Tag #EasyMeals

NATIONAL BEANS ‘N’ FRANKS DAY

Jensperspectiveblog 2 Comments

National Beans ‘N’ Franks Day on July 13th encourages us to make our favorite recipes during National Hot Dog Month. Since we are also indulging in a Baked Bean Month, this is a great way to combine them. This simple recipe cooks up a delicious dish in no time and goes well with summertime barbecues, too!

Also known as “beanie weenies,” both dishes are similar to pork ‘n’ beans, but substitute hot dogs or frankfurters for the pork. 

Baked beans became popular during the Civil War in the United States. They would later become one of the first canned convenience foods on the market in the 1890s. As a result, baked beans became a staple of the chuckwagon. However, it is unknown when adding franks to the beans became a culinary technique.

The franks, or frankfurters, can be beef, pork, or a combination of both. The ground meat is blended with spices and seasonings before being cured. These sausage style wieners or hot dogs come with or without casings. Before adding them to the beans, the franks are sliced into bite-sized pieces.

While beans and franks is one name, Van Camp’s owns the trademark to the Beanie Weenies name. Another brand name is Franks & Beans.

Home cooks make beans and franks, too. Recipes can include beans, hot dogs, brown sugar, onion, mustard, barbecue sauce, and spices. The United States isn’t the only place recipes are found, either. Around the world, beans and franks enjoy wide popularity.

Beans and franks go well with coleslaw, grilled corn on the cob, and vegetable kabobs. Add some iced tea and pie to complete the meal. Make it a picnic for a day out.

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HOW TO OBSERVE #BeansNFranksDay

Have a picnic or cookout. Make your favorite beans ‘n’ franks recipe to share. Don’t have one? Here is a recipe for you to try. Or just open up a can and heat it up. Post on social media using #BeansNFranksDay.

Campbell’s Pork and Beans, 11 Oz Can (Case of 24)#BeansNFranksDay
Campbell’s Pork and Beans, 11 Oz Can (Case of 24)
Van Camp's Beanee Weenee Original Flavor Microwavable Cups, 7.25 oz. (Pack of 12)#BeansNFranksDay
Van Camp’s Beanee Weenee Original Flavor Microwavable Cups, 7.25 oz. (Pack of 12)

NATIONAL GRILLED CHEESE SANDWICH DAY

Jensperspectiveblog 4 Comments

Each year, National Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day on April 12th recognizes one of the top comfort foods in the United States. Why wouldn’t it be when we’re talking about bread grilled to perfection, and warm, gooey, melted cheese. 

According to food historians, many cultures around the world have enjoyed cooked bread and cheese since ancient times. The United States modern version of the grilled cheese sandwich originated in the 1920s. As sliced bread and American cheese became easily available, Americans began making open-faced grilled cheese sandwiches. 

United States government cookbooks describe Navy cooks broiling “American cheese filling sandwiches” during World War II. 

Grilled cheese sandwiches are versatile thanks to the ability to mix and match cheeses, bread, and seasonings. Adding sauteed vegetables or herb-infused oils can elevate this simple comfort food to a whole other level.  

More to explore….

HOW TO OBSERVE #GrilledCheeseSandwichDay

  • Make your favorite version of a grilled cheese sandwich.
  • Share the best cheeses to make grilled cheese. Do you use American cheese or do you prefer Swiss? What’s your favorite cheese?
  • Serve it with your favorite soup and sides, too.
  • Layer it and make a double-decker grilled cheese sandwich. Add ham or bacon for extra flavor and variety.
  • Share with us all the ways you make grilled cheese sandwiches or try a new recipe.
  • Families, take this day to the next level and make personalized sandwiches. Get creative with your grilled cheese by bringing out the cookie cutters. Imagine the fun the kids will have and everyone can make unique-shaped sandwiches. Don’t fret about the crusts because you can dip them in your favorite sauces or soups. Try adding ranch, siracha or a dill dip. How will you mix it up?
  • My mom taught me that the best way to capture the gooey goodness is to butter both sides of your slices of bread.  3 slices of cheese, or my favorite 1/4 inch slab of Velveeta (best choice in my opinion), and make the outside golden brown.  To this day we still practice these methods…
  • Use #GrilledCheeseSandwichDay to post on social media.
Aigostar Sandwich Maker with Non-stick Deep Grid Surface for Egg, Ham, Steaks Compact Electric Grill Tostadora de Pan Black, ETL Certificated, Roy#GrilledCheeseSandwichDay
Aigostar Sandwich Maker with Non-stick Deep Grid Surface for Egg, Ham, Steaks Compact Electric Grill Tostadora de Pan Black, ETL Certificated, Roy
OVENTE 3 in 1 Electric Sandwich Maker, Panini Press Grill and Waffle Iron Set with Removable Non-Stick Plates, Perfect for Cooking Grilled Cheese, Tuna Melts, Burgers, Steaks and Snacks#GrilledCheeseSandwichDay
OVENTE 3 in 1 Electric Sandwich Maker, Panini Press Grill and Waffle Iron Set with Removable Non-Stick Plates, Perfect for Cooking Grilled Cheese, Tuna Melts, Burgers, Steaks and Snacks
Velveeta Original Melting Cheese #GrilledCheeseSandwichDay
Velveeta Original Melting Cheese
Zulay Kitchen Stainless Steel Wire Cheese Slicer - Adjustable Hand Held Cheese Cutter with 2 Extra Wires - Premium Cheese Shaver for Mozzarella, Cheddar, Gruyere - Cheese Cutter with Wire #GrilledCheeseSandwichDay
Zulay Kitchen Stainless Steel Wire Cheese Slicer – Adjustable Hand Held Cheese Cutter with 2 Extra Wires – Premium Cheese Shaver for Mozzarella, Cheddar, Gruyere – Cheese Cutter with Wire

NATIONAL CANNED FOOD MONTH

Jensperspectiveblog 2 Comments

National Canned Food Month in February is a time for a second harvest! Your pantry and shelves provide the bounty of canned goods from last fall. Shop your pantry shelves for meals now and make room for the bounty to come.

The story of canned food goes back to the waning years of the French Revolution and Napoleon Bonaparte’s offer of 12,000 francs to anyone who could develop a method of preserving food for his army. Frenchman Nicolas Appert claimed the prize by discovering that applying heat to food in sealed glass bottles improved its shelf life. As a result, Appert’s research led to the current canning methods.

Opening tin cans was a chore. Most people opened them using a chisel and hammer. However, the French army took a different approach: they used bayonets. Then, in 1855, an English surgical instrument maker named Rober Yates invented the first tin-opener.

Modern Technology

Modern canning continues to provide benefits. It saves money and reduces waste so gardeners can reap the rewards of their hard work all winter long. It’s also is also Earth-friendly. Properly preserved foods both taste great and are healthful, too. Ball Mason Jars are the most widely used canning jars, and they are recognized on November 30th during National Mason Jar Day!

Canning Pot Water Bath Canner with Rack and Mason Jars, 20 Quart Stainless Steel Stock Pots, Canning Supplies Starter Kit Beginners Tools Set, Jar Lifter Tongs and Full Canning Kit Accessories#NationalCannedFoodMonth
Canning Pot Water Bath Canner with Rack and Mason Jars, 20 Quart Stainless Steel Stock Pots, Canning Supplies Starter Kit Beginners Tools Set, Jar Lifter Tongs and Full Canning Kit Accessories
Mason Jars 16 oz with Airtight Lids and Bands, 15 Pack Regular Mouth Canning Jars, Clear Glass Pint Jars for Canning, Pickling, Food Storage, DIY Projects, 24 Labels, Brush & String Included#NationalCannedFoodMonth
Mason Jars 16 oz with Airtight Lids and Bands, 15 Pack Regular Mouth Canning Jars, Clear Glass Pint Jars for Canning, Pickling, Food Storage, DIY Projects, 24 Labels, Brush & String Included
Ball Regular Mouth Canning Jar 1 pt. 12 pk#NationalCannedFoodMonth
Ball Regular Mouth Canning Jar 1 pt. 12 pk
The All New Ball Book Of Canning And Preserving: Over 350 of the Best Canned, Jammed, Pickled, and Preserved Recipes#NationalCannedFoodMonth
The All New Ball Book Of Canning And Preserving: Over 350 of the Best Canned, Jammed, Pickled, and Preserved Recipes

There are several methods of canning, and each has its advantages. First, water bath canning is a lower temperature process ideal for jams, jellies, salsa, and tomatoes. The second is pressure canning. The process involves a higher temperature and works best when canning meats, poultry, seafood, chili, and veggies. The third and simplest method is open-kettle canning. In this process, hot food is poured into hot jars then sealed. This canning method is the least recommended. It is very important to learn the principles of keeping food fresh and discouraging bacteria growth. Study the various canning techniques carefully and make sure you are properly equipped before you start.

If we’ve learned anything in 40 plus years in Florida it pays to keep these pantry items on hand.  From hurricanes and Covid to the snow this January having backups to fresh food on hand can literally save your life.  It’s something to keep in mind.  We keep a stock year round, it’s Florida after all.  Not only is it quick and easy on a busy day, but in disaster situations you can actually heat the can if you have to.

NATIONAL CANNED FOOD MONTH HISTORY

The Canned Food Information Council designated February as National Canned Food Month in 1987 to break down misconceptions surrounding canned food as being less nutritious than fresh. Depending on the variety of fruits and vegetables, what they are packed in and served with will make a difference in their nutritional value.

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HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalCannedFoodMonth

Learn about the history of canning and how to can your own food. Grandma might be your best teacher! Use #NationalCannedFoodMonth and post your canned goods on social media.

Deco Brothers Stackable Can Rack Organizer for Kitchen and Pantry, Holds Upto 36 Cans, Chrome Finish#NationalCannedFoodMonth
Deco Brothers Stackable Can Rack Organizer for Kitchen and Pantry, Holds Upto 36 Cans, Chrome Finish
DINTY MOORE Beef Stew, 15 oz (12 Pack), Fully Cooked & Ready-To-Eat with Fresh Potatoes & Carrots, Gluten-Free, 10g Protein, No Preservatives, Perfect for Noodles, Biscuits & Hot Pies#NationalCannedFoodMonth
DINTY MOORE Beef Stew, 15 oz (12 Pack), Fully Cooked & Ready-To-Eat with Fresh Potatoes & Carrots, Gluten-Free, 10g Protein, No Preservatives, Perfect for Noodles, Biscuits & Hot Pies
Chicken of the Sea Chunk Light Tuna in Water, 5 Ounce Cans (Pack of 10), Wild Caught Canned Tuna #NationalCannedFoodMonth
Chicken of the Sea Chunk Light Tuna in Water, 5 Ounce Cans (Pack of 10), Wild Caught Canned Tuna
Swanson Canned Chicken and Dumplings With White and Dark Chicken Meat, 10.5 OZ Can (Case of 12)#NationalCannedFoodMonth
Swanson Canned Chicken and Dumplings With White and Dark Chicken Meat, 10.5 OZ Can (Case of 12)