved but you can just as easily add veggie tots instead.

We feed a mixed dietary family. These are a great easy meal. Easy and cool on the taste buds as the thermometer outside continues to climb.

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Don’t forget Father’s day is this Sunday. Show him how much you care with a great gift. Find some great ones here.

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NATIONAL CHEESE DAY

Moooove over whiners! June 4 is National Cheese Day!

An encyclopedia of cheese will cover the alphabet and broaden your vocabulary. It will undoubtedly contain more varieties of cheese than what’s found at the local grocer. Cheese is produced from the pressed curds of milk. The milk can come from cows, buffalo, goats or sheep. Temperature and aging affect the flavor and texture of the cheese as well as spices and other seasonings added during the process.

The Book of Cheese: The Essential Guide to Discovering Cheeses You'll Love Hardcover – September 26, 2017

by Liz Thorpe  (Author)
The Book of Cheese: The Essential Guide to Discovering Cheeses You’ll Love

by Liz Thorpe  (Author)

The opportunity to go to a cheese tasting or visit a cheesemonger who is knowledgeable about pairings will improve your enjoyment of the cheese you choose.  Does Stilton melt? Can you serve Chévre with a salad? Be sure to ask questions and provide your preferences. Your favorite wine might find a new sidekick. You might discover a smokey spread to go with bruschetta or a tangy cheddar to pack with lunch.

Bamboo Charcuterie Cheese Board and Knife Set, Serving Platter Tray with Cutlery Set, Housewarming Gifts, Entertaining Serving Dishes, Cheese Serving Plate, Large Cheese Charcuterie Board

by CAVEPOP
Bamboo Charcuterie Cheese Board and Knife Set, Serving Platter Tray with Cutlery Set, Housewarming Gifts, Entertaining Serving Dishes, Cheese Serving Plate, Large Cheese Charcuterie Board

by CAVEPOP

In the United States, a road trip to Wisconsin isn’t out of the question for quality and variety. But, they aren’t the only place to find outstanding flavor and choice. Local delis have selections of domestic and imported cheeses, and independent shops offer a rotating inventory beckoning us to keep visiting to see what’s new.

Wisconsin Cheese Blocks - 6 Pack Assorted (New Flavors)

by Perl Creek
Wisconsin Cheese Blocks – 6 Pack Assorted (New Flavors)

by Perl Creek

Excellent as a snack on its own, cheese is also a perfect ingredient in pasta, soups, souffle and many other recipes. We slap it on a sandwich cold but why stop there when it can be grilled and melted into a Grilled Cheese recipe.  When company comes to visit, nothing is better than a cheeseball, especially when bacon is added. Many varieties are Keto diet friendly too.

Cheese is multinational, too! Every nation in the world has its own variety of cheese. Italy seems to have harnessed the market. They did add it to pizza, and that’s pretty amazing.  Savor the opportunity if you ever have the chance to taste cheeses from around the world. For example, hop on over to Greece.  They have this dessert called cheesecake. Delicious!

French Cheeses for the Connoisseur Assortment (30.5 ounce)

by igourmet
French Cheeses for the Connoisseur Assortment (30.5 ounce)

by igourmet

HOW TO OBSERVE

There are many ways to celebrate National Cheese Day.  Try a new recipe or take a risk and try a type of cheese you’ve never heard of before. Ask for recommendations from friends or share your favorites.  Make sure you post to social media using #NationalCheeseDay