Tag #SnackTime

GRAB SOME NUTS DAY

Jensperspectiveblog 2 Comments

There are many “nut” days throughout the year, but August 3rd embraces them all. It’s National Grab Some Nuts Day!

Defining a nut is tricky. Though botanically an almond and cashew aren’t considered nuts, once they’re in the can, it’s hard to tell the difference. The same goes for walnuts and peanuts, even though they have the word “nut” in their names. Despite the confusion, these nuts, legumes, seeds, and drupes continue to find their way into our daily diets. Whether we add them to salads or into our baking, we love nuts. We’re nutty for nuts!

Depending on the kind, they add necessary good fats to our diets. They’re also full of minerals and nutrients we might otherwise be missing. In the right quantities, they improve our health and make things taste better, too. There’s nothing too nutty about that.

Nature's Garden Healthy Trail Mix Snack Packs – Mixed Nuts, Heart Healthy Nuts, Omega-3 Rich, Cranberries, Pumpkin Seeds, Perfect For The Entire Family – 28.8 Oz Bag (24 Individual Servings)
Nature’s Garden Healthy Trail Mix Snack Packs – Mixed Nuts, Heart Healthy Nuts, Omega-3 Rich, Cranberries, Pumpkin Seeds, Perfect For The Entire Family – 28.8 Oz Bag (24 Individual Servings)
Power Up Trail Mix Gourmet Nut Bag, Mega Omega, 14 Ounce
Power Up Trail Mix Gourmet Nut Bag, Mega Omega, 14 Ounce
PLANTERS Variety Packs (Salted Cashews, Salted Peanuts & Honey Roasted Peanuts), 36 Packs - Individual Bags of On-the-Go Nut Snacks
PLANTERS Variety Packs (Salted Cashews, Salted Peanuts & Honey Roasted Peanuts), 36 Packs – Individual Bags of On-the-Go Nut Snacks
Fisher Snack Oven Roasted Never Fried Deluxe Mixed Nuts, 24 Ounces, Almonds, Cashews, Pecans, Pistachios, Made With Sea Salt, Non-GMO, No Oils, Artificial Ingredients or Preservatives
Fisher Snack Oven Roasted Never Fried Deluxe Mixed Nuts, 24 Ounces, Almonds, Cashews, Pecans, Pistachios, Made With Sea Salt, Non-GMO, No Oils, Artificial Ingredients or Preservatives

These little bountiful nuggets contain beneficial nutrients, have a long shelf life, and can be quite portable. They add a nice crunch to snacks and desserts as well as satisfying meals. National Grab Some Nuts Day might seem a little squirrelly, but then again it’s the right time of year for it. Go nuts and grab a few or a lot!

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HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalGrabSomeNutsDay

Do not forget to grab a handful of your favorite nuts to snack on today! Better yet, get baking. Nuts add texture and flavor to baked goods. Don’t forget the savory dishes. Try adding almonds to salads, peanuts to stirfry or create a crust from crushed pecans for a pork roast.

Try my Keto Breaded Chicken for an awesome addition to salads or just use it for fried chicken. No matter how you celebrate, the day encourages sharing by using #NationalGrabSomeNutsDay on social media. 

PLANTERS Deluxe Salted Whole Cashews, Party Snacks, Plant-Based Protein 18.25oz (1 Cannister)
PLANTERS Deluxe Salted Whole Cashews, Party Snacks, Plant-Based Protein 18.25oz (1 Cannister)
PLANTERS NUT-rition Wholesome Nut Mix, 7.5 oz Box (Contains 7 Individual Pouches) - Cashews, Almonds and Macadamias Snack Mix - No Artificial Flavors, No Artificial Colors, No Preservatives - Kosher
PLANTERS NUT-rition Wholesome Nut Mix, 7.5 oz Box (Contains 7 Individual Pouches) – Cashews, Almonds and Macadamias Snack Mix – No Artificial Flavors, No Artificial Colors, No Preservatives – Kosher
Wonderful Pistachios, No Shells, Roasted & Salted Nuts, 0.75oz (Pack of 9)
Wonderful Pistachios, No Shells, Roasted & Salted Nuts, 0.75oz (Pack of 9)
PLANTERS Salted Cocktail Peanuts, Party Snacks, Plant-Based Protein, 2.19 lb Jar
PLANTERS Salted Cocktail Peanuts, Party Snacks, Plant-Based Protein, 2.19 lb Jar

NATIONAL CROUTON DAY

Jensperspectiveblog 4 Comments

National Crouton Day on May 13th each year recognizes a tasty topping that shouldn’t be overlooked.

Many of our words for bread-related foods come from the French and for good reason. The French love bread. Croutons are no different. The French word croûte means crust. Croutons are often made from day-old bread which has been cut into cubes and seasoned with herbs, oil, or butter. The bread is then either toasted in the oven or tossed in a hot pan until crunchy.

We’re probably most familiar with croutons on our salads. And when we add croutons to our salads, it’s a bit of celebration – a crunch celebration. Each flavorful, crunchy bite adds to our crispy, enjoyment.

Homemade Croutons : Bread, Seasonings, Cook Time, Etc.#NationalCroutonDay
Homemade Croutons : Bread, Seasonings, Cook Time, Etc.

NATIONAL CROUTON DAY HISTORY

Rothbury Farms® founded National Crouton Day in February 2015. Established in 1923, Rothbury Farms is a fourth-generation, family-owned business where consumer value means using the highest quality goods to produce the very best products. At Rothbury Farms croutons are their passion. Rothbury Farms Croutons are made from fresh bread toasted to just the right crispness and then seasoned with a select blend of herbs, spices, and cheeses. Rothbury Farms Croutons are a versatile food and complement any time of the day from breakfast to lunch, to dinner, to snack time and are perfect for breakfast casseroles, bread puddings, salads, soups, stuffing, dinner casseroles, appetizers and also as snacks.

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HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalCroutonDay

Celebrate the day by topping your dish with seasoned croutons. Be sure to also share your crouton creations by using #NationalCroutonDay on Social Media.

365 by Whole Foods Market, Organic Caesar Croutons, 4.5 Ounce#NationalCroutonDay
365 by Whole Foods Market, Organic Caesar Croutons, 4.5 Ounce
The Original Texas Toast Seasoned Croutons 5 Oz (Pack of 2)#NationalCroutonDay
The Original Texas Toast Seasoned Croutons 5 Oz (Pack of 2)
Olive Garden Seasoned Croutons, Garlic & Romano, 5 Ounce (Pack of 9)#NationalCroutonDay
Olive Garden Seasoned Croutons, Garlic & Romano, 5 Ounce (Pack of 9)
365 by Whole Foods Market, Organic Seasoned Croutons, 4.5 Ounce#NationalCroutonDay
365 by Whole Foods Market, Organic Seasoned Croutons, 4.5 Ounce

INTERNATIONAL HUMMUS DAY

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Every year on May 13th, hummus lovers unite to celebrate International Hummus Day. The day also spreads awareness for this delicious food that’s considered a cross-cultural phenomenon.

Hummus is an Arabic word that means chickpea. Despite the Arabic roots of hummus, some historians believe this food originated in Egypt. Still, other groups of people, including the Lebanese, Turks, Jews, and Syrians, have tried to take credit for inventing hummus.

No matter who actually invented it, the basic recipe for hummus has remained the same throughout the years. The most basic hummus recipe consists of chickpeas, tahini (ground sesame seeds), olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic. Some people like different flavors of hummus. These flavors include sun-dried tomato, spinach and artichoke, red pepper, basil pesto, chipotle, roasted garlic, and lemon.

Every flavor of hummus is considered a very healthy food, too. Hummus packs a wide variety of vitamins and minerals into a single serving. With each delicious bite, hummus provides folate, copper, manganese, magnesium, iron, zinc, and Vitamin B6. Hummus is also a low-carb food with a plant-based protein.

Other health benefits of hummus include:

  • It’s high in fiber, which promotes digestive health and feeds good gut bacteria.
  • The ingredients used have been proven to fight inflammation.
  • It has a low glycemic index, which means it helps control blood sugar levels.
  • Chickpeas are considered a heart-healthy food that reduces the risk of heart disease.
  • It promotes weight loss and the ability to maintain a healthy body weight.

Additionally, people all over the world eat hummus because it’s free of many common food allergens, including gluten, nuts, and dairy.

INTERNATIONAL HUMMUS DAY HISTORY

Ben Lang, co-founder of Innovation Israel, along with his friend, Miriam Young, founded International Hummus Day in 2012. Inspiration for the day came from another kind of spread called Nutella. When they realized  World Nutella Day celebrated the hazelnut spread, they thought hummus deserved its own day as well.

HOW TO OBSERVE #InternationalHummusDay

On this day, people around the world are encouraged to eat some hummus. They can eat it for either breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Eateries across the globe, from New York City to Melbourne, hold hummus-tasting events.

To participate:

  • If you’ve never tried hummus, grab some pita bread or carrots and give it a try.
  • Make your own hummus from scratch.
  • Eat at a restaurant that serves Middle Eastern food.
  • Watch Hummus! The Movie – a story of faith, community, and growth.
  • Share this day on social media with #HummusDay.
Helena Hummus Tripack, Shelf-stable, No added preservatives, 2 Natural Classic 4.23 oz and 1 Roasted Bell Pepper 4.23 oz #HummusDay
Helena Hummus Tripack, Shelf-stable, No added preservatives, 2 Natural Classic 4.23 oz and 1 Roasted Bell Pepper 4.23 oz
Wheat Thins Original Whole Grain Wheat Crackers, Party Size, 20 oz Box#HummusDay
Wheat Thins Original Whole Grain Wheat Crackers, Party Size, 20 oz Box
Organic Whole Sesame Tahini Paste - Unhulled & Stone-Ground - Silky Smooth Texture in Hummus, Dips, Dressings - Unsalted, Nut-Free, Kosher, Paleo, Keto 11.6 oz Glass Jar (2-Pack)#HummusDay
Organic Whole Sesame Tahini Paste – Unhulled & Stone-Ground – Silky Smooth Texture in Hummus, Dips, Dressings – Unsalted, Nut-Free, Kosher, Paleo, Keto 11.6 oz Glass Jar (2-Pack)
Stacy's Multigrain Pita Chips#HummusDay
Stacy’s Multigrain Pita Chips

AMERICAN CHEESE MONTH

Jensperspectiveblog 6 Comments

Melt it, toast it, or add it to a salad. May is American Cheese Month!

In the United States, we enjoy quite a list of American cheeses. While you may recognize Swiss and Colby, bleu and cheddar, it’s the artisan cheeses that add that extra flair. American cheesemakers across the country provide an abundance of flavor and choice and American Cheese Month sets out to let you know what’s available.

No matter what you’re looking for, there is an American cheese that will fit the necessary taste profile. Philadelphia created a soft cheese perfect for baking and dips. Our cheesemongers recommend the ideal cheese to pair with your wine to start a romantic meal. The roots of cheesemaking run deep in the United States and show no signs of stopping.

According to the USDA, Americans consumed 34 pounds of cheese per capita in 2015, and they have steadily increased that amount over the last 20 years. We love our cheese. There are so many ways we enjoy it. We add it to soups, salads, pizza and so much more. By itself, it’s a go-to snack. We. Love. Cheese. Even better than that, we love American cheeses!

Celebrate cheese days nearly every month of the year! If you eat cheese, there’s a day for you. National Goat Cheese Month in August gives you another entire month to celebrate. Some of us wonder about the fuzzy stuff on cheese. There’s a day for that, too. National Moldy Cheese Day is October 9. Visit a cheesemonger and discover an American cheese you haven’t tried before.

HISTORY

The American Cheese Society celebrated the first American Cheese Month in October 2011 to spread awareness concerning the growing variety of American cheese available.

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HOW TO OBSERVE

Explore the wide variety of American cheeses made in the United States. Use #AmericanCheeseMonth to post on social media.

NATIONAL GRILLED CHEESE SANDWICH DAY

Jensperspectiveblog 4 Comments

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.  

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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.
Aigostar Sandwich Maker with Non-stick Deep Grid Surface for Egg, Ham, Steaks Compact Electric Grill Tostadora de Pan Black, ETL Certificated, Roy#GrilledCheeseSandwichDay
Aigostar Sandwich Maker with Non-stick Deep Grid Surface for Egg, Ham, Steaks Compact Electric Grill Tostadora de Pan Black, ETL Certificated, Roy
OVENTE 3 in 1 Electric Sandwich Maker, Panini Press Grill and Waffle Iron Set with Removable Non-Stick Plates, Perfect for Cooking Grilled Cheese, Tuna Melts, Burgers, Steaks and Snacks#GrilledCheeseSandwichDay
OVENTE 3 in 1 Electric Sandwich Maker, Panini Press Grill and Waffle Iron Set with Removable Non-Stick Plates, Perfect for Cooking Grilled Cheese, Tuna Melts, Burgers, Steaks and Snacks
Velveeta Original Melting Cheese #GrilledCheeseSandwichDay
Velveeta Original Melting Cheese
Zulay Kitchen Stainless Steel Wire Cheese Slicer - Adjustable Hand Held Cheese Cutter with 2 Extra Wires - Premium Cheese Shaver for Mozzarella, Cheddar, Gruyere - Cheese Cutter with Wire #GrilledCheeseSandwichDay
Zulay Kitchen Stainless Steel Wire Cheese Slicer – Adjustable Hand Held Cheese Cutter with 2 Extra Wires – Premium Cheese Shaver for Mozzarella, Cheddar, Gruyere – Cheese Cutter with Wire