On August 23rd, celebrate a sandwich that originated in Cuba, but grew up in Florida. National Cuban Sandwich Day is a tribute to flavor found in a toasted pressed sandwich.
While the Cubano traditionally consists of ham, roast pork, swiss cheese, pickles and mustard on Cuban bread, restaurants and home cooks serve up different versions. While the sandwich alone may serve as a satisfying meal, some very flavorful sides complement this globe-trotting sandwich. Like any grilled sandwich, a creamy, dunkable soup makes the perfect complement. Consider making this delicious Smoky Roasted Corn Soup. Another favorite side dish is seasoned sweet potato fries.
The sandwich brings together flavor and history, too. By combining traditions from Cuban, German, and Italian immigrants, the sandwich offers a world tour of simple ingredients. If you’ve never had one, this is the day to try it.
NATIONAL CUBAN SANDWICH DAY HISTORY
Journalist Christopher Spata of the Tampa Bay Times set out to test the National Day food celebration waters in 2016. In his mission to make up a new food holiday, he managed to create a celebration that has gone around the world. According to his article, he chose August 23rd because the only other food holiday was National Sponge Cake Day, “and who cares about that?” (He’s obviously never had sponge cake or tried making one.” And while some articles call it a hoax, those who celebrate food days take them seriously.
Sandwich FAQ
Q. When is National Sandwich Day? A. National Sandwich Day is November 3.
Q. How many sandwich holidays are on the calendar? A. The short answer is there are 13 sandwich-specific days on the calendar. But, define sandwich. Most people (and dictionaries) define “sandwich” as a food comprised of two pieces of bread with a filling of meat, cheese, or other food items in between the bread. Hoagie, hamburger, and sloppy Joe easily fit that description. Grilled cheese sandwich has the word “sandwich” in its name. Those are no-brainers. But, what is a hot dog? Chili dog? What about the Oreo? Is it a sandwich or can you count desserts? Speaking of desserts, how about a s’more? Are graham crackers bread? That brings us to quesadillas. Tortillas are bread and some quesadillas use two tortillas. Is a quesadilla a sandwich? And then there are the open-face sandwiches. Is an egg benedict considered an open-face sandwich?
Many restaurants offer specials on their Cuban Sandwich to celebrate the day. You’ll want to give the place that makes your favorite Cubano a shout-out, too! You can also make your own. Try a traditional recipe or change it up with your own distinctive style. You can also share the day with others while exploring new side dishes and recipes. Be sure to use #NationalCubanSandwichDay to share your celebrations on social media.
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.
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.”
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.
National Hamburger Day is observed each year on May 28. This day celebrates a summer-time grilling favorite and National Hamburger Day is part of National Hamburger Month.
Hamburger. Seasoned ground beef, grilled and placed between two slices of bread or a bun. Top with sauteed onions, peppers, pickles, sliced onions, or cheese. Add condiments such as ketchup, mustard or mayo. Any one of these combinations would create a modern American version a hamburger.
Some creative burger choices you might try are:
bleu cheese
coleslaw
avocado
fried egg
barbeque and peanut butter
mac & cheese
It is most likely that the hamburger sandwich first appeared in the 19th or early 20th centuries, but there is much controversy over its origin. Over the years, the hamburger has become a culinary icon in the United States.
The world’s largest hamburger was prepared on September 2, 2012, in Carlton, Minnesota by Black Bear Casino Resort and weighed in at 2,014 pounds.
National Cheesesteak Day on March 24th not only celebrates a fantastic sandwich but it recognizes one of this nation’s greater debates; Who created this deliciousness?
It’s like March Madness for a cheesesteak. Pat’s and Geno’s square off at 10 AM followed by Chubby’s and Dalessandro’s at 11 AM. Then Jim’s and Tony Luke’s at Noon. Basketball fans know how brackets go. Someone is gonna get a by.
However, the credit is given to a hot dog vendor from the 1930s, Pat Olivieri. According to Philadelphia’s tourism site, Pat’s King of Steaks sits on its original location and is still going strong. This writer has had a cheesesteak from there and would go back in a heartbeat.
The important thing is this fabulous, juicy sandwich on a hoagie roll. The roll is filled with chipped steak, and you can order it with or without cheese and onions. If you’ve never had one, you can really only get an authentic one in Philly. Other places try, so go where you can. But someday, go to Philadephia. It is the real deal.
Invite your friends and head over to your favorite cheesesteak restaurant. Get it with cheese (it’s cheesesteak day, not steak day) and add the onions, too. Use #NationalCheesesteakDay to share on social media.
On November 16th, National Indiana Day revs up its engines for the state that’s the home of the Indy 500 and Hoosier hospitality, too.
Indiana was the 19th state to enter the Union. James Monroe had just defeated Rufus King in the 1816 presidential race to become the 5th President of the United States. The second state to enter the Union from the Northwest Territory, Indiana grew rapidly.
As the “Crossroads of American, we can thank the many interstates and railroads transversing the state for getting us across the country. Indiana’s highways and byways do not keep the state from a rural feel in a growing urban world. With an abundance of rivers, streams and farmland, Lake Michigan to the North, words don’t fail Hoosiers. Her authors, poets and songwriters have a continuous source of inspiration.
State Capital – Indianapolis State Nickname – The Hoosier State State Motto – Crossroads of America State Bird – Northern Cardinal State Rifle – Grouseland Rifle State River – Wabash River State Residents – Hoosiers State Flower – Peony State Pie – Sugar Cream Pie State Stone – Limestone State Tree – Tulip Poplar State Song – The Banks of the Walbash, Far Away State Award – Segamore of the Walbash State Airplane – P – 47 Thunderbolt
They are also inspired by a sport that started with a peach basket long ago. Basketball fills hearts of Hoosiers, as the movie with the same name would tell you. As far as the citizens of the fine state go, it’s a mystery how they earn their name.
From miners, farmers, inventors, entertainers, industrialists, and many more, Indiana grows more than corn. There’s plenty to see as the heartland helps keep the country moving right along.
Indiana Flavors
Pickles Chili and Noodles Deep Fried Everything Chicken and Waffles Huge Epic Tenerloins Sauerkraut and Dough Peanut Butter and Hamburgers Big Red Soda Sugar Cream Pie Persimmons & Pudding
Knightridge Space Observatory – Bloomington Historic West Baden Springs Hotel – West Baden Springs New Harmony Labyrinth – New Harmony Gennett Walk of Fame – Richmond George Obear Overlook Park – Delphi
Art- Nature – History
For a complete list of Indiana State and National Parks & Historic Sites visit www.in.gov and www.nps.gov. Check out a few of the featured sites around the state below.
Celebrate Indiana’s pioneering and progressive history. Explore border to border and unearth the most peaceful heartland and entertaining nightlife! Use #NationalIndianaDay to share on social media.
