NATIONAL ITALIAN CHEESE MONTH

August 31, 2026August 7, 2026Jensperspectiveblog 13 Comments

Lasagna. Pizza. Manicotti. Ravioli. Cannoli. What do all of these delicious dishes have in common? They’re all made with Italian Cheese! September is National Italian Cheese Month, and there’s no better time to celebrate the buttery, bold, creamy, crumbly and nutty Italian Cheeses that are essential to our favorite Italian fare. After all, these are the memorable meals that bring families together!

With as many as 450 varieties of Italian Cheese—there are enough tastes and textures to satisfy every age group and palate. How many have you tried? Imagine the recipes!

Mozzarella is the most popular cheese in the United States, with the average American eating more than 11 pounds of this classic cheese every year. (Fantastico!) But that’s not where our love affair with Italian Cheese ends. Other favorites include the versatile Ricotta and Provolone, hard cheese like Parmesan and Romano, creamy selections like Fresh Mozzarella and Mascarpone, and one-of-a-kind flavors like Bel Paese, Asiago, and Gorgonzola. Italian Cheese is even available in Cheese Sticks, which are beloved by kids across the country!

Italian Cheese is full of a rich, flavorful history waiting to be shared. It is believed that Italian Cheese dates as far back as the Roman Empire, where many families had a special kitchen, called a caseale, used exclusively for making, aging, and storing cheese. Romans were passionate about creating and sharing their cheese, introducing the art of cheesemaking to other European countries. Today, fine Italian Cheese is made in both Italy and America, with some Italian Cheese earning Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status, ensuring the cheese was made in a specific region following traditional methods.

HISTORY

Galbani® cheese founded National Italian Cheese Month in 2017 to celebrate America’s love of Italian Cheese.

Visit Galbani® for Italian Cheese recipes all month long. Follow them for more great ideas on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest.

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HOW TO OBSERVE

Look no further for ways to celebrate Italian Cheese Month! Create the ultimate cheese plate to sample and share at work. Have your friends over for a make-your-own-pizza party. Or treat your family to decadent desserts like Cannoli and Tiramisu. There are so many ways to celebrate Italian Cheese, all you need is the appetite! Share your favorites by using #NationalItalianCheeseMonth on social media.

Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese DOP 2 lb#NationalItalianCheeseMonth — Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese DOP 2 lb

Galbani " Crema Belpaese ", Certosa Cheese Melted 6.17 Fluid Ounce (175ml) Packages#NationalItalianCheeseMonth — Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese DOP 2 lb

The Allure of August’s Birthstone: Peridot

July 31, 2026July 31, 2026Jensperspectiveblog Leave a comment

August’s birthstone, peridot, captivates with its vibrant green hues and rich history, embodying a romanticism that resonates through the ages. Known for its unique olive to lime shades, peridot is one of the few gemstones that occurs in only one color, albeit in varying intensities. This striking gem has been cherished since ancient times, often associated with light and clarity, giving it a celestial quality that enchants lovers and collectors alike. The romantic essence of peridot is not just in its color but also in the myriad of meanings and legends that surround it, making it a popular choice for romantic gifts.

In ancient civilizations, peridot was often referred to as the “gem of the sun.” The Egyptians believed it symbolized the sun’s light, providing protection and strength. They adorned their jewelry with this gem, associating it with the goddess of fertility, Isis. This connection to divine power and protection has led many to regard peridot as a stone that brings harmony and balance to relationships. The romantic symbolism of peridot extends beyond its historical significance; it is often seen as a stone of love, believed to inspire feelings of affection and compassion in romantic partnerships.

The symbolism of peridot is further enhanced by its connections to renewal and growth. The stone is said to bring abundance and prosperity to its wearer, making it an appropriate gift for anniversaries and celebrations of love. Its vibrant green hue is reminiscent of lush landscapes and new beginnings, allowing lovers to reflect on the growth of their relationships. This association with renewal makes peridot a fitting stone for couples looking to reinvigorate their bond, inviting fresh energy into their lives together.

In addition to its romantic symbolism, peridot is also linked to emotional healing. It is believed to dispel negative energy and promote positivity, making it a powerful talisman for relationships. Many couples choose peridot not only for its beauty but also for its reputed ability to enhance emotional well-being. This dual nature—being both a beautiful adornment and a source of emotional strength—positions peridot as an ideal gemstone for those navigating the complexities of love.

As we embrace the beauty of peridot, it becomes clear that this august birthstone is more than just a gem; it is a vibrant symbol of love, renewal, and protection. Whether given as a gift or worn as a personal talisman, peridot captures the essence of romanticism, making it a timeless choice for those wishing to celebrate their love. Its rich history and multifaceted symbolism ensure that it will remain a cherished stone for generations to come, echoing the enduring nature of love itself.

NATIONAL MACARONI DAY

July 6, 2026June 15, 2026Jensperspectiveblog 2 Comments

Each year on July 7th, pasta lovers across the nation dig into one of their favorite noodles on National Macaroni Day.

Made with durum wheat, macaroni is a large variety of dry pasta, which typically does not contain eggs. While many people think the shape gives macaroni its name, the kind of dough used to make the noodles give it the name. The noodle is formed into shells, spirals, straight and many other shapes, too. And in the U.S., we like our macaroni! In fact, elbow macaroni is the most common form found in the United States.

We use macaroni many different dishes from casseroles and hot dishes to soups and salads. This versatile noodle makes prepping meals a cinch, too. Many dishes made with macaroni can be made ahead, making mealtime a lot less stressful. Using macaroni in dishes is also an excellent way to stretch a recipe to feed more people.

These convenient noodles serve as a base for cheese dishes as well as meat dishes. So, whether you’re a vegetarian or a meat lover, you can celebrate the day.

My mom made this when we were growing up. It's still just as good today! — My mom made this when we were growing up. It’s still just as good today! We had it for dinner last week.

Check out these other pasta related celebrations!

Chances are there is a Noodle Celebration in your future. While some of us just think of noodles as dinner….

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalMacaroniDay

Make your favorite dish using macaroni noodles! Whether it’s hot or cold, it won’t matter as long as it’s delicious. And when you’re using macaroni, you really can’t go wrong.

Macaroni recipes fill books and websites. We would love to see yours! Share them using #NationalMacaroniDay and join the conversation.

National Macaroni Day: Note-book & Sketchbook Glossy cover finish , a Unique GIFT - 6" x 9" Note-book: Happy 7th of july Gift for Kids and ... choice for the National Macaroni Day#NationalMacaroniDay — National Macaroni Day: Note-book & Sketchbook Glossy cover finish , a Unique GIFT – 6″ x 9″ Note-book: Happy 7th of july Gift for Kids and … choice for the National Macaroni Day

Amazon Fresh, Elbow Macaroni, 16 Oz
#NationalMacaroniDay — National Macaroni Day: Note-book & Sketchbook Glossy cover finish , a Unique GIFT – 6″ x 9″ Note-book: Happy 7th of july Gift for Kids and … choice for the National Macaroni Day

NATIONAL RAVIOLI DAY

March 19, 2026February 3, 2026Jensperspectiveblog 4 Comments

On National Ravioli Day, celebrate a pasta that is fun and versatile. Observed on March 20th each year, pasta lovers dive in on this food holiday.

Ravioli are a traditional type of Italian filled pasta, made up of a filling sealed between two layers of thin egg pasta dough. Imagine a small meatball tucked, snug inside two cozy layers of delicious pasta dough. That’s basically what ravioli is. Although, a variety of fillings from cheesy to meaty take up that cozy spot in the dough. And the ravioli are usually served in either a broth or with a pasta sauce. A variety of filling recipes are available from cheesy to meaty.

Fresh Pasta at Home: 10 Doughs, 20 Shapes, 100+ Recipes, with or without a Machine#NationalRavioliDay — Fresh Pasta at Home: 10 Doughs, 20 Shapes, 100+ Recipes, with or without a Machine

Homemade Ravioli Made Simple: 50 Mix-and-Match Recipes for the Best Filled Pastas#NationalRavioliDay — Fresh Pasta at Home: 10 Doughs, 20 Shapes, 100+ Recipes, with or without a Machine

While ravioli often serves as the main course, it can also be a side dish or even an appetizer. Many popular recipes bake or deep fry the ravioli. With chocolate added to the pasta or cream cheese stuffing and a caramel sauce, the dish quickly becomes a dessert!

Ravioli can be homemade or may be purchased fresh or frozen in grocery stores. In the United States, Chef Boyardee popularized the canned ravioli. This ravioli is filled with either beef or processed cheese and served in a tomato, tomato-meat or tomato-cheese sauce.

We turn to St. Louis, Missouri, to learn about the toasted ravioli. By accident, a ravioli fell into the fryer at Oldani’s back in the 1940s. And as with accidents, the crisp ravioli earned a place on the menu. Or so the story goes. If so, it’s a delicious one.

More?

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalRavioliDay

Ravioli always sparks an appetite, so be sure to mix up your favorite sauce and pasta combinations. Try your hand at homemade. Make it a family affair.

Lazy Lasagna (with ravioli)

Use #NationalRavioliDay to post on social media.

Chef Boyardee Beef Ravioli, 15 oz, 4 Pack#NationalRavioliDay — Chef Boyardee Beef Ravioli, 15 oz, 4 Pack

Chef Boyardee Mini Ravioli, 15 oz, 4 Pack#NationalRavioliDay — Chef Boyardee Beef Ravioli, 15 oz, 4 Pack

NATIONAL BAKED SCALLOPS DAY

March 11, 2026March 5, 2026Jensperspectiveblog 1 Comment

March 12th is a food holiday celebrating a popular delicacy, the scallop. National Baked Scallops Day celebrates the unique Flavor and enjoyment of this shellfish.

Scallops are a cosmopolitan family and can be found in all of the world’s oceans. They are one of the most popular shellfish in the world and highly prized as a food source.

There are two fleshy parts of the scallop that are usually sold at market for human consumption. The adductor muscle is the white medallion of meat which is rich and sweet. This is the piece that is most familiar as the “scallop” we see on a menu.

There is also the coral or the roe which can range in color from pale coral to bright orange. This crescent-shaped piece is usually discarded before the scallop is sold at market because it may contain toxins. However, sometimes it is sold attached to the adductor muscle. It is bitter and some say it cuts the richness of the rest of the scallop.

These meaty mollusks are very low in fat and are delicious prepared in a variety of ways. Baking them omits much of the butter and fat that otherwise go into cooking this lean, white seafood.