NATIONAL MACAROON DAY

Each year on May 31st, National Macaroon Day the small coconut cookie that’s full of flavor and variety, too. Don’t mistake these with the delicate sandwich cookies called macarons. No, these small, but substantial cookies hold their own despite the sometimes mistaken identity. For coconut lovers, this day is a little bit of bliss.

The Italians receive credit for creating these sweet morsels sometime around the 8th or 9th century. The recipes later traveled to France. However, in other parts of the world, the once flourless cookie served its purpose during religious observances.

Coconut is one of those love-hate ingredients. ~Chef Marcus Samuelsson

Eventually, the cookie made its way to the United States, where the coconut macaroon takes only a few ingredients to make. The main ingredient is always shredded coconut, usually sweetened and sometimes toasted. Other ingredients include flour, sugar or sweetened condensed milk, and egg whites and flavoring. Once the ingredients are combined, the mixture is dropped by spoonfuls onto baking sheets and baked. Most varieties of coconut macaroons are dipped in milk chocolate, dark chocolate or white chocolate. Almonds, pecans, cashews, or other nuts are sometimes added to the cookie.

More Cookies….

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalMacaroonDay

While you celebrate the day, jump into baking with a macaroon recipe! Make a variety, too. Add nuts or chocolate or both. You can also visit your favorite bakery and pick up a dozen to share. Give them a shout out, too!

Use #NationalMacaroonDay to post on social media.

Jen’s Tres Leche Cake

Slice of creamy cake with white chocolate curl and raspberry on plate, coffee cup nearby

The Tres Leches cake, or “three milks” cake, is a beloved Latin American dessert known for its uniquely moist, cloud-like texture. White cake that is thoroughly soaked in a sweet, silky blend of three distinct milks—typically evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and heavy cream. After being bathed in this rich mixture, the cake is chilled to allow the flavors to meld, then finished with a fluffy whipped cream. Top with a sprinkle of cinnamon. The result is a melt-in-your-mouth dessert that strikes a perfect balance between creamy and airy.

Ingredients

1 Yellow or White cake mix ( I usually use a Duncan Hines)

1 8 oz can sweetened condensed milk

1 can evaporated milk

1 cup heavy cream

1 Large tub whipped topping

Ground cinnamon to decorate

Directions

Assemble cake as directed.

Pour into oven safe cake pan.  I like an 9 x 13 for this.

Bake cake as directed.

Cool completely

Make milk mixture by combining condensed milk, evaporated milk and heavy cream in large bowl with wire wisk.

Once cake is completely cooled use a wooden dowl or I use wooden spoon handle to poke 4 sets of 4 offset wholes in cake top. As show.

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Slowly pour milk mixture over back of spoon or small plate so no craters are formed on cake top. 

Cover and refrigerate 1 – 2 hours for flavors to meld.

Smooth layer of whipped topping over entire top of cake use as much as desired.  Sprinkle with light dusting of cinnamon.  Serve cold and enjoy.


Enjoy this moist, delicious cake any time.  I even made it for my husbands birthday cake. Just be careful with candles.

NATIONAL PEANUT BRITTLE DAY

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.

More to explore…

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.

NATIONAL CARAMEL POPCORN DAY

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.