Tag pecans

NATIONAL CHAI DAY

Jensperspectiveblog 1 Comment

On September 21st, the aroma filling the room comes from ancient spices, perfectly steeped into a cup of delicious tea. National Chai Day celebrates the strong, satisfying tea that is ordered at cafes across the country.

While the Indian beverage dates back nearly 5,000 years, the chai served in homes and coffee shops today comes in many forms. For traditional chai, steep it with black tea leaves. Add whole milk for the richest flavor. Some even prefer almond or coconut milk. The most common spice in chai is cardamom. Though blends will vary from place to place, other spices include cinnamon, nutmeg, pepper, and fennel. Finally, sweeten the tea with pure sugar.

This time of year, we can’t resist the creamy, sweet combination, either! So, wrap your hands around a warm cup and let the aromatic steam permeate your senses. One sip will tell you how enjoyable National Chai Day is going to be!

NATIONAL CHAI DAY HISTORY

SomruS founded National Chai Day on September 21, 2018, to celebrate the flavorful drink spreading its leaves across the country by the cupful.

ABOUT SOMRUS

SomruS is the World’s First Line of Indian Liqueurs. Our flagship product, SomruS Original, is an artisanal Chai liqueur made with cardamom and other eastern spices, nuts, real Wisconsin dairy and Caribbean Rum. Created by an Indian American couple in their kitchen in Burr Ridge, IL just 4 years ago, SomruS Original Indian Cream Liqueur is now the most awarded cream liqueur on the planet (www.proof66.com). SomruS is the first liqueur that can be used to create authentic chai adult beverages from a Chaitini to a Hard Chai to a Hot Chai Latte. Our liqueur is next generation in terms of quality and is low ABV and gluten-free with no preservatives or artificial flavors.

TAZO Pumpkin Spice Chai Latte Tea Concentrate, 32 oz

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HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL CHAI DAY

Visit a local tea shop or cafe and order a cup of chai. Choose from a variety of blends. While chai is customarily steeped with black tea, green chai is available, too. Try both! Introduce a friend to the love of chai, too! When you do, give a shout out to your favorite cafe. Take a selfie as you enjoy and use #NationalChaiDay to share on social media.

Oregon Chai, Organic and Gluten Free Chai Tea Latte Concentrate, The Original, 32 Fl Ounce Boxes (Pack of 6)
Oregon Chai, Organic and Gluten Free Chai Tea Latte Concentrate, The Original, 32 Fl Ounce Boxes (Pack of 6)
TAZO Tea Bags, Black Tea, Regenerative Organic Chai Tea, 16 Count (Pack of 6)
TAZO Tea Bags, Black Tea, Regenerative Organic Chai Tea, 16 Count (Pack of 6)
Cafe Escapes, Chai Latte Tea Beverage, Single-Serve Keurig K-Cup Pods, 96 Count (4 Boxes of 24 Pods)
Cafe Escapes, Chai Latte Tea Beverage, Single-Serve Keurig K-Cup Pods, 96 Count (4 Boxes of 24 Pods)
Jordan's Skinny Syrups Sugar Free Coffee Syrup, Chai Flavor Drink Mix, Zero Calorie Flavoring for Chai Latte, Protein Shake, Food and More, Gluten Free, Keto Friendly, 25.4 Fl Oz, 1 Pack
Jordan’s Skinny Syrups Sugar Free Coffee Syrup, Chai Flavor Drink Mix, Zero Calorie Flavoring for Chai Latte, Protein Shake, Food and More, Gluten Free, Keto Friendly, 25.4 Fl Oz, 1 Pack

NATIONAL PEANUT DAY

Jensperspectiveblog 2 Comments

On September 13th National Peanut Day pays homage to mighty and tasty peanut.

Likely originating in South America around 3,500 years ago, this legume is not a nut. They grow underground, like potatoes. Since they are an edible seed that forms in a pod, they belong to the family Leguminosae with peas and beans. When it comes to plants packing protein power, peanuts provide a whopping 8 grams per ounce, more than any other nut according to The Peanut Institute. And remember, it’s not a nut! Nuts grow on trees.

The peanut is also high in antioxidants. Not only are peanuts high in vitamins E and B6, but they’re rich in minerals such as magnesium, iron, and zinc. Studies also show when paired with other nutrient-rich foods, this wonderful legume helps us absorb nutrients better, too.

365 by Whole Foods Market, Dry Roasted and Salted Peanuts, 16 Ounce
365 by Whole Foods Market, Dry Roasted and Salted Peanuts, 16 Ounce
PLANTERS Salted Cocktail Peanuts, Party Snacks, Plant-Based Protein, 2.19 lb Jar
PLANTERS Salted Cocktail Peanuts, Party Snacks, Plant-Based Protein, 2.19 lb Jar

For the longest time, livestock gained the most significant benefit from all these nutrients. Until modern methods came along, planting and harvesting peanuts were labor-intensive and risky endeavors for farmers. Gradually their popularity grew. Civil War soldiers found a fondness for them, and so did fans of PT Barnum’s traveling circus. But what made it possible for peanuts to be grown in abundance was an advancement in farm technology. Just like the cotton gin revolutionized the cotton industry, planters and harvesters transformed not only the peanut farm but farming the world over.

Buy me some peanuts and Cracker Jack ~ lyric from Take Me Out to the Ballgame (1908) by Jack Norworth and Albert Von Tilzer.

Dr. George Washington Carver

With the rise in peanut production, there also brought an increase of curious investigation into its possible uses. When the boll weevil wreaked havoc on the South’s cotton crop, Dr. George Washington Carver, made a suggestion. He had been researching this amazing groundnut and suggested farmers diversify into peanuts. It was an economic boon to Southern farmers.  He published his research “How to Grow the Peanut and 105 Ways of Preparing it for Human Consumption” in 1916. His continued research resulted in more than delicious uses for this goober, groundnut or ground pea. From shaving cream to plastics and cosmetics and even coffee, Dr. Carver’s appetite for the peanut seemed to be unending.

Many of the peanut discoveries Dr. Carver made 100 years ago are still being used today.

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalPeanutDay

Explore the world of the peanut and crack open some for a healthful snack. Use #NationalPeanutDay to post on social media.

PLANTERS Sweet & Spicy Peanuts, 16 Ounce
PLANTERS Sweet & Spicy Peanuts, 16 Ounce
PLANTERS Variety Packs (Salted Cashews, Salted Peanuts & Honey Roasted Peanuts), 36 Packs - Individual Bags of On-the-Go Nut Snacks
PLANTERS Variety Packs (Salted Cashews, Salted Peanuts & Honey Roasted Peanuts), 36 Packs – Individual Bags of On-the-Go Nut Snacks
Southern Style Nuts Gourmet Hunter Mix, 23 Ounces, Sesame Sticks, Peanuts, Sunflower Kernels, Almonds, Cashews, and Pepitas
Southern Style Nuts Gourmet Hunter Mix, 23 Ounces, Sesame Sticks, Peanuts, Sunflower Kernels, Almonds, Cashews, and Pepitas
Old Fashioned Butter Toffee Peanut, Crunchy Candy Coated Fresh Roasted Peanuts (2 Pound)
Old Fashioned Butter Toffee Peanut, Crunchy Candy Coated Fresh Roasted Peanuts (2 Pound)

NATIONAL ACORN SQUASH DAY

Jensperspectiveblog 1 Comment

National Acorn Squash Day is observed annually on September 7th. The day celebrates winter squash that is also known to some as a pepper squash.

Even though it is considered a winter squash, acorn squash belongs to the same species as all summer squashes including zucchini and yellow crookneck squash.

The most common variety comes in a mostly green outer shell, often with a splotch of orange on its side or top. However, varieties, including the Golden Acorn and the White Acorn, offer gardeners and cooks options. This versatile squash also grows in variegated color.

The acorn squash resembles its name in shape, an acorn. They usually weigh between one to two pounds and generally grow between four and seven inches long.  This hardy squash also keeps for several months, making it a great item to store for yumminess all winter long. Just be sure to store it in a cool, dry location.

Since acorn squash is versatile, it can be baked, microwaved, sautéed, or steamed. Some cooks like to stuff it with rice, meat, cheeses, or vegetable mixtures. You can also toast the seeds of the acorn squash much like pumpkin seeds.

Nutritionally, the acorn squash offers a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. It also has some vitamin C and B, magnesium and manganese.

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HOW TO OBSERVE #AcornSquashDay

Visit your favorite farmer’s market. You can also drive out to a pick your own farm. Once you’ve collected your squash, share your recipes or growing tips. Try acorn squash in soup or broil it. Experiment with the flavors as you fill your plate with this colorful garden vegetable. Whatever you do to celebrate, be sure to share it with others. Use #AcornSquashDay to post on social media.

NATIONAL WAFFLE DAY

Jensperspectiveblog 1 Comment

National Waffle Day on August 24th commemorates the anniversary of the first waffle iron patent issued. Celebrate by savoring your favorite kind of waffle!

On August 24, 1869, Cornelius Swarthout of Troy, New York received his patent for the waffle iron. While waffles existed long before then, the invention made waffles more readily available.  

Eaten throughout the world, a waffle is a leavened batter or dough. When cooked between two patterned plates, the dough bakes in the waffle’s characteristic uniform impressed surface. Waffles also come in many forms. Depending on the type of batter or iron used, the resulting waffle varies by consistency, size, shape, and flavor.  

Waffle irons and waffles originated around the 14th century.  An anonymous husband penned the first known waffle recipe as a set of instructions for his wife.  According to the manuscript, Le Ménagier de Paris, each of the four recipes began: 

Beat some eggs in a bowl, season with salt and add wine. Toss in some flour, and mix. Then fill, little by little, two irons at a time with as much of the paste as a slice of cheese is large. Then close the iron and cook both sides. If the dough does not detach easily from the iron, coat it first with a piece of cloth that has been soaked in oil or grease. 

Birch Benders Organic Buttermilk Pancake and Waffle Mix#waffles#NationalWaffleDay
Birch Benders Organic Buttermilk Pancake and Waffle Mix
Mrs. Butterworth Pancake and Waffle Mix#NationalWaffleDay#waffles
Mrs. Butterworth Pancake and Waffle Mix
Krusteaz Light & Crispy Belgian Waffle Mix - No Artificial Flavors, Colors, or Preservatives #NationalWaffleDay#waffles
Krusteaz Light & Crispy Belgian Waffle Mix – No Artificial Flavors, Colors, or Preservatives
Kodiak Cakes Protein Pancake Power Cakes, Flapjack and Waffle Baking Mix, Buttermilk, 20 Oz, (Pack of 6)#NationalWaffleDay#waffles
Kodiak Cakes Protein Pancake Power Cakes, Flapjack and Waffle Baking Mix, Buttermilk, 20 Oz, (Pack of 6)
  •  1911 – First electric waffle iron introduced by General Electric.
  • 1953 – Frank Dorsa’s Eggo Frozen Waffles are sold in Supermarkets for the first time.
  • 1964 – Belgian Waffles debut at New York’s World’s Fair.

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HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalWaffleDay

Enjoy your favorite waffle recipes. Or visit a local restaurant for some fresh served waffles. Restaurants across the country specialize in waffles, crafting delicious combinations for every meal of the day. No matter your preference, there’s a waffle for you!

Invite friends over for a waffle making party. Set up a buffet with fresh fruit, syrups, and nuts. Ask them to bring their best ingredients and get tasting! You never know what you’ll discover. Make it breakfast, brunch, snack or dessert, waffles are very versitile.

True Belgian WafflesClassic Buttermilk WafflesApple Cinnamon WafflesBanana Oatmeal Buttermilk WafflesBest Chocolate Chip Waffles

Use #NationalWaffleDay to post on social media.

Cuisinart WMR-CAP2 Round Classic Waffle Maker, Brushed Stainless,Silver #NationalWaffleDay #waffles
Cuisinart WMR-CAP2 Round Classic Waffle Maker, Brushed Stainless,Silver
DASH Mini Waffle Maker - 4” Waffle Mold, Nonstick Waffle Iron with Quick Heat-Up, PTFE Nonstick Surface - Perfect Mini Waffle Maker for Kids and Families, Just Add Batter (Aqua)#NationalWaffleDay#waffles
DASH Mini Waffle Maker – 4” Waffle Mold, Nonstick Waffle Iron with Quick Heat-Up, PTFE Nonstick Surface – Perfect Mini Waffle Maker for Kids and Families, Just Add Batter (Aqua)
BELLA Classic Rotating Belgian Waffle Maker with Nonstick Plates, Removable Drip Tray, Adjustable Browning Control and Cool Touch Handles, Black#NationalWaffleDay#waffles
BELLA Classic Rotating Belgian Waffle Maker with Nonstick Plates, Removable Drip Tray, Adjustable Browning Control and Cool Touch Handles, Black
Amazon Basics Waffle Maker 2-Slices White with Non-stick coating and Easy to Clean, 700W#waffles#NationalWaffleDay
Amazon Basics Waffle Maker 2-Slices White with Non-stick coating and Easy to Clean, 700W

NATIONAL CHOCOLATE PECAN PIE DAY

Jensperspectiveblog 4 Comments

On August 20th, National Chocolate Pecan Pie Day lets you have your chocolate and pie, too! (National Pecan Pie Day is observed each year on July 12th if chocolate isn’t your flavor, but we don’t know anyone like that.) 

Just like the original, chocolate pecan pie goes well with ice cream. Another southern delight, this treat features crisp pecans. Pecan pies fall under the sugar pie category which gives them a gooey, almost caramel center. Depending on the recipe, different sugars make the sweet batter for the pie. Both brown and white sugars can be used, but so can molasses. Corn syrup is a common ingredient as well. Even honey is used.

There is one ingredient that pops up from time to time that shouldn’t surprise some cooks. Some recipes call for a little bit of bourbon, rum or whiskey. Since these spirits hail from the southern parts of North America, seasoning with them is a natural method.

While pecan pies include eggs in the recipe as a binder, it’s interesting to note another sugar pie that was made when eggs were out of season. The pie is called a sugar cream pie. Though we can’t imagine there being a season for eggs, birds lay more eggs in spring and summer than they do in the fall and winter. Chickens rely on the sun to know when to lay eggs. When the days are shorter, they lay fewer eggs. In the winter, they may lay no eggs at all.

So, on small farms when the hens stopped laying, a sugar cream pie offered an alternative since no eggs are required to make it. Both chocolate pecan pie and sugar cream are delicious!

HOW TO OBSERVE #ChocolatePecanPieDay

There are so many ways to celebrate the day. Whether you visit your favorite bakery and pick up a pie or bake it yourself, be sure to share with friends and family. Experiment with a new recipe or bake up an old favorite. We even have some recipes for you to try. 

Chocolate Pecan Pie

Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars

More Pie Days to love.

Use #ChocolatePecanPieDay to post on social media. Tell your friends about this wonderful dessert.