NATIONAL MACARONI DAY

July 6, 2026June 15, 2026Jensperspectiveblog 2 Comments

Each year on July 7th, pasta lovers across the nation dig into one of their favorite noodles on National Macaroni Day.

Made with durum wheat, macaroni is a large variety of dry pasta, which typically does not contain eggs. While many people think the shape gives macaroni its name, the kind of dough used to make the noodles give it the name. The noodle is formed into shells, spirals, straight and many other shapes, too. And in the U.S., we like our macaroni! In fact, elbow macaroni is the most common form found in the United States.

We use macaroni many different dishes from casseroles and hot dishes to soups and salads. This versatile noodle makes prepping meals a cinch, too. Many dishes made with macaroni can be made ahead, making mealtime a lot less stressful. Using macaroni in dishes is also an excellent way to stretch a recipe to feed more people.

These convenient noodles serve as a base for cheese dishes as well as meat dishes. So, whether you’re a vegetarian or a meat lover, you can celebrate the day.

My mom made this when we were growing up. It's still just as good today! — My mom made this when we were growing up. It’s still just as good today! We had it for dinner last week.

Check out these other pasta related celebrations!

Chances are there is a Noodle Celebration in your future. While some of us just think of noodles as dinner….

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalMacaroniDay

Make your favorite dish using macaroni noodles! Whether it’s hot or cold, it won’t matter as long as it’s delicious. And when you’re using macaroni, you really can’t go wrong.

Macaroni recipes fill books and websites. We would love to see yours! Share them using #NationalMacaroniDay and join the conversation.

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Amazon Fresh, Elbow Macaroni, 16 Oz
#NationalMacaroniDay — National Macaroni Day: Note-book & Sketchbook Glossy cover finish , a Unique GIFT – 6″ x 9″ Note-book: Happy 7th of july Gift for Kids and … choice for the National Macaroni Day

PIGS-IN-A-BLANKET DAY

April 23, 2026April 11, 2026Jensperspectiveblog Leave a comment

On April 24, observe National Pigs-in-a-Blanket Day with just a few ingredients.

Celebrated across the world, the term often refers to a variety of different dishes. In the United States, Pigs-in-a-Blanket is often hot dogs or sausages wrapped in biscuit or croissant dough and baked. Pigs-in-a-Blanket are generally served as an appetizer or as breakfast. However, it can be served at any mealtime!

Another popular version of pigs-in-a-blanket includes cabbage rolls stuffed with a beef filling. It’s often covered with a tomato or cream sauce. Many recipes use the name “Pigs-in-a-Blanket” to describe just about any meat product wrapped in something. For example, one recipe we found called for stuffing a hotdog with a slice of cheese and wrapping the whole works with bacon. No dough or cabbage involved here.

And while some references give Betty Crocker credit for the first printed use of the phrase in 1957, records as early as 1901 reference recipes for pigs-in-a-blanket in a variety of forms. However, the phrase did increase in usage in the English language after it was printed in the 1957 cookbook.

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalPigBlanketDay

No matter how you make pigs-in-a-blanket, make enough to share. We even have two recipes for you to try. The ones wrapped in pastry dough make great appetizers or snacks and can be dipped in a variety of sauces. Check out the sauce recipes, too!

Pigs-In-A-Blanket(Cabbage)
Pigs-In-A-Blanket (mini smokies)
Dipping Sauces

Share your version of Pigs-In-A-Blanket using #NationalPigBlanketDay on social media.

NATIONAL MAKE LUNCH COUNT DAY

April 12, 2026April 12, 2026Jensperspectiveblog 1 Comment

On April 13th, we have an opportunity to break a trend that has been occurring around the country by joining National Make Lunch Count Day.

According to a recent study commissioned by TGI Fridays, the majority of U.S. workers suffer from “FOLO” – otherwise known as a “Fear of Lunching Out.” Many workers eat lunch at their desk at least twice a week (73%) while one-third have lunch at their desk every day of the week. Don’t fear lunching out any longer!

Taking a break from the workday improves productivity. That includes taking a lunch break. Leaving the office or even your desk for 20-30 minutes to refuel also reinvigorates your creative juices. Our brains and bodies need the daily break. When you return, you’ll be refreshed and ready for new ideas and approaches to whatever your job throws your way.

Include fresh vegetables and lean proteins with your lunch. Restaurant portions tend to be oversized, so divide your plate in half and take the rest home for supper. Finally, drink water or tea instead of carbonated beverages.

NATIONAL MAKE LUNCH COUNT DAY HISTORY

TGI Fridays founded National Make Lunch Count Day in 2016 to remind American workers to get away from their desks for lunch.

The observance is here to remedy FOLO and help American workers increase their creativity and productivity.

Getting to know your co-workers can be awkward sometimes. Great conversation starters include:

What was the best movie you watched last year?
What skill do you wish you had but don’t?
If you could travel anywhere in the world right this moment, where would it be?
Everyone has at least one talent. What’s yours?

Explore More…

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalMakeLunchCountDay

Break the cycle of FOLO. Get away from your desk.
Join your co-workers and enjoy a real lunch with stimulating conversation.
Share your favorite ways to make lunch count and promote them with your peers.
Don’t just do it today, do it every day! Use #NationalMakeLunchCount to share on social media.

T.G.I. Friday's Gift Card#NationalMakeLunchCount — T.G.I. Friday’s Gift Card

T.G.I. Friday's Gift Cards, Multipack of 3#NationalMakeLunchCount — T.G.I. Friday’s Gift Card

NATIONAL GRILLED CHEESE SANDWICH DAY

April 11, 2026April 3, 2026Jensperspectiveblog 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.

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NATIONAL CHIP AND DIP DAY

March 22, 2026March 13, 2026Jensperspectiveblog 1 Comment

On March 23rd, it is a National Day just for the chip and dip! National Chip And Dip Day celebrates a perfect combination loved by many across the country. Chips and dip are the quick and easy party dish that also makes for great parties. We enjoy them for just about any occasion. From watching the game to hunkering down for a big storm, chips and dips are the way to go. Just no double-dipping, please!

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Ruffles Potato Chips, Variety Pack, 1 Ounce (Pack of 40)#NationalChipAndDipDay — Lay’s Potato Chips, Variety Pack, 1 Ounce (Pack of 40)

Only a few days earlier on March 14, we celebrate Potato Chip Day, and now we add a partner, the dip. And people have been dipping their food for centuries. Hummus-like recipes date back to the 13th century. These are some of the first “dip” recipes found.

Potato chips are not the only mode of celebrating the day. There are tortilla chips, corn chips, pretzel chips, and even popcorn chips to name a few. After you have chosen your chips, there are dozens of dips to partner with them. There are a variety of dips usually made with sour cream, cheeses, salsas, and seasonings. The combinations are endless. Don’t hesitate to mix up your favorite or try something new!

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalChipAndDipDay

Invite some family and friends over and have a chip and dip party! Be sure to share your favorite recipes, too. Use #NationalChipAndDipDay to post on social media.

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NATIONAL MACARONI DAY