NATIONAL PICNIC DAY

On April 23rd, National Picnic Day encourages everyone to pack up their lunch and take it outdoors. 

There are a variety of ways to take part in a picnic. This meal hearkens back to mid-18th-century al fresco French dining when all you needed was a bottle of wine, a loaf of bread, some cheese and fruit and you could have a party under the sky.

From the French for piquenique, picnicmeans a meal eaten outdoors.

From barbecues to simple cold plates, picnics are light informal affairs intended to be relaxing and fun for everyone to enjoy the day. Some favorite picnic foods include sandwiches, chips, fresh fruit and vegetables, light salads, and homemade bars. However, picnics can be expanded to include grilled items, too. Burgers and corn on the cob cook up nicely on a portable grill. During large picnics, guests often bring a dish to share creating a pot luck atmosphere. 

The fresh air tends to rev up our appetite, so getting in some physical activity while enjoying a picnic is nice, too. Games of horseshoe, Frisbee, catch or flying a kite add to the fun of the day. 

Now is a great time to get ready for National Picnic Month in July.

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalPicnicDay

Celebrate this day by having a picnic of your own. Pack up a cooler or basket with a few of your favorite items. Make sure to include a beverage or two. Be sure to keep perishable items on ice so no one gets sick. Visit a favorite park or recreation area. Lay the blanket out in the sun or shade (whichever you prefer) and enjoy the day with a meal under the sky. Bring a Frisbee or a ball to toss around, too. 

If the weather does not cooperate, have a picnic in your home on the living room floor!  Share your photos on social media using #NationalPicnicDay.

NATIONAL POUND CAKE DAY

On March 4th, National Pound Cake Day recognizes one of the dessert world’s most versatile cakes. Each year it is celebrated by bakers and cake lovers alike. Celebrate with a piece (or two) of this deliciously rich delight.

The traditional recipe for pound cake makes a cake much larger than most families can consume, as it calls for a pound each of flour, butter, eggs, and sugar. Hence the name Pound Cake.

In the United States, sour cream pound cake is a popular variation apart from the traditional pound cake recipe. Other variations include adding vanilla or almond flavoring or dried fruits.

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HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalPoundCakeDay

Celebrating National Pound Cake Day is easy! You can visit your favorite bakery and pick up a pound of deliciously sweet cake to share. While you’re there, be sure to give the baker a shout-out, too. You can also turn on your oven and bake up a traditional pound cake. Slice it up and add some sweet berries, whipped cream, and a drizzle of chocolate or fruit syrup, and this dessert will dazzle even the most serious critics. 

I’ve used this instead of other suggestions for Triffle, and Baked Alaska. My husband grew up on it and loves it. Anytime I ask him what he wants for dessert it’s always his first suggestion.

Use #NationalPoundCakeDay to post on social media.

NATIONAL WINNIE THE POOH DAY

National Winnie the Pooh Day is observed annually on January 18th.  Author A.A. Milne brought the adorable, honey-loving bear to life in his stories which also featured his son, Christopher Robin.  National Winnie the Pooh Day commemorates Milne’s January 18, 1882, birthday.

Milne’s lovable Pooh Bear, as he was fondly called, is a fictional bear inspired by a black bear named Winnie who lived at the London Zoo during World War I. The author’s son, Christopher Robin, would visit the bear often and named his own teddy bear after her and a swan named Pooh.

This friendship inspired a collection of books starting with Winnie-the-Pooh in 1926. The books were illustrated by E.H. Shepard.

The Complete Tales of Winnie-The-Pooh Hardcover – Lay Flat, October 1, 1996
by A. A. Milne  (Author)
The Complete Tales of Winnie-The-Pooh Hardcover – Lay Flat, October 1, 1996

by A. A. Milne  (Author)


In the 1960s, Disney bought the rights to the Winnie-the-Pooh characters dropping the hyphen from Pooh’s name. The illustrations were a bit different, too.

CHRISTOPHER ROBIN

Ewan McGregor (Actor), Hayley Atwell (Actor), & 1 more  
CHRISTOPHER ROBIN

Ewan McGregor (Actor), Hayley Atwell (Actor), & 1 more  

Milne’s stories have been translated into over 50 languages and are considered classic children’s stories today.

Goodbye Christopher Robin
+ Digital HD with Ultraviolet
Domhnall Gleeson (Actor), Margot Robbie (Actor), & 1 more
Goodbye Christopher Robin

+ Digital HD with Ultraviolet

Domhnall Gleeson (Actor), Margot Robbie (Actor), & 1 more


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HOW TO OBSERVE

Snuggle up with your favorite Pooh fan, a pot of honey and take turns reading about the adventures of Winnie the Pooh. Use #WinnieThePoohDay to post on social media.

NATIONAL SHORTBREAD DAY

National Shortbread Day on January 6th recognizes a classic Scottish treat enjoyed around the world. 

Shortbread is a traditional Scottish dessert typically made with:

  • 1 part white sugar
  • 2 parts butter
  • 3 parts flour

Modern recipes deviate from the 3 ingredient rule by splitting the sugar portion into equal parts of granulated sugar and powdered sugar and adding salt. Bakers commonly use plain white (wheat) flour to make shortbread. However, some bakers use ground rice or cornflour to alter the texture.

Shortbread earns its name because of its crumbly texture. Its high-fat content provided by the butter results in a shortbread crumb. “Shortening” refers to any fat that may be added to produce a “short” (crumbly) texture.

Prepared often during the 12th century, Mary, Queen of Scots receives credit for the innovation of the shortbread during the 16th century. As it was expensive to make, the sweet cookie was reserved as a luxury for special occasions.

In Shetland (northeast of mainland Britain), they traditionally break a decorated shortbread cake over the head of a new bride upon the entrance of her new home.

More to explore…

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalShortbreadDay

Shortbread cookies and bars call for sharing. Invite a friend over for tea and enjoy these delicately flavored treats while catching up. Share them with co-workers or invite nieces and nephews to help you bake up a new recipe. Be sure to share your celebration, too!  Use #NationalShortbreadDay to post on social media.