NATIONAL APPLESAUCE CAKE DAY

National Applesauce Cake Day is observed annually on June 6th.  This food holiday is a day to enjoy a delicious piece (or two) of the moist and tasty applesauce cake.

In any cake recipe, applesauce may be substituted for the butter or oil for a healthier alternative.   It is also said that one-half cup of applesauce may be substituted for one egg in some baking recipes for those who have egg allergies.

More to Explore….

HOW TO OBSERVE

Make one yourself or visit your favorite bakery. Enjoy with friends and with Afternoon tea. Use #ApplesauceCakeDay to post on social media.

National Gingerbread Day

Get ready to satisfy your sweet tooth and indulge in a delightful culinary tradition because National Gingerbread Day is just around the corner! On June 5th, gingerbread enthusiasts across the nation come together to celebrate this beloved treat. Whether you enjoy baking, decorating, or simply savoring the taste, National Gingerbread Day is the perfect occasion to embrace the warm and spicy flavors of gingerbread. So, grab your apron, gather your ingredients, and let’s dive into the world of gingerbread magic!

A Brief History of Gingerbread:

Gingerbread has a fascinating history that stretches back centuries. It is believed to have originated in ancient Greece and was later popularized by the Romans. However, it was during the Middle Ages that gingerbread truly gained prominence. This delicacy became a favorite in Europe, thanks to the spice trade with the East, which brought ginger and other exotic flavors to the continent.

Gingerbread also holds a special place in many cultural traditions. In Germany, gingerbread houses are an integral part of Christmas celebrations, while in Sweden, gingerbread cookies are a staple during the festive season. The popularity of gingerbread eventually spread worldwide, captivating the hearts and taste buds of people from all walks of life.

Delightful Gingerbread Recipes:

National Gingerbread Day presents an excellent opportunity to experiment with various gingerbread recipes. Here are a few classic options to help you get started:

  1. Traditional Gingerbread Cake: This moist and fragrant cake combines the perfect balance of spices, including ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Top it with a creamy frosting or enjoy it plain for a delightful treat.
  2. Gingerbread Cookies: Roll up your sleeves and let your creativity flow as you shape gingerbread cookie dough into charming figures. From gingerbread men to festive shapes like stars and hearts, these cookies are a fun and tasty way to celebrate the day.
  3. Gingerbread House: Take your baking skills to the next level by constructing a gingerbread house. Assemble the walls, roof, and decorations using icing, gumdrops, candy canes, and other colorful confections. Let your imagination run wild!
  4. Gingerbread Pancakes: Start your day with a touch of gingerbread goodness by whipping up a batch of fluffy gingerbread pancakes. Drizzle them with maple syrup or add a dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch of decadence.

Gingerbread-Related Activities:

Apart from baking and devouring gingerbread delights, there are other engaging activities to make your National Gingerbread Day celebration even more memorable:

Gingerbread Decorations: Gather your family or friends and have a gingerbread decorating contest. Provide an assortment of candies, icing, and sprinkles to see who can create the most festive and visually appealing gingerbread masterpiece.

Gingerbread Gift Exchange: Organize a gingerbread-themed gift exchange with your loved ones. Set a price limit and ask everyone to bring a gingerbread-inspired item, such as scented candles, bath products, or even gingerbread-flavored coffee.

Gingerbread Storytime: Curl up with a cozy blanket and read classic gingerbread stories like “The Gingerbread Man” or “Hansel and Gretel.” Engage children and adults alike in the enchanting tales of gingerbread adventures.

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How to Observe

Celebrate the rich history and irresistible flavors of gingerbread. Whether you choose to bake a cake, create whimsical cookies, or construct an elaborate gingerbread house, the possibilities are endless. So, mark your calendars, gather your loved ones, and let the aromatic spices of gingerbread fill your kitchen. Use #NationalGingerbreadDay to post on social media.

NATIONAL EGG DAY

June 3rd is time to get a crack on the annual observance of National Egg Day!

The nutrient-rich food has gone back and forth with science and nutritionists over the decades as to just how many eggs are too many for a healthy diet. However, one egg provides an excellent source of protein and vitamin D. At 75 calories and 5 grams of fat, it’s an easy choice to satisfy hunger, too. Eggs are easily seasoned and pair well with vegetables to increase the nutritional value of a meal.

Eggs are an essential ingredient to baked goods and are a part of our everyday diets. There’s so much to celebrate in these small packages.

Don’t forget National Egg Month, Better Breakfast Month, and Eggs Benedict Day.

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalEggDay

Fried, scrambled, poached, hard boiled, over easy, or whatever way you prefer, breakfast, lunch, snack or dinner, this versatile food is a perfect fit. They even make a great late night dinner.

Enjoy eggs for breakfast.  How about a fried egg sandwich for lunch? What’s your favorite way to enjoy an egg?  Use #NationalEggDay when posting on social media.

WORLD BAKING DAY

Every third Sunday in May, World Baking Day inspires people to bake for their loved ones, friends, and neighbors. These bakers are also encouraged to give their baked goods away as a token of gratitude and appreciation.

People have been baking for thousands of years. In fact, the world’s oldest oven is over 6,500 years old! Bread baking goes all the way back to 600 BC in Ancient Greece. The Egyptians were the first to use yeast when baking bread. Besides bread, cakes were also a popular food to bake. The word “cake” dates back to the 13th century. The earliest cakes were more bread-like. Bakers added sugar or honey to add sweetness.

During the 16th and 17th centuries, baking was transformed by globalization. There was an abundance of syrups, spices, and currants, which made baked goods taste even more delicious. Bready dough with butter, cream, and raisins were especially popular. By the late 17th century, sugar was less expensive. As a result, people began making mince pies with sugar and spices. Eventually, other ingredients like eggs, flour, and baking powder were used more and more.

Today baked goods are popular all over the world. Some favorites include apple pie, black forest cake, baklava, cannoli, Yorkshire pudding, rye bread, brownies, and pretzels.

WORLD BAKING DAY HISTORY

Since 2012, World Baking Day has been observed on the third Sunday in May. The original intent of the day was to make and give away a homemade cake. The day has since evolved into baking and giving away all kinds of baked goods. Our team is still researching who came up with this special food day.

HOW TO OBSERVE #WorldBakingDay

The best way to observe this day is to bake some goodies for a friend, neighbor or loved one. They will be surprised and delighted to receive such a wonderful and delicious gift. This day is also a great day to teach your kids to bake. Go ahead and try to bake something you’ve never made before. Or host a cake decorating contest. No matter what you choose to bake, be sure to share your goodies with others. Take a photo of your creation and post it on social media with #WorldBakingDay.

NATIONAL CHOCOLATE CHIP DAY

On May 15th, we recognize a morsel of a thing.  It’s National Chocolate Chip Day!  

Have you ever wondered if an ingredient would work in a recipe? It is hard to imagine where we would be without the invention of chocolate chips.

In 1937, Ruth Graves Wakefield of Whitman Massachusetts must have been curious what a little bit of chocolate would add to her cookies. While working at the Toll House Inn, she added cut-up chunks of semi-sweet Nestle chocolate bar to a cookie recipe.  The cookies were a huge success and in 1939 Wakefield signed an agreement with Nestle to add her recipe to the chocolate bar’s packaging.  In exchange for the recipe, Wakefield received a lifetime supply of chocolate.  The Nestle brand Toll House cookies were named for the Inn. Find the Original Recipe here.

Nestle initially included a small chopping tool with the chocolate bars. Starting in 1941,  Nestle and other competitors started selling the chocolate in chip or morsel form.

AmazonBasics Silicone, Non-Stick, Food Safe Baking Mat - Pack of 2

by AmazonBasics
AmazonBasics Silicone, Non-Stick, Food Safe Baking Mat – Pack of 2

by AmazonBasics

Semi-sweet was the original flavor of chocolate chips.  Today the chocolates come in bittersweet, semi-sweet, mint, white chocolate, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, and white and dark swirled. 

Nestle Toll House, Milk Chocolate Morsels, 23 oz

by Nestle
Nestle Toll House, Milk Chocolate Morsels, 23 oz

by Nestle

If you haven’t tried them yet we made batches at Christmas with Bailey’s chips… This is one you don’t want to miss.

Jennifer L
Baileys Original Irish Cream Semi-Sweet Chocolate Baking Chips, 12 Oz - Pack of 2

by Chocolatier

Trust me youll want the double batch!
Baileys Original Irish Cream Semi-Sweet Chocolate Baking Chips, 12 Oz – Pack of 2

by Chocolatier

“Trust me you’ll want the double batch!

The imagination is the only thing limiting what recipes chocolate can be used. Today chocolate chips are used in a variety of baking methods from sweet to savory.  Had Ruth Graves Wakefield never wondered what a few chopped up chunks of chocolate would be like in her baking, we wouldn’t even have chocolate chip cookies.  

HOW TO OBSERVE

Use #ChocolateChipDay to post on social media.