NATIONAL SPICE BLEND DAY

If an alluring aroma of spices is tempting your senses on September 4th, that is because it is National Spice Blend Day. Home cooks and professional chefs alike know herbs and spices bring our favorite foods alive on our palates. That is why every recipe, every food blog, and every cook stresses the importance of quality herbs and spices for everything you cook.

National Spice Blend Day celebrates the unique combinations of flavors found in handpicked spice blends worldwide. Does a little smoky paprika, cumin, and rosemary tantalize your senses? Did you know there are four main types of cinnamon, each with different flavor profiles? Depending on where the cinnamon grows, the warmth, sweetness, and color change. When you blend it with nutmeg, ginger, cardamom, and other spices, it brings an extra special touch to your baking and other recipes.

Herbs are also vital to every kitchen, and just like spices, the Earth has created a bountiful variety! Worldwide, so many kinds of Basil grows it would be impossible to list them all, but each one imbues unique characteristics worth exploring. When this herb is combined with curry or Mediterranean blends, you know you’re cooking for a celebration.

With only a few examples, we know we have your creative and gastric juices flowing for National Spice Blend Day!

NATIONAL SPICE BLEND DAY HISTORY

Angel Gregorio Spice Blend SpiceSuite

Angel Gregorio, owner and founder of The SpiceSuite, founded National Spice Blend Day in 2021 to commemorate The SpiceSuite’s 6th anniversary on September 4th. The celebration also recognizes all the world’s spices and how they contribute to a neverending creative food experience.

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalSpiceBlendDay

Demonstrate how you use spice blends to enhance your creativity in the kitchen. We know you bring diverse flavors to your tables every day, and that’s one of the number one reasons to celebrate. Otherways to celebrate National Spice Blend Day include:

One excellent way to encounter all these spicy possibilities is by visiting The SpiceSuite. When you celebrate, be to share your experience on social media by using #NationalSpiceBlendDay.

  • Dabble in a creative cooking experience by taking a cooking class.
  • Learn more about the best spices to use with your favorite foods.
  • Become a culinary adventurer by exploring new spice blends from around the world.
Big Cock Ranch Big 6 Sampler (Pack of 6 Seasonings with 1 each of Bull, Special, Good, Aw, Chicken, and No)#NationalSpiceBlendDay
Big Cock Ranch Big 6 Sampler (Pack of 6 Seasonings with 1 each of Bull, Special, Good, Aw, Chicken, and No)

NATIONAL SANDWICH MONTH

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)
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.

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

NATIONAL CHILI DOG DAY

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.

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.

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NATIONAL HOT DOG DAY

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
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
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
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
Best Sellers in Grocery & Gourmet Food

NATIONAL BEANS ‘N’ FRANKS DAY

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.