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NATIONAL CHAI DAY

Jensperspectiveblog 1 Comment

On September 21st, the aroma filling the room comes from ancient spices, perfectly steeped into a cup of delicious tea. National Chai Day celebrates the strong, satisfying tea that is ordered at cafes across the country.

While the Indian beverage dates back nearly 5,000 years, the chai served in homes and coffee shops today comes in many forms. For traditional chai, steep it with black tea leaves. Add whole milk for the richest flavor. Some even prefer almond or coconut milk. The most common spice in chai is cardamom. Though blends will vary from place to place, other spices include cinnamon, nutmeg, pepper, and fennel. Finally, sweeten the tea with pure sugar.

This time of year, we can’t resist the creamy, sweet combination, either! So, wrap your hands around a warm cup and let the aromatic steam permeate your senses. One sip will tell you how enjoyable National Chai Day is going to be!

NATIONAL CHAI DAY HISTORY

SomruS founded National Chai Day on September 21, 2018, to celebrate the flavorful drink spreading its leaves across the country by the cupful.

ABOUT SOMRUS

SomruS is the World’s First Line of Indian Liqueurs. Our flagship product, SomruS Original, is an artisanal Chai liqueur made with cardamom and other eastern spices, nuts, real Wisconsin dairy and Caribbean Rum. Created by an Indian American couple in their kitchen in Burr Ridge, IL just 4 years ago, SomruS Original Indian Cream Liqueur is now the most awarded cream liqueur on the planet (www.proof66.com). SomruS is the first liqueur that can be used to create authentic chai adult beverages from a Chaitini to a Hard Chai to a Hot Chai Latte. Our liqueur is next generation in terms of quality and is low ABV and gluten-free with no preservatives or artificial flavors.

TAZO Pumpkin Spice Chai Latte Tea Concentrate, 32 oz

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HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL CHAI DAY

Visit a local tea shop or cafe and order a cup of chai. Choose from a variety of blends. While chai is customarily steeped with black tea, green chai is available, too. Try both! Introduce a friend to the love of chai, too! When you do, give a shout out to your favorite cafe. Take a selfie as you enjoy and use #NationalChaiDay to share on social media.

Oregon Chai, Organic and Gluten Free Chai Tea Latte Concentrate, The Original, 32 Fl Ounce Boxes (Pack of 6)
Oregon Chai, Organic and Gluten Free Chai Tea Latte Concentrate, The Original, 32 Fl Ounce Boxes (Pack of 6)
TAZO Tea Bags, Black Tea, Regenerative Organic Chai Tea, 16 Count (Pack of 6)
TAZO Tea Bags, Black Tea, Regenerative Organic Chai Tea, 16 Count (Pack of 6)
Cafe Escapes, Chai Latte Tea Beverage, Single-Serve Keurig K-Cup Pods, 96 Count (4 Boxes of 24 Pods)
Cafe Escapes, Chai Latte Tea Beverage, Single-Serve Keurig K-Cup Pods, 96 Count (4 Boxes of 24 Pods)
Jordan's Skinny Syrups Sugar Free Coffee Syrup, Chai Flavor Drink Mix, Zero Calorie Flavoring for Chai Latte, Protein Shake, Food and More, Gluten Free, Keto Friendly, 25.4 Fl Oz, 1 Pack
Jordan’s Skinny Syrups Sugar Free Coffee Syrup, Chai Flavor Drink Mix, Zero Calorie Flavoring for Chai Latte, Protein Shake, Food and More, Gluten Free, Keto Friendly, 25.4 Fl Oz, 1 Pack

NATIONAL GUACAMOLE DAY

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National Guacamole Day on September 16 brings fresh flavors together for the perfect celebration. What a great way to kick off Hispanic Heritage Month!

Avocados shine as the star of this dip! Lime juice, tomatoes, onion, and seasonings make guacamole a guilt-free addition to any snack or meal.

Since avocados fall under the superfood category, feel free to indulge. Packed full of good fats and nutrients, along with the fresh taste of lime and hint of spice, the dip is flavorful. It’s easy to make, too. Take it to work or use it for a party dish.

Guacamole is versatile, too. For example, add it as a topping on a quesadilla or even add it to a salad. Of course, the simplest way to enjoy is by dipping your favorite tortilla chip.

Gorilla Grip 100% Granite Slip Resistant Mortar and Pestle Set, Stone Guacamole Spice Grinder Bowls, Large Molcajete for Mexican Salsa Avocado Taco Mix Bowl, Kitchen Cooking Accessories, 1.5 Cup, Gray
Gorilla Grip 100% Granite Slip Resistant Mortar and Pestle Set, Stone Guacamole Spice Grinder Bowls, Large Molcajete for Mexican Salsa Avocado Taco Mix Bowl, Kitchen Cooking Accessories, 1.5 Cup, Gray
PrepWorks by Progressive Fresh Guacamole ProKeeper Plastic Kitchen Storage Container with Air Tight Lid,Green
PrepWorks by Progressive Fresh Guacamole ProKeeper Plastic Kitchen Storage Container with Air Tight Lid,Green
The Spice Lab Guacamole Mix Seasoning for Avocado - Shaker Jar - Perfect for Your Guacamole Seasoning Chip Dip or With Tacos and Nachos or Avocado Toast Seasoning - All Natural and Keto Friendly
The Spice Lab Guacamole Mix Seasoning for Avocado – Shaker Jar – Perfect for Your Guacamole Seasoning Chip Dip or With Tacos and Nachos or Avocado Toast Seasoning – All Natural and Keto Friendly
Deborah M. Schneider Salsas and Moles: Fresh and Authentic Recipes for Pico de Gallo, Mole Poblano, Chimichurri, Guacamole, and More [A Cookbook]
Deborah M. Schneider
Salsas and Moles: Fresh and Authentic Recipes for Pico de Gallo, Mole Poblano, Chimichurri, Guacamole, and More [A Cookbook]

Originating with the Aztecs in Mexico, guacamole is an avocado-based sauce that has become popular in American cuisine as a dip, condiment, and salad ingredient. 

Using a mortar and pestle, mash ripe avocados and then mixing in sea salt.  Beyond the tomatoes, onion, garlic, and lemon juice, hot sauce, yogurt or other seasonings can be added.  If a celebration calls for spicier guacamole, add jalapenos, chilis, cumin, or red pepper. 

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HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalGuacamoleDay

Mix up your favorite recipe for guacamole. Go to your favorite restaurant and order some fresh guacamole. While there, give a shout out to the restaurants with the best guacamole around.  Be sure to invite friends. As we say around here, why #CelebrateEveryDay if you don’t do it with friends? Share your recipes and find the best combination. Use #NationalGuacamoleDay to share on social media.

HERDEZ Guacamole Salsa, Medium, 32 oz. jug #NationalGuacamoleDay
HERDEZ Guacamole Salsa, Medium, 32 oz. jug
MaeMai Crispy Onions & Garlic Flakes - Keto, Healthy Spicy Seasoning, Salad Toppings, Fried Onions - Ramen, Rice Seasoning, Vegan, Gluten-free | Medium Spice | 75g | Single #NationalGuacamoleDay
MaeMai Crispy Onions & Garlic Flakes – Keto, Healthy Spicy Seasoning, Salad Toppings, Fried Onions – Ramen, Rice Seasoning, Vegan, Gluten-free | Medium Spice
Zaaschila Sauce Guacamole & Serrano 9.35oz #NationalGuacamoleDay
Zaaschila Sauce Guacamole & Serrano 9.35oz
365 by Whole Foods Market, Organic White Corn Tortilla Chips, 12 Ounce #NationalGuacamoleDay
365 by Whole Foods Market, Organic White Corn Tortilla Chips, 12 Ounce

NATIONAL CHICKEN MONTH

Jensperspectiveblog 3 Comments

For over two decades, the National Chicken Council has banded together with major chicken producers in the U.S. to promote chicken sales in September. As a result, September is known as National Chicken Month! This once slow month, as the summer grilling season waned, has turned into one of the year’s best performing sales periods. September might be the month we find out which came first, the chicken or the egg.

First domesticated for cockfighting, the chicken eventually made its way to the dinner table. Many families have their own homemade spice recipes. A major part of enjoying chicken is the spicing. Food experts have debated for years about the contents of KFC. White pepper, paprika, and even Thousand-Island dressing are among the eleven herbs and spices supposedly in the Colonel’s recipe.

Swanson White Premium Chunk Canned Chicken Breast in Water, Fully Cooked Chicken, 12.5 OZ Can
Swanson White Premium Chunk Canned Chicken Breast in Water, Fully Cooked Chicken, 12.5 OZ Can
Kirkland Signature Chicken Breast, 12.5 Ounce (6) (Pack of 6)
Kirkland Signature Chicken Breast, 12.5 Ounce (6) (Pack of 6)
StarKist Premium White Chicken - 2.6 oz Pouch (Pack of 12)
StarKist Premium White Chicken – 2.6 oz Pouch (Pack of 12)
Dr. Kellyann Bone Broth Packets, Original Homestyle Flavor - 7 Servings, Chicken Broth with 100% Grass-fed Hydrolyzed Collagen Peptides Powder, 16g Protein, Keto and Paleo Diet Friendly
Dr. Kellyann Bone Broth Packets, Original Homestyle Flavor – 7 Servings, Chicken Broth with 100% Grass-fed Hydrolyzed Collagen Peptides Powder, 16g Protein, Keto and Paleo Diet Friendly

There are 25 billion chickens in the world, making them the most abundant bird species. Did you know all vertebrate species lay eggs? And, all hard-shelled variety eggs originated with reptiles? Chickens, like many birds, are descendants of the dinosaurs. Chickens are relatively closely related to reptiles on the evolutionary chain. In recent decades, many researchers have started describing dinosaurs as more like flightless birds than reptiles. Even though chickens are not entirely flightless, they can get airborne enough to get over a fence or into a tree.

Winner! Winner! Chicken Dinner!

Ever wonder why so many different meats like rattlesnake and alligator apparently taste like chicken? Several explanations point to why mainstream Americans tend to have limited experience with judging flavor. Our taste buds, in other words, are not finely tuned. Our meat experiences are limited mostly to beef, pork, and chicken. A gourmet with a seasoned palette has a broader experience, which makes them more apt to identify exotic meats like rattlesnake and alligator.

Chicken is full of health benefits. When eaten without the skin, chicken is very lean. It is carb-free and rich in Vitamins B3 and B6, as well as two important minerals, phosphorus, and selenium. Various parts of the chicken are considered special treats in some countries. For instance, in China, chicken feet are considered a delicacy.

HISTORY

For over two decades, the National Chicken Council has banded together all of the major chicken producers in the U.S. to promote chicken sales in September, turning a once slow month, as the summer grilling season waned, into one of the year’s best-performing sales periods.

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HOW TO OBSERVE

There are several ways to observe National Chicken Month. We recommend trying a new recipe. Whether you choose white meat, dark meat, fried, broiled, baked or warmed over, prepare your chicken the way you like it!

Try one of our family favorites…

Use #NationalChickenMonth in social media correspondence.

Emeril Lagasse Dual Zone 360 Air Fryer Oven Combo with French Door, 25 QT Extra Large Family Size Meals to Cook Two Foods in Two Different Ways at The Same Time, Up to 60% Faster from Frozen to Finish#NationalChickenMonth
Emeril Lagasse Dual Zone 360 Air Fryer Oven Combo with French Door, 25 QT Extra Large Family Size Meals to Cook Two Foods in Two Different Ways at The Same Time, Up to 60% Faster from Frozen to Finish

NATIONAL ITALIAN CHEESE MONTH

Jensperspectiveblog 13 Comments

Lasagna. Pizza. Manicotti. Ravioli. Cannoli. What do all of these delicious dishes have in common? They’re all made with Italian Cheese! September is National Italian Cheese Month, and there’s no better time to celebrate the buttery, bold, creamy, crumbly and nutty Italian Cheeses that are essential to our favorite Italian fare. After all, these are the memorable meals that bring families together!

With as many as 450 varieties of Italian Cheese—there are enough tastes and textures to satisfy every age group and palate. How many have you tried? Imagine the recipes!

Mozzarella is the most popular cheese in the United States, with the average American eating more than 11 pounds of this classic cheese every year. (Fantastico!) But that’s not where our love affair with Italian Cheese ends. Other favorites include the versatile Ricotta and Provolone, hard cheese like Parmesan and Romano, creamy selections like Fresh Mozzarella and Mascarpone, and one-of-a-kind flavors like Bel Paese, Asiago, and Gorgonzola. Italian Cheese is even available in Cheese Sticks, which are beloved by kids across the country!

Italian Cheese is full of a rich, flavorful history waiting to be shared. It is believed that Italian Cheese dates as far back as the Roman Empire, where many families had a special kitchen, called a caseale, used exclusively for making, aging, and storing cheese. Romans were passionate about creating and sharing their cheese, introducing the art of cheesemaking to other European countries. Today, fine Italian Cheese is made in both Italy and America, with some Italian Cheese earning Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status, ensuring the cheese was made in a specific region following traditional methods.

HISTORY

Galbani® cheese founded National Italian Cheese Month in 2017 to celebrate America’s love of Italian Cheese.

Visit Galbani® for Italian Cheese recipes all month long. Follow them for more great ideas on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest.

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HOW TO OBSERVE

Look no further for ways to celebrate Italian Cheese Month! Create the ultimate cheese plate to sample and share at work. Have your friends over for a make-your-own-pizza party. Or treat your family to decadent desserts like Cannoli and Tiramisu. There are so many ways to celebrate Italian Cheese, all you need is the appetite! Share your favorites by using #NationalItalianCheeseMonth on social media.

Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese DOP 2 lb#NationalItalianCheeseMonth
Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese DOP 2 lb
Galbani " Crema Belpaese ", Certosa Cheese Melted 6.17 Fluid Ounce (175ml) Packages#NationalItalianCheeseMonth
Galbani ” Crema Belpaese “, Certosa Cheese Melted 6.17 Fluid Ounce (175ml) Packages
igourmet Authentic Imported Italian Cheese Collection#NationalItalianCheeseMonth
igourmet Authentic Imported Italian Cheese Collection
Gourmet Meat & Cheese Sampler Gift Basket - Deluxe Charcuterie Cheese Platter - GourmetGiftBaskets.com Food Gifts#NationalItalianCheeseMonth
Gourmet Meat & Cheese Sampler Gift Basket – Deluxe Charcuterie Cheese Platter – GourmetGiftBaskets.com Food Gifts

NATIONAL CHOP SUEY DAY

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Get your chopsticks ready!  National Chop Suey Day recognizes this American Chinese culinary cuisine each year on August 29. 

Chop suey, which means assorted pieces, is a dish in American Chinese cuisine. The main ingredients include meat (chicken, fish, beef, prawns or pork) and eggs. As the meat cooks over high heat, add vegetables (usually bean sprouts, cabbage, and celery). The dish is bound in a starch-thickened sauce. Typically, rice accompanies the flavorful dish. 

According to food historian Alan Davidson, chop suey is “A prime example of culinary mythology.” These food myths happen with popular foods. Illustrated below, several colorful and conflicting stories tell of chop suey’s possible origin. 

Chop Suey Stories

Some believe chop suey was invented in America by Chinese Americans. However, anthropologist E.N. Anderson finds another conclusion.  According to Anderson, the word tsap seui means miscellaneous leftovers and hails from Taishan, a district of Guangdong Province.  Many early Chinese immigrants traveled from their home in Taishan to the United States.

Another account claims Chinese American cooks who were working on the transcontinental railroad invented chop suey in the 19th century.

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A prime example of culinary mythology. ~ Alan Davidson on the origin of chop suey.

One tale stemming from the Quing Dynasty connects to premier Li Hongzhang’s visit in 1896. According to the story, his chef wanted to create a meal suitable for both the Chinese and American palates. Another version of the story tells that Li wandered to a local Chinese restaurant after the hotel kitchen closed. Even though the chef was embarrassed because he had nothing prepared to offer, he made a dish for Li. Comprised of leftover scraps, the chef created the new “chop suey” dish. 

Still another myth tells of an 1860s Chinese restaurant cook in San Francisco. After hours, the chef was forced to serve something to the drunken miners. He had nothing fresh to offer. However, to avoid a beating, he threw leftovers in a wok, providing a makeshift meal to the miners. The miners loved the dish, asking him for the name of the dish.  To which the chef replied, “Chopped Sui.”  

Traveling to the United States in 1903, Liang Oichao, a Guangdong native, wrote that there existed a food item called chop suey. While regularly served by Chinese restaurateurs, the local Chinese people did not eat this dish.

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HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalChopSueyDay

Of course, the directive of the day would be to enjoy some chop suey. But why stop there?

  • Take a cooking class and learn to make it yourself.
  • Pick up a Chinese American cookbook and find a new recipe.
  • Share your favorite chop suey recipe.
  • Give a shout out to the restaurant that cooks it best. We love it when you do that!

Be sure to use #NationalChopSueyDay to post on social media.

National Chop Suey Day: Best Activities & Things To Do On National Chop Suey Day: Way to Have a Good National Chop Suey Day #NationalChopSueyDay
National Chop Suey Day: Best Activities & Things To Do On National Chop Suey Day: Way to Have a Good National Chop Suey Day
Chop Suey, USA: The Story of Chinese Food in America (Arts and Traditions of the Table: Perspectives on Culinary History)#NationalChopSueyDay
Chop Suey, USA: The Story of Chinese Food in America (Arts and Traditions of the Table: Perspectives on Culinary History)
From Canton Restaurant to Panda Express: A History of Chinese Food in the United States (Asian American Studies Today)#NationalChopSueyDay
From Canton Restaurant to Panda Express: A History of Chinese Food in the United States (Asian American Studies Today)
Chinese Takeaway Cookbook: From Chop Suey to Sweet 'n' Sour, Over 70 Recipes to Re-create Your Favourites#NationalChopSueyDay
Chinese Takeaway Cookbook: From Chop Suey to Sweet ‘n’ Sour, Over 70 Recipes to Re-create Your Favourites