NATIONAL MASSACHUSETTS DAY

August 16, 2026August 10, 2026Jensperspectiveblog 2 Comments

National Massachusetts Day on August 17th recognizes the first New England colony and the sixth state to join the Union. Named after the indigenous people who populated the area when explorers (and later the pilgrims) first arrived, Massachusetts became an incubator for independence, education, and industry.

Cradle of Liberty

It should come as no surprise that the state earned the name of Cradle of Liberty. After all, Massachusetts hosted the founding of the Sons of Liberty and the Boston Tea Party. The list of notable names from history grows long from Massachusetts. Of course, their stories and the historic events leading up to the founding of a country make for fascinating tales.

Patriots come to mind first, but don’t stop there! Poets, inventors, authors, politicians, architects, activists, athletes and those who have managed the amazing. It’s much too long for these pages. So, we encourage you to explore them further during National Massachusetts Day!

With her numerous bays and abundant shorelines, Massachusetts offers many seaside escapes. Discover mountain exploration inland, and for those who seek urban adventure, encounter adventures there, too. Everywhere you go, there’s history, beauty, and perhaps a bit of an adjustment to the New England language. Either way, dive into the food, the past and the future of Massachusetts.

Explore More States

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalMassachusettsDay

During National Massachusetts Day, explore all the adventures, history and more the state has to offer. Share your favorites by using #NationalMassachusettsDay on social media.

Massachusetts Flavor

Chocolate Chip Cookies
Boston Cream Pie
Cranberry Juice
Corn Muffin
Cod
Fried Clams
Fluffernutter
Boston Cream donut
Clam Chowder
Cranberry

Massachusetts Day Flavor

We’ll start with the obvious when the topic of Massachusetts food comes to the table: Boston Cream Pie. What other states would this layered, hot milk cake hail from? Well, to be specific, it was created in 1856 in the kitchen of the Omni Parker House Hotel in Boston and is still made there today.

Next, we turn to the salty sweet combination of Fluffernutter. A blended combination of marshmallow fluff and peanut butter, Fluffernutter became a household name in New England in the 1960s.

On July 3, 1916, Lawrence and Bessie Woodman fried the first clam at their roadside concession stand in Essex, Massachusetts. The rest, as they say, is history. Massachusetts has been in love ever since. Speaking of clams, don’t forget the chowder.

For those who like a less fishy flavor of the sea, cod is the way to go. Massachusetts celebrates the Sacred Cod. A notable cape is named after it. Also, it’s their state fish.

Finally, and tastefully, Massachusetts is one of five states known to grow cranberries. It’s their state berry and juice, too! Of course, each state has a wide list of favorite combinations of flavors. Share with us your Massachusetts favorites!

Massachusetts State Symbolism

State Capital – Boston
State Nickname – The Bay State
State Motto – Ense petit placidam sub libertate quietem
State Bird – Black – Capped Chickodee
State Flower – Mayflower
State Animal –
State Folk Dance – Square Dance
State Fish – Cod
State Dessert – Boston Cream Pie
State Fossil – Dinosaur Tracks
State Mineral – Babingtonite
State Tree – American Elm
State Song – All Hail to Massachusetts
State Gemstone – Rhodonite
State Folk Hero – Johnny Appleseed
State Heroine – Deborah Samson Shurtleff
State Insect – Ladybug

Notable People

Squanto- Native American Guide – (c.1585 – November 1622)

Squanto (The Inside Guide: Famous Native Americans) Library Binding – August 15, 2020

by Ann Byers (Author) — Squanto (The Inside Guide: Famous Native Americans)

by Ann Byers (Author)

Benjamin Franklin – Founding Father – (January 17, 1706 – April 17, 1790)

The First American: The Life and Times of Benjamin Franklin Kindle Edition

by H. W. Brands (Author)

John Hancock- Patriot – (January 23, 1737 – October 8, 1793)

John Hancock: Merchant King and American Patriot Kindle Edition

by Harlow Giles Unger (Author)

Eli Whitney – Inventor – (December 8, 1765 – January 8, 1825)

Susan B. Anthony – Activist – (February 15, 1820 – March 13, 1906)

Susan B. Anthony (Illustrated) Kindle Edition

by Alma Lutz (Author)

Theodore Seuss Geisel – Author – (March 2, 1904 – September 24, 1991)

Becoming Dr. Seuss: Theodor Geisel and the Making of an American Imagination Kindle Edition

by Brian Jay Jones (Author) — Becoming Dr. Seuss: Theodor Geisel and the Making of an American Imagination

by Brian Jay Jones (Author)

Dr. Seuss's Beginner Book Collection (Cat in the Hat, One Fish Two Fish, Green Eggs and Ham, Hop on Pop, Fox in Socks) Hardcover – Box set, September 22, 2009

by Dr. Seuss (Author) — Dr. Seuss’s Beginner Book Collection (Cat in the Hat, One Fish Two Fish, Green Eggs and Ham, Hop on Pop, Fox in Socks) Hardcover – Box set, September 22, 2009

by Dr. Seuss (Author)

Dr. Seuss's Second Beginner Book Collection (Beginner Books(R)) Hardcover – Illustrated, September 27, 2011

by Dr. Seuss (Author), Random House (Illustrator) — Dr. Seuss’s Second Beginner Book Collection (Beginner Books(R)) Hardcover – Illustrated, September 27, 2011

by Dr. Seuss (Author), Random House (Illustrator)

John F. Kennedy -President – (May 29, 1917 – November 22, 1963)

George H. W. Bush – President – (June 12, 1924 -)

George W. Bush: The American Presidents Series: The 43rd President, 2001-2009 Kindle Edition

by James Mann (Author), Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr. (Editor), & 1 more

Donna Summer – Singer/Songwriter – (December 31, 1948 – May 17, 2012)

Ordinary Girl: The Journey Kindle Edition

by Marc Eliot (Author), Donna Summer (Author) Format: Kindle

Last Dance one of my favorites. — Last Dance
One of my favorites.

Emeril Lagasse – (October 15, 1959 -)

Eat the World with Emeril Lagasse

Season 1

Sizzling Skillets and Other One-Pot Wonders (Emeril's) Kindle Edition

by Emeril Lagasse (Author) — Sizzling Skillets and Other One-Pot Wonders (Emeril’s) Kindle Edition

by Emeril Lagasse (Author)

Martha Ballard – Midwife – (1735 – May 1812)

A Midwife's Tale: The Life of Martha Ballard, Based on Her Diary, 1785-1812 Kindle Edition
by Laurel Thatcher Ulrich (Author) — Midwife’s Tale: The Life of Martha Ballard, Based on Her Diary, 1785-1812 Kindle Edition

by Laurel Thatcher Ulrich (Author)

Hidden Treasures

Salem Witch House – Salem Hammond Castle Museum – Glouster Franklin Park’s Overlook Shelter Ruins – Boston (See National Connecticut Day Notable People, Frederick Olmsted for more information). Fort Standish – Hull Dr. Seuss Museum – Springfield

NATIONAL FRIED CHICKEN DAY

July 5, 2026June 30, 2026Jensperspectiveblog 1 Comment

In the United States, July 6th chicken lovers across the country recognize National Fried Chicken Day by feasting at a nearby restaurant, home, or an outdoor picnic.

Scottish immigrants brought their tradition of deep-frying chicken in fat to the southern United States. After its introduction to the American South, fried chicken soon became a staple. Over time, cooks added seasonings and spices to enrich the flavor of the chicken.

Fried chicken is a dish consisting of chicken pieces floured or battered, then pan-fried, deep-fried or pressure-fried. The breading adds a crisp coating to the exterior of the chicken. Knowing how to get a good crisp on the chicken may seem elusive to some. However, some of the best cooks will tell you the keys to achieving the crispiest fried chicken involves seasoning well and early in the process, adding starch to your flour and frying your chicken at the right temperature. The oil should be 300°F. Finally, let the chicken rest before serving to allow the juices to be absorbed back into the meat. Just like beef and pork, the chicken will be more tender when we allow it to rest.

Try this great Keto, low carb friendly version to. Use it on salads, as an entrée or even things like homemade Cordon Blue. The flavor is worth the work.

Traditionally the chicken is fried in lard. However, corn oil, peanut oil, canola oil, or vegetable oil are also frequently used.

More to Explore…

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalFriedChickenDay

Use this batter mix as you try this fried chicken recipe. Serve it with your favorite side dishes, too. Potato salad, cornbread, greens, or watermelon. And be sure to share! Invite some friends over, make some fried chicken, and share photos on social media using #NationalFriedChickenDay.

NATIONAL ROTISSERIE CHICKEN DAY

June 1, 2026May 18, 2026Jensperspectiveblog 3 Comments

On June 2nd each year, chicken lovers celebrate National Rotisserie Chicken Day. While there a numerous ways to cook a whole chicken, rotisserie chicken offers a slow cooking method that seals in flavor.

When cooking chicken using a rotisserie chicken, the whole chicken is cooked on a rotisserie or spit that turns continuously over a heat source. This process slowly roasts and sears the skin to seal in the flavor. The result is a tender and juicy chicken. Some cooks inject rotisserie chicken with a blend of seasonings to give increase the flavor. The popularity of rotisserie chicken continues to grow as the health benefits of it become more widely known.

Rotisserie chicken goes well with a variety of side dishes, too. Whether you like traditional salads, potatoes, rice, and steamed vegetables, or more elaborate dishes, you will not go wrong. You can even use the leftovers in many ways, including salads, sandwiches, and casseroles. It is just as delicious cold as it is hot, too.

NATIONAL ROTISSERIE CHICKEN DAY HISTORY

Boston Market Restaur ants founded National Rotisserie Chicken Day in April of 2015 to celebrate the delicious and tender flavor achieved through slow-cooked rotisserie chicken.

More to Explore…

HOW TO OBSERVE #RotisserieChickenDay

Pick up some rotisserie chicken to celebrate! It is perfect for lunch or dinner. You can also share your favorite recipes. Share photos of your friends and family on social media enjoying rotisserie chicken and include #RotisserieChickenDay in the post.

Kitchen Convection Oven -1500 Watt Countertop Turbo 25 Quarts, Rotisserie Roaster Cooker with Grill, Griddle Top Rack, Dual Hot Plates, Toaster, Baking Tray, Skewers and Handles#RotisserieChickenDay — Kitchen Convection Oven -1500 Watt Countertop Turbo 25 Quarts, Rotisserie Roaster Cooker with Grill, Griddle Top Rack, Dual Hot Plates, Toaster, Baking Tray, Skewers and Handles

Nuwave Brio Air Fryer Oven, 15.5Qt X-Large Family Size, SS Rotisserie Basket &-Skewer Kit, Powerful 1800W, 50F-425F Temp Controls, Integrated Smart Thermometer#RotisserieChickenDay — Kitchen Convection Oven -1500 Watt Countertop Turbo 25 Quarts, Rotisserie Roaster Cooker with Grill, Griddle Top Rack, Dual Hot Plates, Toaster, Baking Tray, Skewers and Handles

NATIONAL SHRIMP SCAMPI DAY

April 28, 2026April 3, 2026Jensperspectiveblog 12 Comments

National Shrimp Scampi Day on April 29th gives us a tasty way to celebrate. On this day, we honor the delicious dish of shrimp cooked with butter, garlic, lemon juice, and white wine.

Scampi is a culinary term for small lobster known as Nephrops (also known as langoustine or Dublin Bay Prawns) and which is completely unrelated to this day.

Easy Shrimp Cookbook (Shrimp Cookbook, Shrimp Recipes, Shrimp Scampi 1)#NationalShrimpScampiDay — Easy Shrimp Cookbook (Shrimp Cookbook, Shrimp Recipes, Shrimp Scampi 1)

123 Ultimate Shrimp Pasta Recipes: Cook it Yourself with Shrimp Pasta Cookbook!#NationalShrimpScampiDay — Easy Shrimp Cookbook (Shrimp Cookbook, Shrimp Recipes, Shrimp Scampi 1)

The day is wholly dedicated to the buttery, garlicky, lemony, and wine-sauced preparation of shrimp. Prepare the dish using fresh or frozen shrimp. When serving the dish, add a side of noodle or rice, steamed vegetables, and crusty bread or rolls. Shrimp scampi pairs well with white wine. Since the dish is light, a rich dessert of cheesecake or crème brûlée rounds out the meal.

Explore More Seafood?

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalShrimpScampiDay

As the days heat up, serve up a dish that tastes like the sun. Pick out some peal-and-eat shrimp for a simple meal or go all out with side dishes and serve a feast.

Use #NationalShrimpScampiDay to post on social media.

Campbell's Cooking Sauces, Classic Shrimp Scampi Sauce, 11 Oz Pouch#NationalShrimpScampiDay — Campbell’s Cooking Sauces, Classic Shrimp Scampi Sauce, 11 Oz Pouch

McCormick Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Seasoning Mix, 0.87 oz (Pack of 12)#NationalShrimpScampiDay — Campbell’s Cooking Sauces, Classic Shrimp Scampi Sauce, 11 Oz Pouch

NATIONAL POULTRY DAY

March 18, 2026February 3, 2026Jensperspectiveblog 5 Comments

Poultry is the theme for March 19th as it is National Poultry Day. No fowl moods or ruffled feathers. However, there may be some quackers and gobbling going on.

Kick the day off with eggs and turkey bacon for breakfast. Around lunchtime, serve an open-faced turkey avocado sandwich. Then perhaps, finish off the day with a good, ol’ fashioned fried chicken dinner.

Poultry refers to domestic birds that are raised for meat and eggs. These birds include chicken, turkey, ducks, geese, quail, and pheasant. Poultry is farmed in large numbers with chickens being the most numerous.

It is believed that chicken was introduced to American soil by European explorers in the 16th century. Most Americans raised small flocks, enough to feed their families. Over time, chicken consumption in the United States increased. And during World War II, due to a shortage of beef and pork, chicken stepped in to fill the protein need.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture oversees poultry production in the United States. Estimates place production at around 9 billion chickens in the United States. Chicken and turkey are lower in fats and cholesterol than other meats.

Poultry can be prepared in many different ways including roasting, baking, frying, grilling, sautéing, steaming, and broasting. The size of the chicken typically determines the best cooking style to use.

A Brooding and a Gaggling

While a group of chickens is called either a brood or peep, if they are chicks we call them a clutch or chattering. When it comes to ducks and geese, their collective nouns depend on where they are in relation to the Earth. A group of ducks in flight is called a flock, but once they land on the ground their collective nouns change. We call them either a brace or a badling. If they take to water they could be called a raft, team or paddling. Whether geese are in the air, ground, or on the water, we generally use the collective noun flock. However, in flight, they can be called a skein, too. Once they land, though, they can be a gaggle, herd or corps.

Explore More…

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalPoultryDay

Enjoy your favorite poultry dish, either at home or your favorite restaurant. Feel free to try one of the following recipes:

Chicken Bacon Bites
Chicken Enchiladas I
Classic Turkey Pot Pie
Herb-Roasted Turkey Breast
Smothered Pheasant
Easy Pheasant Casserole

Use #NationalPoultryDay to post on social media.

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NATIONAL FRIED CHICKEN DAY