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NATIONAL GRAND MARNIER DAY

Jensperspectiveblog 12 Comments

National Grand Marnier Day on July 14th recognizes a liquor that brings citrus notes to cocktails and desserts. Since the 1880s, we’ve been enjoying the fruits of Grand Marnier’s exquisite flavor. 

Alexander Marnier-Lapostolle invented the orange liquor in the 1880s. His grand experiment pairing fruit liquors with cognac took 10 years to find success. When it did, Lapostolle gave birth to one very expensive liquor. The cognac concoction blended one of the most costly fruits of the time with a very strong spirit, too. The result was truly grand.  Not only does it add a splash of citrus when mixed into drinks and desserts, but Grand Marnier can be enjoyed neat. 

Whiskey Stones and Whiskey Glass Gift Boxed Set, 8 Granite Chilling Whisky Rocks, 2 Glasses in Wooden Box, Great Gift for Father's Day, Dad's Birthday or Anytime For Dad, Plus 2 Free Coasters by Cool Stones
Whiskey Stones and Whiskey Glass Gift Boxed Set, 8 Granite Chilling Whisky Rocks, 2 Glasses in Wooden Box, Great Gift for Father’s Day, Dad’s Birthday or Anytime For Dad, Plus 2 Free Coasters

by Cool Stones

Grand Marnier is used in a long list of desserts including liquor cream buns, Yule log, cranberry sauce, Crepes Suzette, and Grand Marnier souffle creme bruleé. Grand Marnier is also used in the sauce of the roasted duck dish, Canard a l’Orange.

Grand Marnier Sherbert
Orange Marscapone Dip
Grand Marnier Cake

Albanese Specialty Chocolate Covered Pecans (Milk Chocolate Grand Marnier) by Albanese Co.
Albanese Specialty Chocolate Covered Pecans (Milk Chocolate Grand Marnier)

by Albanese Co.

Some examples of the mixed drinks including Grand Marnier are Cosmopolitan, Margarita, Sidecar, Dirty Harry, Grand Mimosa, B-52, the Grand Marnier Smash, Grand Smash, Smash Marnier, Bloody Smash, Maced Marnier, Ace Marnier Smash,  Frosty Smash, Smace, Grand Hound, Blood Pug, Clarke, Nogley and the Grand Marnier Fireball. Find some recipes here.

OliveNation Grand Marnier Extract, 8 Ounce by OLIVENATION
OliveNation Grand Marnier Extract, 8 Ounce

by OLIVENATION

However, don’t stop at beverages and desserts. Add Grand Marnier for extra zest in your sauces and marinades. Your meat dishes will take center stage.

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HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalGrandMarnierDay

Enjoy a mixed drink with Grand Marnier. Then, invite some friends over to celebrate the day with you.

Share it with your friends by posting #NationalGrandMarnierDay on social media. 

NATIONAL ANISETTE DAY

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On July 2nd, we recognize a liqueur derived from aniseed on National Anisette Day. Aniseed from the anis herb gives anisette its licorice or fennel flavor. While usually a dry dry liqueur, distillers sometimes add a sugar syrup for a sweeter result. Spain, Italy, Portugal, and France lead the world in drinking this licorice tasting drink.

The herb of the aniseed, usually the main ingredient in anisette, is considered to have medicinal qualities. Sweeter than other anise-flavored liqueurs, anisette’s association with a variety cures date back to ancient Egypt. As a liqueur, distillers create a dryer anisette in Europe than they do in the United States. Distillers add other spices such as coriander and fruit to distill anisette, too.

While most enjoy anisette by sipping it, the liqueur can be mixed as a cocktail, too. However, pure anise extract should not be drunk straight. Since its alcoholic content is high, it irritates the throat. However, mixing it in with coffee, gin, bourbon, or water will bring out a bit of a sweet flavor. The solution? Bake some anise cookies!

If you’re the one who eats all the black jelly beans, you will likely savor a shot with anisette. The licorice flavor comes from the same anise plant that some licorice candies are made. 

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HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalAnisetteDay

Anisette mixes well with other liqueurs, juices, and sodas for a variety of cocktails and shooters. Sip some anisette for a toast to the licorice flavor you love!  You can also make anise cookies or spiced bars.  Post on social media using #NationalAnisetteDay.

McCormick Pure Anise Extract, 2 fl oz
McCormick Pure Anise Extract, 2 fl oz
The Spice Way Star Anise - whole star anise (3 oz) great for baking and tea#NationalAnisetteDay
The Spice Way Star Anise – whole star anise (3 oz) great for baking and tea
Tequila Glasses Heavy Base Shot Glass Cordial Glasses 2 OZ (Set of 6)#NationalAnisetteDay
Tequila Glasses Heavy Base Shot Glass Cordial Glasses 2 OZ (Set of 6)
KITESSENSU Cocktail Shaker Set Bartender Kit with Stand | Bar Set Drink Mixer Set with All Essential Accessory Tools: Martini Shaker, Jigger, Strainer, Mixer Spoon, Muddler, Liquor Pourers |Silver#NationalAnisetteDay
KITESSENSU Cocktail Shaker Set Bartender Kit with Stand | Bar Set Drink Mixer Set with All Essential Accessory Tools: Martini Shaker, Jigger, Strainer, Mixer Spoon, Muddler, Liquor Pourers |Silver

NATIONAL ICE CREAM MONTH

Jensperspectiveblog 10 Comments

What makes I scream, and you scream! We all scream for ice cream of course! July is national ice cream month, and what a perfect time to cool off with a scoop of your favorite flavor (or try what other weird flavors that exist out there). 

Cuisinart ICE-100 Compressor Ice Cream and Gelato Maker, Silver, 1-1/2-Quart by Cuisinart
Cuisinart ICE-100 Compressor Ice Cream and Gelato Maker, Silver, 1-1/2-Quart

by Cuisinart


Like with other foods, the exact origin of ice cream is unknown. What we do know, however, is that the origin of ice cream likely dates back a long time ago. For example, Nero of Rome was said to have enjoyed harvesting ice or snow, then flavoring it with honey or other flavorings. Alexander the Great supposedly enjoyed icy drinks that had flavorings such as honey or nectar.

The first instance of ice cream being in the Unite States, however, was in a letter in 1744 (the author of the letter was a guest of Governor William Bladen.). Early presidents also had a liking towards ice cream. In the summer of 1790, George Washington spent approximately $200 for ice cream (keep in mind that back then $200 was a fairly good sum of money).

Thomas Jefferson actually made his own recipe of ice cream too! Dolly Madison, the wife of President James Madison, served ice cream at the second inaugural ball. For a while, ice cream was only an occasional special treat, mainly for the rich.

LorAnn Super Strength Variety pack of Flavors in 1 dram (.0125 fl oz - 3.7ml) bottles - 12 pack by LorAnn
LorAnn Super Strength Variety pack of Flavors in 1 dram (.0125 fl oz – 3.7ml) bottles – 12 pack

by LorAnn


In 1843, Nancy Johnson patented the hand crank ice cream maker. About 8 years later, in 1851, Jacob Fussell built the first ice cream factory. The invention of mechanical refrigeration helped kept large amounts of ice cream cool. Improvements and new inventions in technology helped ice cream spread towards the general public.

Fun Facts

-Vanilla is the most popular flavor of ice cream

McCormick All Natural Pure Vanilla Extract, 16 Fl Oz by McCormick
McCormick All Natural Pure Vanilla Extract, 16 Fl Oz

by McCormick


-The ice cream soda was invented in 1874

– It takes roughly 50 licks to finish an ice cream cone

-California produces the most ice cream in the United States

Ice Cream Freezer Storage Containers with Silicone Lids (3 Pack, 1- Quart Each) + 2 Serving Cups – Dishwasher Safe - Large Reusable BPA-Free Tub for Homemade Ice-Cream by My Trendy Kitchen
Ice Cream Freezer Storage Containers with Silicone Lids (3 Pack, 1- Quart Each) + 2 Serving Cups – Dishwasher Safe – Large Reusable BPA-Free Tub for Homemade Ice-Cream

by My Trendy Kitchen


-You can make homemade ice cream in a bag! All you need is your ingredients (milk, sugar, and vanilla extract or other flavorings), ice, salt, and two plastic bags (one large one to hold the ice and salt, and one smaller one to put inside the large bag. The smaller bag hold’s your ingredients/eventual ice cream)

–You can deep fry ice cream too!

HISTORY

President Ronald Reagan designated July as National Ice Cream Month with the third Sunday of the month as National Ice Cream Day.

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HOW TO OBSERVE

Check out all the fun flavors during July.  July 1 is National Creative Ice Cream Flavors Day.  In the middle of the month, National Peach Ice Cream Day brings some refreshing fruitiness to the month.  The end of the month is rounded out with good old National Vanilla Ice Cream Day.  What’s your favorite? Don’t forget Chocolate Ice Cream Day in June too.

Use #NationalIceCreamMonth to share on social media.

Ninja NC501 CREAMi Deluxe 11-in-1 Ice Cream & Frozen Treat Maker for Ice Cream, Sorbet, Milkshakes, Frozen Drinks & More, 11 Programs, Perfect for Kids, Silver, 11 Functions + (2) 24 oz. Pints #NationalIceCreamMonth
Ninja NC501 CREAMi Deluxe 11-in-1 Ice Cream & Frozen Treat Maker for Ice Cream, Sorbet, Milkshakes, Frozen Drinks & More, 11 Programs, Perfect for Kids, Silver, 11 Functions + (2) 24 oz. Pints
CUISINART Ice Cream Maker, Ice Cream and Frozen Yogurt Machine, 2-Qt. Double-Insulated Freezer Bowl, Silver#NationalIceCreamMonth
CUISINART Ice Cream Maker, Ice Cream and Frozen Yogurt Machine, 2-Qt. Double-Insulated Freezer Bowl, Silver
Ninja CREAMi Cookbook for Beginners (Ninja Cookbooks)#NationalIceCreamMonth
Ninja CREAMi Cookbook for Beginners (Ninja Cookbooks)
Nostalgia Electric Ice Cream Maker - Old Fashioned Soft Serve Ice Cream Machine Makes Frozen Yogurt or Gelato in Minutes - Fun Kitchen Appliance - Vintage Wooden Style - Light Wood - 4 Quart #NationalIceCreamMonth
Nostalgia Electric Ice Cream Maker – Old Fashioned Soft Serve Ice Cream Machine Makes Frozen Yogurt or Gelato in Minutes – Fun Kitchen Appliance – Vintage Wooden Style – Light Wood – 4 Quart

NATIONAL FLIP FLOP DAY 

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Each year on the Wednesday after Memorial Day, National Flip Flop Day encourages us to wear our favorite flip flops and show them off!

Thong style sandals are by no means new to footwear. They’ve been around for thousands of years. However, the term “flip flop” has applied to flat-soled sandals with straps between the first and second toes and across the top of the foot since the 1960s. The term also describes someone who changes their mind or an electronic component.

This day strictly recognizes the footwear that makes a flip-flopping sound as we walk, slapping the back of our feet as we head to the beach or make way for the pool. They come in all shades and colors, beaded, bejeweled, and bedazzled. Some are made of leather and cork.

The lightweight footwear is designed to protect our tender feet from the hot ground and sand. They’re also easy to remove and put on quickly. Many flip flops go from the beach to semi-formal dining in an instant, too!

FITORY Men's Flip-Flops, Thongs Sandals Comfort Slippers for Beach Size 6-15#NationalFlipFlopDay
FITORY Men’s Flip-Flops, Thongs Sandals Comfort Slippers for Beach Size 6-15
KIIU Mens Thong Sandals Indoor and Outdoor Beach Flip Flop#NationalFlipFlopDay
KIIU Mens Thong Sandals Indoor and Outdoor Beach Flip Flop
adidas Unisex-Child Adilette Shower Slides#NationalFlipFlopDay
adidas Unisex-Child Adilette Shower Slides
WateLves Girls & Boys Kids Flip Flop Summer Slide Sandals Slip on Suitable for Bath Shower Beach Pool (Little Kid/Big Kid)#NationalFlipFlopDay
WateLves Girls & Boys Kids Flip Flop Summer Slide Sandals Slip on Suitable for Bath Shower Beach Pool (Little Kid/Big Kid)

NATIONAL FLIP FLOP DAY HISTORY HISTORY

In 2007, Tropical Smoothie Cafe created National Flip Flop Day to celebrate its 10th anniversary. Every year on this date, customers who come into participating Cafes across the nation wearing flip-flops receive a free Jetty Punch Smoothie. Tropical Smoothie then gives proceeds of a $1 paper flip flop from customers to send ill children and their families to Camp Sunshine.

Camp Sunshine is based in Casco, Maine, whose mission focuses solely on addressing the effects of a life-threatening illness on every member of the immediate family — the child, the parents, and the siblings. This year-round program is free of charge to families.

In 2015, $1 million was raised byTropical Smoothie Cafe for Camp Sunshine. The total amount raised since the beginning in 2007 is over $3.7 million, making National Flip Flop Day a successful fundraiser for Camp Sunshine.

HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL FLIP FLOP DAY

Flip Flop Day is the perfect time to go shopping for a new pair of flip flops. While you’re out and about, get a manicure, so you can show off your toes in your flip flops. Wear your favorite flip flops and use #NationalFlipFlopDay to share on social media.

Reef Womens Cushion Breeze Sandals#NationalFlipFlopDay
Reef Womens Cushion Breeze Sandals
KuaiLu Womens Flip Flops Ladies Yoga Mat Comfortable Walking Thong Sandals With Plantar Fasciitis Arch Support Slip On Indoor Outdoor For Summer#NationalFlipFlopDay
KuaiLu Womens Flip Flops Ladies Yoga Mat Comfortable Walking Thong Sandals With Plantar Fasciitis Arch Support Slip On Indoor Outdoor For Summer
KuaiLu Women's Yoga Foam Flip Flops with Arch Support Thong Sandals Non-Slip#NationalFlipFlopDay
KuaiLu Women’s Yoga Foam Flip Flops with Arch Support Thong Sandals Non-Slip
Reef Womens Bliss Nights Sandals#NationalFlipFlopDay
Reef Womens Bliss Nights Sandals