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NATIONAL RED WINE DAY

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On August 28th, National Red Wine Day ushers in the flavors of fall. As the grapes ripen and signal a time for warmer sips, wine drinkers know reds mean tailgating and spicy foods.

Throughout the year, wine days afford us the opportunity to taste and learn about the differences between wines. Earlier this month National Prosecco Day gave us the last bubbly rays of summer. Now we savor the best of the season with Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot noir, Port, and Syrah.

Red Wine Glasses - Lead Free Titanium Crystal Glass, 22 oz. Large Bowl, Long Stemmed Glassware - For Wine Tasting, Birthday, Anniversary or Wedding Gifts – Set of 3 Visit the RÖD Wine Store
Red Wine Glasses – Lead Free Titanium Crystal Glass, 22 oz. Large Bowl, Long Stemmed Glassware – For Wine Tasting, Birthday, Anniversary or Wedding Gifts – Set of 3

Visit the RÖD Wine Store

Red wine varietals produce deep ruby reds as well as subtle ambers and browns. Their beautiful colors hint at the coming change in the season. With that, we can look for delicious menu changes, too. Besides, what better way to enjoy a great bottle of wine than by pairing it with excellent company and food. Restaurants around the country will be happy to oblige throughout the celebration. Be sure to check out the latest menus from appetizers to desserts.

Wine Folly: The Essential Guide to Wine Kindle Edition by Madeline Puckette  (Author)
Wine Folly: The Essential Guide to Wine Kindle Edition

by Madeline Puckette  (Author)

Don’t fear the red, either. Even if you prefer a sweeter wine, there’s a red for you. Also, blends offer a way to enjoy the best of both wine worlds. And don’t fret. Red, red wine pairs well with salad, steak, dessert and so much more.

If you’re hesitant, attend a wine tasting. There you will learn more each time and find the wine that fits not only your palate but your cooking style, too.

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HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalRedWineDay

Pour a glass or two of delicious red wine. Not sure what kind to try? Ask sommelier and enjoy a wine tasting with friends. Use #NationalRedWineDay to share your favorites.

NATIONAL RED WINE DAY HISTORY

In 2014, Jace Shoemaker-Galloway created National Red Wine Day. 

NATIONAL HERBS AND SPICES DAY

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National Herbs and Spices Day is observed annually on June 10.

It is the season for fresh herbs and spices. They are an essential part of flavorful cooking as well as fun and easy to grow.

Raising your own herbs can be a form of relaxing therapy. Herbs and spices have been used for many hundreds of years, and besides making our food delicious, each has its specific health benefits. Growing your own herbs and spices is a great way to add fresh variety to your food.  Herbs raised in your home add an aromatic and natural fragrance to the air.

Basil, Rosemary, Nutmeg, Garlic, Sage, Tyme, Oregano, Italian, Greek, Cajun, Blackening, Fennel, Chili Powder, Dill, Red Pepper Flakes, Ginger, Paprika, Cinnamon, are among my most used almost every meal. Lavender, Vanilla, Anise, Bay Leaf and Tumeric on occasion as well. It’s a good bet in combination with onions, you’ll find on our table daily. A good mix make Beef Stew, Taco’s and Tex Mex, My Greek Turkey bake, Asian Pork Chops, and don’t forget Spaghetti and My Easy Chili.

I find myself adding to or finessing flavors even if I use a pre-packaged spice mix. Having a hood sense of these help me not only make up my own delicious creations, but help judge recipes to try. I’m happy to be surprised of course although things calling for heavy amounts of Parsley, Cilantro, or heavy amounts of cayenne are things we try to avoid.

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HOW TO OBSERVE

 Use #HerbsAndSpicesDay to post on social media.

INTERNATIONAL HUMMUS DAY

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Every year on May 13th, hummus lovers unite to celebrate International Hummus Day. The day also spreads awareness for this delicious food that’s considered a cross-cultural phenomenon.

Hummus is an Arabic word that means chickpea. Despite the Arabic roots of hummus, some historians believe this food originated in Egypt. Still, other groups of people, including the Lebanese, Turks, Jews, and Syrians, have tried to take credit for inventing hummus.

No matter who actually invented it, the basic recipe for hummus has remained the same throughout the years. The most basic hummus recipe consists of chickpeas, tahini (ground sesame seeds), olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic. Some people like different flavors of hummus. These flavors include sun-dried tomato, spinach and artichoke, red pepper, basil pesto, chipotle, roasted garlic, and lemon.

Every flavor of hummus is considered a very healthy food, too. Hummus packs a wide variety of vitamins and minerals into a single serving. With each delicious bite, hummus provides folate, copper, manganese, magnesium, iron, zinc, and Vitamin B6. Hummus is also a low-carb food with a plant-based protein.

Other health benefits of hummus include:

  • It’s high in fiber, which promotes digestive health and feeds good gut bacteria.
  • The ingredients used have been proven to fight inflammation.
  • It has a low glycemic index, which means it helps control blood sugar levels.
  • Chickpeas are considered a heart-healthy food that reduces the risk of heart disease.
  • It promotes weight loss and the ability to maintain a healthy body weight.

Additionally, people all over the world eat hummus because it’s free of many common food allergens, including gluten, nuts, and dairy.

INTERNATIONAL HUMMUS DAY HISTORY

Ben Lang, co-founder of Innovation Israel, along with his friend, Miriam Young, founded International Hummus Day in 2012. Inspiration for the day came from another kind of spread called Nutella. When they realized  World Nutella Day celebrated the hazelnut spread, they thought hummus deserved its own day as well.

HOW TO OBSERVE #InternationalHummusDay

On this day, people around the world are encouraged to eat some hummus. They can eat it for either breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Eateries across the globe, from New York City to Melbourne, hold hummus-tasting events.

To participate:

  • If you’ve never tried hummus, grab some pita bread or carrots and give it a try.
  • Make your own hummus from scratch.
  • Eat at a restaurant that serves Middle Eastern food.
  • Watch Hummus! The Movie – a story of faith, community, and growth.
  • Share this day on social media with #HummusDay.
Helena Hummus Tripack, Shelf-stable, No added preservatives, 2 Natural Classic 4.23 oz and 1 Roasted Bell Pepper 4.23 oz #HummusDay
Helena Hummus Tripack, Shelf-stable, No added preservatives, 2 Natural Classic 4.23 oz and 1 Roasted Bell Pepper 4.23 oz
Wheat Thins Original Whole Grain Wheat Crackers, Party Size, 20 oz Box#HummusDay
Wheat Thins Original Whole Grain Wheat Crackers, Party Size, 20 oz Box
Organic Whole Sesame Tahini Paste - Unhulled & Stone-Ground - Silky Smooth Texture in Hummus, Dips, Dressings - Unsalted, Nut-Free, Kosher, Paleo, Keto 11.6 oz Glass Jar (2-Pack)#HummusDay
Organic Whole Sesame Tahini Paste – Unhulled & Stone-Ground – Silky Smooth Texture in Hummus, Dips, Dressings – Unsalted, Nut-Free, Kosher, Paleo, Keto 11.6 oz Glass Jar (2-Pack)
Stacy's Multigrain Pita Chips#HummusDay
Stacy’s Multigrain Pita Chips

National Fresh Celery Month – April

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National Fresh Celery Month in April provides an opportunity to experiment with recipes and challenge the way we use the vegetable in our cooking

Take celery beyond peanut butter sticks and cocktails. When combined with the right ingredients, celery can be a stunning addition to a dish. The beauty of celery is it adds a punch of crunch, a hint of vibrant color and subtle flavor without being overpowering.

While we may like filling the celery’s convenient groove with peanut butter, there are other excellent fillers. Try seasoned cream cheese, chicken salad or hummus.

Sliced celery dressed with light vinaigrette and grapes and walnuts make an excellent small salad. Don’t forget the celery leaves. Toss them into your salads, too! For another salad spin, try goat cheese and chives with red onion.

There’s a reason peanut butter and celery go together. It’s not just an afternoon snack. Celery compliments many soups and does only have to go into a vegetable medley.  Yes, peanut butter is another way to soup it up.

When it comes to the main dish, celery compliments nearly any protein and that includes non-animal proteins.  Whether you’re cooking with chicken, beef or beans, celery will boost texture and flavor.  Try a new recipe every week during National Fresh Celery Month, and discover how celery can benefit your cooking.

HOW TO OBSERVE

Add celery to your shopping list and be sure to add it to a few meals this month. Use #NationalFreshCeleryMonth to share on social media.

NATIONAL SHAWARMA DAY

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National Shawarma Day on October 15th celebrates the Middle Eastern rotisserie method of cooking meats such as lamb, chicken, and beef and the dishes it makes. Not only does shawarma bring mouth-watering flavour, but it also can be enjoyed in a variety of ways.

Bursting with a marinade of Mediterranean herbs and spices, shawarma chicken slowly cooks on a vertical rotisserie spit. The tender meat is then thinly sliced, grilled and added to a pita wrap with a variety of toppings. Customize this flavourful dish with fresh vegetables, cheese and a variety of herbs. Special sauces enhance the enjoyment of this delectable dish as well, such as the customer favourite Osmow’s™ garlic sauce. No matter how you like your shawarma, the combinations are endless.

Not in the mood for a wrap? Shawarma also tastes great on a salad, rice or fries. Anything exploding with this much flavour deserves a celebration!

NATIONAL SHAWARMA DAY HISTORY

Osmow’s founded National Shawarma Day in 2020 to celebrate the Middle Eastern flavours offered in delicious shawarma. Celebrate with one of Osmow’s signature dishes. Whether it’s a wrap, on the ROCKS™ (rice) or STIX™ (fries) or another customer favourite poutine, you’ll be sure to keep coming back for more!

About Osmow’s

Founded in 2001 by Sam Osmow, the first Osmow’s store was located in Streetsville, Ontario, Canada & remains a successful operation to this day. Sam saw an opportunity to bring his Egyptian roots to the Canadian landscape blending traditional Egyptian cuisine balanced with a North American palette. Thus filling a void in the current fast, casual culinary marketplace. Osmow’s flavourful dishes with their signature sauces such as the fan-favourite garlic sauce keeps bringing customers back again and again to satisfy their cravings. The restaurant has grown to more than 100 locations and is expanding across Canada. Osmow’s also invites all other Mediterranean brands to celebrate October 15th as National Shawarma Day as we continue to grow this exciting flavourful food niche in the spirit of diversity and cultural exploration

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalShawarmaDay

Experience a flavour-filled shawarma! Order lamb, beef, chicken, or even Beyond Meat® to celebrate. Share the shawarma experience by inviting a friend to join you. Any foodie will want in on the celebration. While you’re savouring every bite, be sure to share your favourite shawarma on social media. Look for special offers from Osmow’s and brand equivalents to help you satisfy your shawarma cravings, too!  And then, be sure to share your celebration on social media using #NationalShawarmaDay.

GranAroma Shawarma Spice Blend, Aromatic & Savory, Exotic Flavor, Authentic Middle Eastern Cuisine (2.48 Ounce)#NationalShawarmaDay
GranAroma Shawarma Spice Blend, Aromatic & Savory, Exotic Flavor, Authentic Middle Eastern Cuisine (2.48 Ounce)
Whole Foods Market, Organic Seasoning, Shawarma No Salt Added, 1.87 Ounce#NationalShawarmaDay
Whole Foods Market, Organic Seasoning, Shawarma No Salt Added, 1.87 Ounce
WantJoin Shawarma Grill Machine, 17 lbs Capacity, Gas Vertical Rotisserie with 2 Burners for Home, Countertop Rotating Doner Kebab Oven Broiler Gyro Maker with Shovel, 110V#NationalShawarmaDay
WantJoin Shawarma Grill Machine, 17 lbs Capacity, Gas Vertical Rotisserie with 2 Burners for Home, Countertop Rotating Doner Kebab Oven Broiler Gyro Maker with Shovel, 110V
Al Pastor Skewer for Grill, Stainless Steel Vertical Skewer, Brazilian Vertical Spit Stand with 3 Removable Spikes(8”/10"/12”)& Brushes, for Tacos Al Pastor, Shawarma Kebabs Smoker Oven BBQ Dishes#NationalShawarmaDay
Al Pastor Skewer for Grill, Stainless Steel Vertical Skewer, Brazilian Vertical Spit Stand with 3 Removable Spikes(8”/10″/12”)& Brushes, for Tacos Al Pastor, Shawarma Kebabs Smoker Oven BBQ Dishes