NATIONAL SANDWICH MONTH

July 31, 2026July 16, 2026Jensperspectiveblog 7 Comments

August is National Sandwich Month. The basic concept of the sandwich long predates the Earl of Sandwich, the real-life 18th-century aristocrat who reportedly loved them, and gave them their modern name. The ancient Jewish sage Hillel the Elder is said to have wrapped lamb-meat and bitter herbs between two pieces of matzoh (unleavened bread) during Passover. Early versions of the “wrap” have also been found in Asia and Africa. The sandwich grew in popularity among aristocrats in the 18th and 19th centuries. Legend has it they were popularly shared, held with one hand, during late-night gaming and drinking.

The Encyclopedia of Sandwiches: Recipes, History, and Trivia for Everything Between Sliced Bread Paperback – April 5, 2011

by Susan Russo (Author), Matt Armendariz (Photographer)

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, a sandwich must have at least 35% cooked meat and be no more than 50% bread. The average American child eats about 1,500 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches before finishing high school. Astronaut John Young once smuggled a corned beef sandwich on board a Gemini flight. Submarine sandwiches are called “hoagies” in Philadelphia and “heroes” in New York. The Dagwood sandwich was first introduced by Chic Young, creator of the Blondie strip, who described the sandwich as a “mountainous pile of dissimilar leftovers.”

Stasher 100% Silicone Reusable Food Bag (Bundle, Aqua)
by Stasher — Stasher 100% Silicone Reusable Food Bag (Bundle, Aqua)

by Stasher

SANDWICH HACKS: HOW TO ENJOY NATIONAL SANDWICH MONTH

When making a BLT, weave the bacon together to avoid the bacon from falling out when you bite into it.
Worried about “fridge thieves” sealing your sandwich at the office? Get a Moldy Sandwich Bag. The bag isn’t really moldy; it only gives the appearance your lunch looks moldy and spoiled.
Instead of bread or toast, make your breakfast sandwiches with waffles.
Turn your freshly-baked bread over and slice it on the soft side. That helps prevent squishing the bread.

HISTORY

In 1952, the Wheat Flour Institute established August as National Sandwich Month. Newspapers across the country filled their pages with recipes fit for the Earl of Sandwich and picnics alike. The annual observance continues today.

HOW TO OBSERVE

Try a new sandwich recipe every week and share them on social media! Get some of our family favorites from our recipes page. Wraps, Panninis, and family dinners can be found here. Use #NationalSandwichMonth to post your creations.

Most loved school supplies — Back to School Deals

Don’t forget to subscribe to Jen’s Perspective Magazine for more special times..

NATIONAL CHILI DOG DAY

July 29, 2026June 15, 2026Jensperspectiveblog 8 Comments

On the last Thursday in July, hot dog lovers across the United States start topping their hot dogs with delicious chili to celebrate National Chili Dog Day.

Wrapping up National Hot Dog Month, the chili dog brings the heat. Add onions, cheese, or chili sauce for more variety. With a hot dog, the condiments are endless.

Also known as a coney dog or chili con carne, the first person to make a chili dog probably tried it around the turn of the 20th century. Even then it was likely a meat and tomato sauce, not the full-on firehouse chili we know today. Get Jen’s Easy Chili recipe.

Hormel Chili No Beans, 15 Ounce (Pack of 12)

Hormel Coney Island Chili, No Bean with Mustard and Onions, Perfect for Chili Dogs, 15 Ounce (Pack of 8)

Amy’s Organic Chili, Vegan Medium Chili, Gluten Free, Made With Red Beans and Tofu, 14.7 Oz (12 Pack)

CHOMPS Grass Fed Beef Jerky Meat Snack Sticks, Keto, Whole30 Approved, Paleo, Low Carb, High Protein, Gluten Free, Sugar Free, Non-GMO, Nitrate Free, 90 Calories 1.15 Oz, Original Beef 10 Pack

Even now, the chili dog gains gourmet status depending on where you go. Add the best ingredients, all-beef franks, and pretzel bun, too. My favorite is traditional chili piled on with fresh purple onion, and extra sharp cheddar cheese.

Experiment with the sausage seasonings or the type of chili. For example, switch to a flavorful brat seasoned with chipotle and top it with buffalo chili. Let your imagination go wild. Of course, a traditional chili dog is always an option, too.

Explore More…

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalChiliDogDay

Chili dogs are a meal all on their own. Grab one at the ballpark or set up a chili dog bar. Invite friends and family to create colossal and delicious chili dogs with all their favorite toppings. Host a chili cookoff and supply the franks, buns, and special toppings for the judges to add to their chili dog. Crown the winner with bragging rights!

Post on social media using #NationalChiliDogDay and encourage others to join the celebration.

Get it Delivered

NATIONAL HOT DOG DAY

July 14, 2026June 30, 2026Jensperspectiveblog 1 Comment

National Hot Dog Day in July, celebrates a summertime staple on a bun. Enjoy one piping hot and add some relish and mustard to go! One thing we want to know – is it a sandwich or not?

Celebrated every year during National Hot Dog Month, this day pays homage to the frankfurter, the footlong or wienie, wiener, wienerwurst or even red hot. They taste just as great no matter what we call it.

Novelty Funny Hotdog Ketchup Unisex Kitchen Chef Apron – Chef Apron For Cooking,Baking,Crafting,Gardening And BBQ

Brand: WanHSP

Over 25 million hot dogs are sold at baseball stadiums each year.

We make them a variety of ways. They’re portable and easy to make. While many of us prefer them grilled or toasted over a fire, we also boil, pan-fry, and rotisserie-cook them. The list of toppings are numerous – from the basic ketchup, mustard or relish to onions, mayonnaise, cheese bacon, chili and sauerkraut – the list keeps growing. Adults and children alike love them, too.

Certified International Hot Dogs Rectangular Tray withHandles 19″ x 12″ Servware, Accessories,Hostess Serving, Multicolor

Brand: Certified International

Then there’s me. My family likes them but I simply cannot. My mother says I’ve rejected them since day 1. Normally toddlers get these cut up as a easy food, apparently I have been refusing them since then. I’ve tried lots of brands and styles of cooking, and a variety of toppings, but the outcome is always the same. So if you love these wonders of food enjoy one for me would you? Can I have a Brat instead?

Johnsonville Brat Griller – BBQ Basket for 5 Sausage Links

Visit the Johnsonville Store

On May 31, 2012,a world record was set for the most expensive hot dog. The “California Capitol City Dawg” sold for $145.49 at Capitol Dawg in Sacramento, California. The “California Capitol City Dawg” features:

A grilled 18″ all-beef, in natural casing frank from Chicago
served on a fresh-baked herb and oil focaccia roll spread with white truffle butter, then grilled
topped with whole grain mustard from France, garlic and herb mayonnaise
sauteed chopped shallots, organic mixed baby greens, maple syrup
marinated/fruitwood smoked uncured bacon from New Hampshire
chopped tomatoes, sweetened dried cranberries, chopped tomato
expensive moose cheese from Sweden
basil olive oil/pear-cranberry-coconut balsamic vinaigrette and ground peppercorn
Proceeds from the sale of each 3 lb. super dog were donated to the Shriners Hospitals for Children.

7-Eleven sells the most grilled hot dogs in North America – 100 million annually.

HISTORY OF NATIONAL HOT DOG DAY

The National Hot Dog and Sausage Council created National Hot Dog Day. The day was established in 1991 to coincide with a hot dog lunch on Capitol Hill every year on a Wednesday in July.

Explore More…

HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL HOT DOG DAY

Share your favorite toppings. Do you like yours blackened or just done? Tell us where the best hot dogs near you are. Give the restaurant or vendor a shout out. What makes them special? Is it their toppings? Do they use a better frank? We want to know.

Have a hot dog and post on social media using #NationalHotDogDay to encourage others to join in.

Best Sellers in Grocery & Gourmet Food

NATIONAL BEANS ‘N’ FRANKS DAY

July 12, 2026June 30, 2026Jensperspectiveblog 2 Comments

National Beans ‘N’ Franks Day on July 13th encourages us to make our favorite recipes during National Hot Dog Month. Since we are also indulging in a Baked Bean Month, this is a great way to combine them. This simple recipe cooks up a delicious dish in no time and goes well with summertime barbecues, too!

Also known as “beanie weenies,” both dishes are similar to pork ‘n’ beans, but substitute hot dogs or frankfurters for the pork.

Baked beans became popular during the Civil War in the United States. They would later become one of the first canned convenience foods on the market in the 1890s. As a result, baked beans became a staple of the chuckwagon. However, it is unknown when adding franks to the beans became a culinary technique.

The franks, or frankfurters, can be beef, pork, or a combination of both. The ground meat is blended with spices and seasonings before being cured. These sausage style wieners or hot dogs come with or without casings. Before adding them to the beans, the franks are sliced into bite-sized pieces.

While beans and franks is one name, Van Camp’s owns the trademark to the Beanie Weenies name. Another brand name is Franks & Beans.

Home cooks make beans and franks, too. Recipes can include beans, hot dogs, brown sugar, onion, mustard, barbecue sauce, and spices. The United States isn’t the only place recipes are found, either. Around the world, beans and franks enjoy wide popularity.

Beans and franks go well with coleslaw, grilled corn on the cob, and vegetable kabobs. Add some iced tea and pie to complete the meal. Make it a picnic for a day out.

Explore More…

HOW TO OBSERVE #BeansNFranksDay

Have a picnic or cookout. Make your favorite beans ‘n’ franks recipe to share. Don’t have one? Here is a recipe for you to try. Or just open up a can and heat it up. Post on social media using #BeansNFranksDay.

Campbell’s Pork and Beans, 11 Oz Can (Case of 24)

Van Camp’s Beanee Weenee Original Flavor Microwavable Cups, 7.25 oz. (Pack of 12)

NATIONAL SOUL FOOD MONTH

May 31, 2026May 11, 2026Jensperspectiveblog 2 Comments

National Soul Food Month in June is steeped in tradition, tracing its heritage back generations.

While soul food and southern cooking may often be compared, African-American slaves developed soul food’s distinct character by creating outstanding meals from less-than-desirable cuts of meat and produce.
Whether the meal consisted of fried meats and vegetables or bbq and baked goods, the meals served to nourish the body and the fellowship that accompanied it nourished the soul.

According to culinaryhistorians.org, the term “soul food” made its appearance and became popular in the 1960s, giving a name to the flavorful foods, often fried in pork fat, that were becoming known in kitchens and restaurants in cities across the country.

However, soul food doesn’t have to laden with fat. Fresh from the southern garden, it can be just as flavorful as it can be light. Many of the old recipes are new again with spices and herbs and pinches of the old traditions.

HISTORY

Charla Draper founded National Soul Food Month in 2001 to celebrate the rich history of soul food.

HOW TO OBSERVE

Take a tour through soul food heritage. Graze the flavors and spices of the heritage. Have a conversation while you’re at it and feed your soul. Listen to the history of the food, where it’s traveled, how it’s changed through the years. Use #NationalSoulFoodMonth to share your favorites on social media. Visit culinaryhistorians.org to learn more.