Tag #FoodFest

NATIONAL CUBAN SANDWICH DAY

Jensperspectiveblog 2 Comments
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?

Explore More…

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 VANILLA PUDDING DAY

Jensperspectiveblog Leave a comment

May 22nd is the day we recognize National Vanilla Pudding Day.  Enjoy it with a delicious dish of cold, creamy vanilla pudding.

The puddings we enjoy as desserts today are not what was commonly known as pudding at ancient dinner tables. Most medieval puddings were meat based and seasoned with herbs and spices. Even sweetened, they were usually served hot. Toward the end of the 18th century, puddings were more likely made from a grains or day old bread with nuts, fruit or meats. These puddings were used to stretch meals for a large family.

The creamy pudding we are more familiar with today is related to the custard, minus the eggs.

Necessity may be the mother of invention, but spouses who are chemists are the inventor. When you are Alfred Bird and your wife is allergic to eggs, that is very true. In 1837, Bird invented an egg-free custard powder using flavored cornstarch.

The earliest packaged pudding in the United States was marketed by My-T-Fine in 1918.  This and other puddings like them still required cooking on the stove.  The instant version came along in the mid-1940s.  On its own or as an ingredient in a larger recipe, pudding can be enjoyed in a variety of flavors.

HOW TO OBSERVE

Give the following creamy vanilla pudding recipes a try:

Homemade Vanilla Pudding
Moms Chocolate Chip Cookies
Strawberry Delight Cake
Dessert Pizza

Use #VanillaPuddingDay to post on social media.

Snack Pack Vanilla Flavored Pudding, 4 Count Pudding Cups (Pack of 3)#VanillaPuddingDay
Snack Pack Vanilla Flavored Pudding, 4 Count Pudding Cups (Pack of 3)
JELL-O Vanilla Instant Pudding & Pie Filling Mix (1 oz Boxes, Pack of 6)#VanillaPuddingDay
JELL-O Vanilla Instant Pudding & Pie Filling Mix (1 oz Boxes, Pack of 6)
Puddin': Luscious and Unforgettable Puddings, Parfaits, Pudding Cakes, Pies, and Pops: A Cookbook#VanillaPuddingDay
Puddin’: Luscious and Unforgettable Puddings, Parfaits, Pudding Cakes, Pies, and Pops: A Cookbook
Watkins All Natural Original Gourmet Baking Vanilla, with Pure Vanilla Extract, 11 Fl Oz #VanillaPuddingDay
Watkins All Natural Original Gourmet Baking Vanilla, with Pure Vanilla Extract, 11 Fl Oz

NATIONAL QUICHE LORRAINE DAY

Jensperspectiveblog 1 Comment

May 20 is dedicated to the food holiday National Quiche Lorraine Day.

Quiche Lorraine is believed to have originated in the rural Lorraine Region of France.  The original Quiche Lorraine consisted of an open pie, made using a bottom crust with a filling of custard and smoked bacon. A cast iron skillet was used to cook the original Quiche.  The cheese was added to the recipe at a much later time.

Explore More…

HOW TO OBSERVE

Enjoy this Quiche Lorraine recipe. Use #QuicheLorraineDay to post on social media.

Quiche Cookbook: A Savory Pie Cookbook Featuring Only Easy and Delicious Quiche Recipes#QuicheLorraineDay
Quiche Cookbook: A Savory Pie Cookbook Featuring Only Easy and Delicious Quiche Recipes
Quiche Cookbook: Taste the Light and Simple Joys of a Homemade Quiche#QuicheLorraineDay
Quiche Cookbook: Taste the Light and Simple Joys of a Homemade Quiche
9 Inch Tart and Quiche Pan with Removable Bottom, Pie pans for baking, Non-stick Carbon Steel Quiche Pan for Pie, Mousse Cakes, Fruit and Desserts#QuicheLorraineDay
9 Inch Tart and Quiche Pan with Removable Bottom, Pie pans for baking, Non-stick Carbon Steel Quiche Pan for Pie, Mousse Cakes, Fruit and Desserts
Order Bulk Quiche Lorraine for Event - Gourmet Frozen Appetizers (Set of 8 Trays)#QuicheLorraineDay
Order Bulk Quiche Lorraine for Event – Gourmet Frozen Appetizers (Set of 8 Trays)

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