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NATIONAL ANISETTE DAY

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On July 2nd, we recognize a liqueur derived from aniseed on National Anisette Day. Aniseed from the anis herb gives anisette its licorice or fennel flavor. While usually a dry dry liqueur, distillers sometimes add a sugar syrup for a sweeter result. Spain, Italy, Portugal, and France lead the world in drinking this licorice tasting drink.

The herb of the aniseed, usually the main ingredient in anisette, is considered to have medicinal qualities. Sweeter than other anise-flavored liqueurs, anisette’s association with a variety cures date back to ancient Egypt. As a liqueur, distillers create a dryer anisette in Europe than they do in the United States. Distillers add other spices such as coriander and fruit to distill anisette, too.

While most enjoy anisette by sipping it, the liqueur can be mixed as a cocktail, too. However, pure anise extract should not be drunk straight. Since its alcoholic content is high, it irritates the throat. However, mixing it in with coffee, gin, bourbon, or water will bring out a bit of a sweet flavor. The solution? Bake some anise cookies!

If you’re the one who eats all the black jelly beans, you will likely savor a shot with anisette. The licorice flavor comes from the same anise plant that some licorice candies are made. 

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HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalAnisetteDay

Anisette mixes well with other liqueurs, juices, and sodas for a variety of cocktails and shooters. Sip some anisette for a toast to the licorice flavor you love!  You can also make anise cookies or spiced bars.  Post on social media using #NationalAnisetteDay.

McCormick Pure Anise Extract, 2 fl oz
McCormick Pure Anise Extract, 2 fl oz
The Spice Way Star Anise - whole star anise (3 oz) great for baking and tea#NationalAnisetteDay
The Spice Way Star Anise – whole star anise (3 oz) great for baking and tea
Tequila Glasses Heavy Base Shot Glass Cordial Glasses 2 OZ (Set of 6)#NationalAnisetteDay
Tequila Glasses Heavy Base Shot Glass Cordial Glasses 2 OZ (Set of 6)
KITESSENSU Cocktail Shaker Set Bartender Kit with Stand | Bar Set Drink Mixer Set with All Essential Accessory Tools: Martini Shaker, Jigger, Strainer, Mixer Spoon, Muddler, Liquor Pourers |Silver#NationalAnisetteDay
KITESSENSU Cocktail Shaker Set Bartender Kit with Stand | Bar Set Drink Mixer Set with All Essential Accessory Tools: Martini Shaker, Jigger, Strainer, Mixer Spoon, Muddler, Liquor Pourers |Silver

NATIONAL CANDIED ORANGE PEEL DAY

Jensperspectiveblog 13 Comments

National Candied Orange Peel Day is observed annually on May 4th. Candied Orange Peels are a boiled, sliced and sugared treat.

Chefs and bakers like using them to add bright flavor to dishes as well as beautiful garnishes. Often used in holiday baking such as cookies and fruitcakes, they also add flavor to other foods as well. Add them to granola, tarts, and other pastries. You can also enjoy them as a snack on their own.

Dip the candied orange peel in milk or dark chocolate for a decadent candy. Not only is it delicious but it’s also a fanciful gift anyone would appreciate.

HOW TO OBSERVE #CandiedOrangePeelDay

Have you ever enjoyed candied orange peel? Pick up some fresh oranges and reserve the rinds to make this treat at home. There are so many ways to use it and it can be frozen to save any extra. Use #CandiedOrangePeelDay to post on social media.

Collins Candied Fruit Orange Peel Twist in Syrup - Popular Cocktail Garnish for Skinny Margarita, Martini, Mojito, Old Fashioned Drinks, Peel for Baking, 10.9oz, Black#CandiedOrangePeelDay
Collins Candied Fruit Orange Peel Twist in Syrup – Popular Cocktail Garnish for Skinny Margarita, Martini, Mojito, Old Fashioned Drinks, Peel for Baking, 10.9oz, Black
Paradise Diced Peel, Orange, 8 Ounce#CandiedOrangePeelDay
Paradise Diced Peel, Orange, 8 Ounce
Trader Joe's Sweetened Dried Orange Slices#CandiedOrangePeelDay
Trader Joe’s Sweetened Dried Orange Slices
Dark Chocolate Orange Peel Sticks, Candied Orange Peel Slices Coated With Dark Chocolate#CandiedOrangePeelDay
Dark Chocolate Orange Peel Sticks, Candied Orange Peel Slices Coated With Dark Chocolate

NATIONAL PEANUT BRITTLE DAY

Jensperspectiveblog 24 Comments

National Peanut Brittle Day is observed on January 26th. A hard, flat candy confection, peanut brittle is enjoyed throughout the United States.

Peanut Brittle includes caramelized sugar or corn syrup. Nuts are added to the molten sugar and then poured onto a flat surface such as granite or marble and smoothed into a thin sheet. The candy cools into a hard, brittle treat that is broken into smaller pieces. Some of the best brittles are hand-stretched into a thin, easily cracked candy that melts in the mouth.

The history of peanut brittle is uncertain, though one legend says it was all a mistake. The story goes that a southern woman was making taffy and instead of using cream of tartar, she used baking soda by accident.

CANDY RECIPES, PEANUT CANDIES: 41 Different Recipes, 15 Peanut Brittle, 20 Peanut Butter, 1 Ice Cream Topping, 5 Coated Nuts #PeanutBrittleDay
CANDY RECIPES, PEANUT CANDIES: 41 Different Recipes, 15 Peanut Brittle, 20 Peanut Butter, 1 Ice Cream Topping, 5 Coated Nuts
The Complete Candy Making Book: Brittles, Caramels, Homemade Caramels, Gummies, Lollipops, Chocolates, Fudge, Truffles and So Much More#PeanutBrittleDay
The Complete Candy Making Book: Brittles, Caramels, Homemade Caramels, Gummies, Lollipops, Chocolates, Fudge, Truffles and So Much More

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HOW TO OBSERVE #PeanutBrittleDay

Make up a batch of peanut brittle to share with that person you just know loves it. Since the candy keeps well, give it as a gift. You might also teach someone to make your favorite recipe, passing on the tradition.

Use #PeanutBrittleDay to post on social media.

Brittle Brothers Peanut Brittle - 8 oz Box - Voted #1 in America - 4 x's more Nuts! - Cashew Pecan Bacon Corporate Gift Men Women Candy Snack Birthday Sampler Christmas Mother Father Graduation Office Mix Valentines Day Party#PeanutBrittleDay
Brittle Brothers Peanut Brittle – 8 oz Box – Voted #1 in America – 4 x’s more Nuts! – Cashew Pecan Bacon Corporate Gift Men Women Candy Snack Birthday Sampler Christmas Mother Father Graduation Office Mix Valentines Day Party
Old Fashioned Home Made Style Traditional Peanut Brittle, Bulk Candy (2 Pound) #PeanutBrittleDay
Old Fashioned Home Made Style Traditional Peanut Brittle, Bulk Candy (2 Pound)
Brittle-Brittle Peanut Brittle 38 oz#PeanutBrittleDay
Brittle-Brittle Peanut Brittle 38 oz
See's Candies 1 lb 8 oz Valentine's Day Peanut Brittle#PeanutBrittleDay
See’s Candies 1 lb 8 oz Valentine’s Day Peanut Brittle

NATIONAL CARAMEL POPCORN DAY

Jensperspectiveblog 2 Comments

Each year on April 6th, National Caramel Popcorn Day conjures up memories of fairs, sporting events, and fun snacking.

In January, we celebrated National Popcorn Day. Now, we add delicious caramel popcorn to the calendar, one of America’s favorite snacks. For many people, this chewy or crunchy caramel popcorn treat is an all-time favorite. 

Combining popcorn and molasses began in the early 1800s. However, caramel was prevalent as well, and with the production of Cracker Jack, the popularity was ever-increasing. Invented by Frederick Rueckheim, the popcorn merchant dabbled with creating a new snack. An immigrant from Germany to Chicago, he enlisted his brother, Louis, to help. After adding molasses and nuts, their snack was ready for an introduction to the masses.

Like many famous foods, Cracker Jack gained popularity on the stage of the 1893 World’s Fair. Other foods to grab the public’s attention at similar expositions include cotton candy and the ice cream cone. While they weren’t invented there, nor did they make their debut, they sure did capture the imagination and make a lasting impression there.

However, in 1908, something happened to connect Cracker Jack and baseball permanently in the American psyche, while also launching the business into high gear. A young entertainer by the name of Jack Norworth penned a catchy tune referencing Cracker Jack and the American pastime. The song “Take Me Out To The Ballgame” not only caused sales of the snackfood to soar but the fans of the game continue to sing the song at every game.

There are many commercial brands and forms of caramel corn available in grocery stores, cinemas, and convenience stores.  There are also specialty brands available in stores, gift catalogs, and online.

HOW TO OBSERVE #CaramelPopcornDay

Enjoy your favorite kind of caramel popcorn. If you’re making some, don’t forget to make extra for others, too. The bigger the batch, the better. We even have a recipe for you to try. Stop by your favorite treat shop and pick up some caramel corn. While you’re there, give them a shout out, too. It’s a great way to support small businesses.

Another fun way to celebrate is by singing “Take Me Out To The Ball Game” and watching one on TV. Tune into an old game until the season starts up again.

Use #CaramelPopcornDay to post on social media.

Popcornopolis Gourmet Caramel Corn Popcorn, Popped Popcorn Snack Bags 9.5 Oz#CaramelPopcornDay
Popcornopolis Gourmet Caramel Corn Popcorn, Popped Popcorn Snack Bags 9.5 Oz
Stonehedge Farms Caramel Flavored Popcorn - 32 oz Large Tub - Bulk Gourmet Deliciously Old Fashioned Popped Sweet Snacks - Made in the USA#CaramelPopcornDay
Stonehedge Farms Caramel Flavored Popcorn – 32 oz Large Tub – Bulk Gourmet Deliciously Old Fashioned Popped Sweet Snacks – Made in the USA
CRUNCH 'N MUNCH Caramel Popcorn with Peanuts, 3.5 oz. (Pack of 12)#CaramelPopcornDay
CRUNCH ‘N MUNCH Caramel Popcorn with Peanuts, 3.5 oz. (Pack of 12)
CARAMEL POPCORN-Pops Corn-1.5lbs GOURMET POPCORN-Gift-Premium FRESH & DELICIOUS -Made in the USA - Most popular classic popped caramel corn. Handmade & No Preservatives!!#CaramelPopcornDay
CARAMEL POPCORN-Pops Corn-1.5lbs GOURMET POPCORN-Gift-Premium FRESH & DELICIOUS -Made in the USA – Most popular classic popped caramel corn. Handmade & No Preservatives!!