PIGS-IN-A-BLANKET DAY

On April 24, observe National Pigs-in-a-Blanket Day with just a few ingredients.  

Celebrated across the world, the term often refers to a variety of different dishes. In the United States, Pigs-in-a-Blanket is often hot dogs or sausages wrapped in biscuit or croissant dough and baked. Pigs-in-a-Blanket are generally served as an appetizer or as breakfast. However, it can be served at any mealtime!

Another popular version of pigs-in-a-blanket includes cabbage rolls stuffed with a beef filling. It’s often covered with a tomato or cream sauce. Many recipes use the name “Pigs-in-a-Blanket” to describe just about any meat product wrapped in something. For example, one recipe we found called for stuffing a hotdog with a slice of cheese and wrapping the whole works with bacon. No dough or cabbage involved here. 

And while some references give Betty Crocker credit for the first printed use of the phrase in 1957, records as early as 1901 reference recipes for pigs-in-a-blanket in a variety of forms. However, the phrase did increase in usage in the English language after it was printed in the 1957 cookbook. 

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalPigBlanketDay

No matter how you make pigs-in-a-blanket, make enough to share. We even have two recipes for you to try. The ones wrapped in pastry dough make great appetizers or snacks and can be dipped in a variety of sauces. Check out the sauce recipes, too! 

Pigs-In-A-Blanket(Cabbage)
Pigs-In-A-Blanket (mini smokies)
Dipping Sauces

Share your version of Pigs-In-A-Blanket using #NationalPigBlanketDay on social media.

NATIONAL MAKE LUNCH COUNT DAY

On April 13th, we have an opportunity to break a trend that has been occurring around the country by joining National Make Lunch Count Day.

According to a recent study commissioned by TGI Fridays, the majority of U.S. workers suffer from “FOLO” – otherwise known as a “Fear of Lunching Out.” Many workers eat lunch at their desk at least twice a week (73%) while one-third have lunch at their desk every day of the week. Don’t fear lunching out any longer!

Taking a break from the workday improves productivity. That includes taking a lunch break. Leaving the office or even your desk for 20-30 minutes to refuel also reinvigorates your creative juices. Our brains and bodies need the daily break. When you return, you’ll be refreshed and ready for new ideas and approaches to whatever your job throws your way. 

Include fresh vegetables and lean proteins with your lunch. Restaurant portions tend to be oversized, so divide your plate in half and take the rest home for supper. Finally, drink water or tea instead of carbonated beverages.

NATIONAL MAKE LUNCH COUNT DAY HISTORY

TGI Fridays founded National Make Lunch Count Day in 2016 to remind American workers to get away from their desks for lunch.  

The observance is here to remedy FOLO and help American workers increase their creativity and productivity.

Getting to know your co-workers can be awkward sometimes. Great conversation starters include:

  • What was the best movie you watched last year?
  • What skill do you wish you had but don’t?
  • If you could travel anywhere in the world right this moment, where would it be?
  • Everyone has at least one talent. What’s yours?

Explore More…

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalMakeLunchCountDay

  • Break the cycle of FOLO. Get away from your desk.
  • Join your co-workers and enjoy a real lunch with stimulating conversation.
  • Share your favorite ways to make lunch count and promote them with your peers.
  • Don’t just do it today, do it every day! Use #NationalMakeLunchCount to share on social media.

NATIONAL GRILLED CHEESE SANDWICH DAY

Each year, National Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day on April 12th recognizes one of the top comfort foods in the United States. Why wouldn’t it be when we’re talking about bread grilled to perfection, and warm, gooey, melted cheese. 

According to food historians, many cultures around the world have enjoyed cooked bread and cheese since ancient times. The United States modern version of the grilled cheese sandwich originated in the 1920s. As sliced bread and American cheese became easily available, Americans began making open-faced grilled cheese sandwiches. 

United States government cookbooks describe Navy cooks broiling “American cheese filling sandwiches” during World War II. 

Grilled cheese sandwiches are versatile thanks to the ability to mix and match cheeses, bread, and seasonings. Adding sauteed vegetables or herb-infused oils can elevate this simple comfort food to a whole other level.  

More to explore….

HOW TO OBSERVE #GrilledCheeseSandwichDay

  • Make your favorite version of a grilled cheese sandwich.
  • Share the best cheeses to make grilled cheese. Do you use American cheese or do you prefer Swiss? What’s your favorite cheese?
  • Serve it with your favorite soup and sides, too.
  • Layer it and make a double-decker grilled cheese sandwich. Add ham or bacon for extra flavor and variety.
  • Share with us all the ways you make grilled cheese sandwiches or try a new recipe.
  • Families, take this day to the next level and make personalized sandwiches. Get creative with your grilled cheese by bringing out the cookie cutters. Imagine the fun the kids will have and everyone can make unique-shaped sandwiches. Don’t fret about the crusts because you can dip them in your favorite sauces or soups. Try adding ranch, siracha or a dill dip. How will you mix it up?
  • My mom taught me that the best way to capture the gooey goodness is to butter both sides of your slices of bread.  3 slices of cheese, or my favorite 1/4 inch slab of Velveeta (best choice in my opinion), and make the outside golden brown.  To this day we still practice these methods…
  • Use #GrilledCheeseSandwichDay to post on social media.

NATIONAL ARTICHOKE HEARTS DAY

On March 16th, National Artichoke Hearts Day offers a tasty option to add flavor to any dish. 

According to the California Artichoke Advisory Board, artichokes are a good source of antioxidants, vitamin C, folate, and magnesium. The antioxidants in artichokes are very good for your liver and help promote healthy skin.  Artichokes are also high in fiber, calcium, and protein while low in calories. These reasons, plus being fat-free and cholesterol-free, make artichokes a healthy and delicious food to celebrate!

  • The total antioxidant capacity of an artichoke flower head is one of the highest reported for vegetables.
  • The fleshy base of the artichoke is perhaps the most enjoyably edible part of this oddly-shaped vegetable. 
  • California is known as the artichoke capital of the world. They supply nearly 100% of North American fresh artichokes.

While artichokes may be a little difficult to prepare, you can find artichoke hearts packed in vinegar, oil, or marinade. Don’t let the artichoke heart fool you. They’re more versatile than they seem. Eat them as a snack or add them to dips or sauces. They also make excellent toppings on pizzas and flatbread. Toss them into the skillet for a savory sauté or infuse them into a broth. Artichoke hearts just might turn into a healthy addition to your cooking routine!

Explore More…

HOW TO OBSERVE #ArtichokeHeartsDay

Pick up some fresh artichokes or canned artichoke hearts to make your favorite recipes. You can even test out a few new recipes with friends and family. Be sure to save and share your best ones. We offer a few techniques for you to try with your artichoke hearts, too.

  • Roast artichoke hearts with your potatoes and carrots. Season them lightly with olive oil and salt and pepper.
  • Try grilling fresh artichoke hearts for a smoky addition to your meal.
  • Create an artichoke salad or an artichoke dressing.
  • Make an artichoke heart and grilled cheese sandwich with smoked provolone.
  • Warm-up with this Lemony Artichoke Soup.
  • Another hearty recipe is this Artichoke Hearts Gratin.
  • Make a variety of dips and sauces, too.

Use #ArtichokeHeartsDay to post on social media.

NATIONAL GUMBO DAY

On October 12th, the menu spotlights National Gumbo Day for food holidays. This heavily seasoned, stew-like dish fills us up on chilly fall days.

Originating in southern Louisiana during the 18th century, Gumbo typically consists of strongly-flavored stock with meat or shellfish, a thickener, and seasoned vegetables. The seasoned vegetables may include celery, bell peppers, and onions. In the Cajun cuisine, the trio is known as the “holy trinity. Most people serve Gumbo over rice. Gumbo is also usually categorized by one of the following types of thickener used:

  • The African vegetable okra
  • The Choctaw spice filé powder (dried and ground sassafras leaves)
  • Roux (the French base made of flour and fat)

Gumbo arose from a West African word for okra. Many believe this word association is how the name and the ingredient also intertwined. Gumbo is thought to have been first documented in 1802 and was listed in various cookbooks in the latter 19th century. It gained widespread popularity in the 1970s when the United States Senate cafeteria added Gumbo to the menu in honor of Louisiana Senator Allen Ellender. Gumbo is also the official cuisine of the state of Louisiana. Since 1989, New Iberia, Louisiana hosts The World Championship Gumbo Cook-Off.  

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalGumboDay

Of course, you’re going to serve up your favorite gumbo dish. This terrific dish will also help you use up the last of the garden vegetables. Serve up a piping hot plate of it on a cool fall evening. Make enough to share, too. If you don’t have one, we’ve got you covered! Share recipes that keep your family coming back for more. 

Chicken and Okra Gumbo
Seafood Okra Gumbo

Use #NationalGumboDay to post on social media.