Tag Culinary Experience

NATIONAL CUBAN SANDWICH DAY

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Cuban Sandwich

On August 23rd, celebrate a sandwich that originated in Cuba, but grew up in Florida. National Cuban Sandwich Day is a tribute to flavor found in a toasted pressed sandwich.

While the Cubano traditionally consists of ham, roast pork, swiss cheese, pickles and mustard on Cuban bread, restaurants and home cooks serve up different versions. While the sandwich alone may serve as a satisfying meal, some very flavorful sides complement this globe-trotting sandwich. Like any grilled sandwich, a creamy, dunkable soup makes the perfect complement. Consider making this delicious Smoky Roasted Corn Soup. Another favorite side dish is seasoned sweet potato fries.

The sandwich brings together flavor and history, too. By combining traditions from Cuban, German, and Italian immigrants, the sandwich offers a world tour of simple ingredients. If you’ve never had one, this is the day to try it.

NATIONAL CUBAN SANDWICH DAY HISTORY

Journalist Christopher Spata of the Tampa Bay Times set out to test the National Day food celebration waters in 2016. In his mission to make up a new food holiday, he managed to create a celebration that has gone around the world. According to his article, he chose August 23rd because the only other food holiday was National Sponge Cake Day, “and who cares about that?” (He’s obviously never had sponge cake or tried making one.” And while some articles call it a hoax, those who celebrate food days take them seriously.

Sandwich FAQ

Q. When is National Sandwich Day?
A. National Sandwich Day is November 3.

Q. How many sandwich holidays are on the calendar?
A. The short answer is there are 13 sandwich-specific days on the calendar. But, define sandwich. Most people (and dictionaries) define “sandwich” as a food comprised of two pieces of bread with a filling of meat, cheese, or other food items in between the bread. Hoagie, hamburger, and sloppy Joe easily fit that description. Grilled cheese sandwich has the word “sandwich” in its name. Those are no-brainers. But, what is a hot dog? Chili dog? What about the Oreo? Is it a sandwich or can you count desserts? Speaking of desserts, how about a s’more? Are graham crackers bread? That brings us to quesadillas. Tortillas are bread and some quesadillas use two tortillas. Is a quesadilla a sandwich? And then there are the open-face sandwiches. Is an egg benedict considered an open-face sandwich?

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HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalCubanSandwichDay

Many restaurants offer specials on their Cuban Sandwich to celebrate the day. You’ll want to give the place that makes your favorite Cubano a shout-out, too! You can also make your own. Try a traditional recipe or change it up with your own distinctive style. You can also share the day with others while exploring new side dishes and recipes. Be sure to use #NationalCubanSandwichDay to share your celebrations on social media.

NATIONAL PEARS HELENE DAY

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On March 15th, National Pears Hélène Day celebrates a food holiday about the delicious, smooth French dessert combining warm poached pears, vanilla ice cream, and chocolate sauce.

Pears Hélène is a dessert made from pears poached in sugar syrup and served with vanilla ice cream, chocolate syrup, and crystallized violets. Around 1864, French Chef Auguste Escoffier created the dessert in honor of the operetta La belle Hélène by Jacques Offenbach. 

Amazon fresh

Over time, Pears Hélène simpler versions have been developed by substituting poached pears with canned pears and the delicate crystallized violets have been replaced with sliced almonds. These modifications have made it easier for more cooks to prepare this must-have dessert. 

FUN PEAR FACTS:

  • There are more than 3,000 varieties of pears grown in the world.
  • Washington, Oregon and Northern California grow more than 95% of the pears sold in the United States.
  • California grows 60% of all Bartlett pears in the United States.
  • Pears ripen best off of the tree.
  • They are an excellent source of Vitamin A and Vitamin C as well as copper, fiber, and potassium.
  • Pears are less allergenic than many other fruits.

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalPearsHeleneDay

Prepare a recipe of Pears Hélène. Add it to an elegant evening or make it to simply enjoy and celebrate the day. We’ve provided a recipe for you to try as well. Share your recipes, too!

Pears Belle Helene recipe.

Use #NationalPearsHeleneDay to post on social media.

Amazon Fresh, Sliced Pears in Pear Juice from Concentrate, 15 Oz#NationalPearsHeleneDay
Amazon Fresh, Sliced Pears in Pear Juice from Concentrate, 15 Oz
A Gift Inside Pears to Compare Deluxe Fruit Gift#NationalPearsHeleneDay
A Gift Inside Pears to Compare Deluxe Fruit Gift
Organic D'anjou Pears #NationalPearsHeleneDay
Organic D’anjou Pears
Asian Pears - 5lbs#NationalPearsHeleneDay
Asian Pears – 5lbs

NATIONAL WHITE CHOCOLATE CHEESECAKE DAY

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National White Chocolate Cheesecake Day on March 6th offers another way to celebrate one of our favorite desserts. 

Cheesecake is a sweet dessert that is a mixture of soft fresh cheese, cream cheese or cottage cheese, eggs and sugar on a crust made from crushed graham crackers, crushed cookies, pastry or sponge cake. Cheesecakes can be prepared baked or unbaked and are often served topped with fruit, chocolate or whipped cream. There are many flavors in which cheesecakes can be prepared. However, this day honors the white chocolate cheesecake. 

Now, white chocolate is not chocolate in the strictest sense. It doesn’t contact cocoa solids. During the process of manufacturing chocolate, the dark-colored solids of the cocoa bean separates from the fatty content. With milk or dark chocolate, these solids are reincarnated. However, when making white chocolate, these solids don’t return to the mixture. Additionally, white chocolate contains less caffeine than its darker counterparts. It also loses some of the health benefits as well since it tends to contain more fat and sugar. Add it to an already rich dessert and, well, decadence should be expected. 

HOW TO OBSERVE #WhiteChocolateCheesecakeDay

Make a white chocolate cheesecake to celebrate. We’ve provided several recipes to try. Or, visit your favorite bakery and give them a shoutout!

White Chocolate-Raspberry Cheesecake Bars
Fluffy White Chocolate Cheesecake
No-Bake WhiteChocolate Cheesecake
White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake Cookies

More Cheesecake…

Use #WhiteChocolateCheesecakeDay to post on social media.

Cheesecake White Chocolate Fudge *nut free * 1/2 pound#WhiteChocolateCheesecakeDay
Cheesecake White Chocolate Fudge *nut free * 1/2 pound
Wind & Willow White Chocolate Amaretto Cheesecake Cheeseball Mix#WhiteChocolateCheesecakeDay
Wind & Willow White Chocolate Amaretto Cheesecake Cheeseball Mix
Cambie Belgian White Chocolate Couverture 28% | Belgian White Callets | For Pastry Chefs, Chocolatiers and Home Bakers | Packaged Fresh in a Resealable Pouch (1 lb)#WhiteChocolateCheesecakeDay
Cambie Belgian White Chocolate Couverture 28% | Belgian White Callets | For Pastry Chefs, Chocolatiers and Home Bakers | Packaged Fresh in a Resealable Pouch (1 lb)
Ghirardelli White Chocolate Sauce Squeeze Bottles 16 oz (Pack of 3) with Ghirardelli Stamped Barista Spoon #WhiteChocolateCheesecakeDay
Ghirardelli White Chocolate Sauce Squeeze Bottles 16 oz (Pack of 3) with Ghirardelli Stamped Barista Spoon

NATIONAL CHOCOLATE SOUFFLE DAY

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National Chocolate Souffle Day celebrates a delightfully delicious dessert on February 28th each year. 

The word souffle is the past participle of the French verb souffler, which means “to blow up” or more loosely “puff up” which describes a souffle perfectly.  A souffle is a lightly baked cake made with egg yolks and beaten egg whites that are combined with other ingredients to make the dish either a savory main dish or a sweet dessert.

Two essential components make up every souffle.

1.  a French creme patisserie base/flavored cream sauce or puree

2.  egg whites beaten to a  soft peak meringue

Nuwave Ceramic Ramekins 8 oz, Set of 6, Elegant Classic Style for Baking Souffles, Creme Brulées, Custards, Puddings, 4.3” Wide & 2” Tall, Microwave, Oven & Dishwasher-Safe, Ivory White#ChocolateSouffleDay
Nuwave Ceramic Ramekins 8 oz, Set of 6, Elegant Classic Style for Baking Souffles, Creme Brulées, Custards, Puddings, 4.3” Wide & 2” Tall, Microwave, Oven & Dishwasher-Safe, Ivory White
Ramekins Set with 6 Silicone Lids, Mothers Day Gifts Creme Brulee Making Set, Set of 6 Porcelain Ramekins, Oven Safe Covered Bowls & Soufflé Ramiken Ramekins Set with 6 Silicone Lids, Mothers Day Gifts Creme Brulee Making Set, Set of 6 Porcelain Ramekins, Oven Safe Covered Bowls & Soufflé Ramiken#ChocolateSouffleDay
Ramekins Set with 6 Silicone Lids, Mothers Day Gifts Creme Brulee Making Set, Set of 6 Porcelain Ramekins, Oven Safe Covered Bowls & Soufflé Ramiken
Easy Souffle Cookbook: 50 Delicious Souffle Recipes #ChocolateSouffleDay
Easy Souffle Cookbook: 50 Delicious Souffle Recipes
The Renewed Souffle Cookbook: A Guide to Enjoying Nice and Healthy Souffle Recipes in Your Kitchen#ChocolateSouffleDay
The Renewed Souffle Cookbook: A Guide to Enjoying Nice and Healthy Souffle Recipes in Your Kitchen

A souffle gets its flavor from the base, and the egg whites provide the lift to puff it up.  A variety of cheeses, jams, fruits or chocolates can be baked into the base of the souffle.  Many souffle bakers like to puncture the top of the souffle after removing it from the oven. Then they pour mouth-watering sauces onto it, such as chocolate, vanilla or for a savory flavor cheese and herbs.

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HOW TO OBSERVE #ChocolateSouffleDay

Souffles offer an opportunity to show off and invite friends to share in the celebration. Put your skills to the test in the kitchen. Make one yourself, or enjoy one made by a professional. We would love to see how you celebrate the day!

Use #ChocolateSouffleDay to post on social media.

Chocmod Truffettes de France Natural Truffles 2.2 lbs #ChocolateSouffleDay
Chocmod Truffettes de France Natural Truffles 2.2 lbs
Udi's Gluten Free Chocolate Mug Cake Mix, 8.4 oz. 4-Count#ChocolateSouffleDay
Udi’s Gluten Free Chocolate Mug Cake Mix, 8.4 oz. 4-Count
Premium Vanilla Chocolate Souffle Candy/Ptchie Moloko 1Lb #ChocolateSouffleDay
Premium Vanilla Chocolate Souffle Candy/Ptchie Moloko 1Lb
Rogue Cocoa- The Original Caffeinated Hot Chocolate (Rogue Cocoa Dutch Chocolate)#ChocolateSouffleDay
Rogue Cocoa- The Original Caffeinated Hot Chocolate (Rogue Cocoa Dutch Chocolate)

NATIONAL CLAM CHOWDER DAY

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Each year on February 25th people across the nation have a bowl and spoon ready to be filled with clam chowder as they prepare to participate in National Clam Chowder Day.

A clam chowder in its simplest form is a soup or stew containing clams or fish. The most common type of chowder includes milk or cream as well as potatoes, though the Manhattan clam chowder has tomatoes.

The origin of the word “chowder” is up for a little bit of debate.  The French word for cauldron is “chaudiere.”  The English word “jowter” means fish peddler.  Both are on the hook for possible origins.

 In chowder, along with the clams, it is common to find diced potatoes, onions (often sautéed with pork or bacon drippings) and celery. Try pan frying diced spam and mushrooms, caramelized onions are a good touch too.  I add browned tofu in place of potatoes with extra mushrooms to make it keto friendly.

Following is a list of the basic clam chowder variants:

  • New England clam chowder
  • Manhattan clam chowder
  • Rhode Island clam chowder
  • Delaware clam chowder
  • New Jersey clam chowder
  • Hatteras clam chowder
  • Minorcan clam chowder
  • Long Island clam chowder
  • Puget Sound clam chowder

If you enjoy Clam Chowder be sure to enjoy these soups as well. National Vichyssoise Day, National Gazpacho Day, National Seafood Bisque Day, National Gumbo Day, National Turkey Neck Soup Day, National Soup it Forward Day, National Clam Chowder Day, Homemade Soup Day, National Pepper Pot Day, National Soup Month, National Menudo Month, National Slow Cooking Month, Chicken Noodle, Minestrone, Vegetable Beef, Jen’s Loaded Potato, Jen’s Easy Chili, White Chiken Chili, Beef stew, Pho, New England Clam chowder, Lobster Bisque, Split Pea Soup, National Eat Your Bean Day, Homemade Chicken Noodle, Tuscan Sausage Tortellini, Grown Up Ramen, French Onion, and Creamy Cauliflower Soup.

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalClamChowderDay

Make your region’s best clam chowder. Better yet, have a clam chowder taste-off! Invite friends and family to cook up a variety of chowders from all over the country and try them all. Let us know which one you liked best. Maybe you’ll find a new appreciation for chowders.

My Easy Slow Cooker New England Style Calm Chowder. I changed the recipe to make it more low carb friendly.

Use #NationalClamChowderDay to post on social media.

Campbell’s Chunky Soup, New England Clam Chowder
Progresso Rich & Hearty, New England Clam Chowder Soup#NationalClamChowderDay
Progresso Rich & Hearty, New England Clam Chowder Soup
Campbell's Chunky Soup, Manhattan Clam Chowder#NationalClamChowderDay
Campbell’s Chunky Soup, Manhattan Clam Chowder
Snow's Condensed New England Clam Chowder, 15 oz Can (Pack of 12) - 4g Protein per Serving - Authentic New England Style Recipe #NationalClamChowderDay
Snow’s Condensed New England Clam Chowder, 15 oz Can (Pack of 12) – 4g Protein per Serving – Authentic New England Style Recipe