NATIONAL SHRIMP DAY

Each year on May 10th, National Shrimp Day recognizes America’s favorite seafood. Americans eat more shrimp than any other seafood, and this is the day to celebrate this delicious seafood.

We use the word “prawn” loosely to describe any large shrimp, sometimes known as “jumbo shrimp.”  Some countries use the word “prawn” exclusively for all shrimp.

Preparing the shrimp for consumption usually involves removing the head, shell, tail, and “sand vein.” There are many ways to cook shrimp. Standard methods of preparation include baking, boiling, broiling, sauteing, frying, and grilling. Cooking time is delicate for shrimp, and they are at their best when not overcooked.

A healthy food, shrimp, is low in calories and high in omega-3, calcium, iodine, and protein levels.  Shrimp is also known to be considered good for the circulatory system.

 Popular North America Shrimp Dishes:
  • Seafood Gumbo:  A stew or soup that probably originated in southern Louisiana during the 18th century.  Seafood gumbo typically consists of a strongly-flavored stock, shrimp and crab meat (sometimes oysters), a thickener, and seasoning vegetables. Cooks categorize Gumbo by the type of thickener used: okra, the Choctaw spice, file powder (dried and ground sassafras leaves), or roux, the French base made of flour and fat.
  • Shrimp CocktailThe Golden Gate served shrimp cocktails before any other restaurant. Their menu listed shrimp cocktails for .50 cents in 1959. It is now a Las Vegas cliché. Called the “Original Shrimp Cocktail” on the menu, it is a favorite among tourists and the locals. The original Shrimp Cocktail consists of a regular-sized sundae glass filled with small salad shrimp and topped with a dollop of cocktail sauce.
  • Shrimp DeJonghe: A specialty of Chicago, it is a casserole of the whole, peeled shrimp blanketed in soft, garlic, sherry-laced bread crumbs. Restaurants often serve it as an appetizer or a main course. It originated in the late 19th or early 20th century at the DeJonghe’s Hotel and Restaurant.
  • Shrimp Scampi: This dish has its own day on April 29, and it is cooked in butter, garlic, lemon juice, and white wine.

Shrimp and other shellfish are among the most common food allergens.

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HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalShrimpDay

Celebrate this fantastic food day by making your favorite shrimp dish. Need some ideas?  As Bubba Blue from the movie Forest Gump would say, “Shrimp cocktail, shrimp scampi, fried shrimp, broiled shrimp, spicy shrimp…”  Be sure to share your favorite shrimp dish using #NationalShrimpDay.

SPANISH PAELLA DAY

March 27th is the annual observance of National Spanish Paella Day.  A rice dish from Spain, paella has become very popular and is known around the world.  It originated in its modern form in the mid-19th century in Valencia, on the east coast of Spain.

At lunchtime, workers in the fields would make the rice dish in a flat pan over a fire. They mixed in whatever they could find – such as rabbits, snails, and vegetables. Later, for special occasions, chicken was added. Paella has spread to every region of Spain, as well as worldwide, using almost any type of ingredient that goes well with rice.

There are many versions of recipes of paella.  Key ingredients are saffron and olive oil. Saffron is an essential spice that also turns the rice a beautiful golden color.

This is a great dish to share with family and friends. Try it as an alternative menu to a shrimp or crawfish boil. An interesting backyard barbecue, or a great reason to have a party. In our family we all bring ingredients and make it together.

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HOW TO OBSERVE #SpanishPaellaDay

Master this Spanish rice dish and share it with family and friends. We’ve provided a few versions for you to try, too!

Vegetarian Paella
Classic Seafood Paella
Easy Paella

Use #SpanishPaellaDay to post on social media.

NATIONAL LOVE YOUR PET DAY

On February 20th, pet lovers everywhere observe National Love Your Pet Day.  This holiday focuses on giving extra attention to our pets.  The day encourages pampering our pets and focusing on the special relationship pets hold in our lives.

Did you know that most households in the United States have at least one pet?  While there are more cats than dogs in the United States, more households have dogs than cats, but not by much. Pets are not limited to the canine and feline categories.  There are quite a few who prefer the companionship of birds, reptiles, fish or rats.  Whoever your pet companion is, we are sure you will enjoy spending a little extra time with them on National Love Your Pet Day and reap the benefits, as well such as stress relief and lower blood pressure.  So on February 20 (and every day) show your appreciation to your pets!

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HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalLoveYourPetDay

Bring your pet a special treat, take an extra-long walk or give them more attention. Other ideas include:

  • Check that their vaccines are up to date.
  • Watch a pet video with them full of cats, dogs and other critters. 
  • Give them a few extra strokes with the brush while grooming. 
  • Practice their favorite commands – sit, shake, rollover. 
  • Play their favorite game or bring out their best toy.
  • Inspect their toys to make sure they’re in good shape. Throw out any broken toys. 
  • Wash their bedding, even if it’s not their laundry day. Let them fluff it up just the way they like it. 

The kittens featured in this post were rescued after their mother abandoned them on our front porch.  We bottle fed them till they could eat solids on their own. Now they rule the house.  They are joined in our home by 4 other cats (Charlie, Inky, Molly, and Leo) and (Rosie) a well mannered dog.   Be sure to meet them all on our YouTube channel.  Any proceeds earned from our channel support the care of our feral community.

Peanut chases the 60 lb doouseg through the
Peanut chases the 60 lb dog through the house.
Named after Wyl E. Coyote, Wylie is a laid back lover who likes to cuddle.
Named after Wyl E. Coyote, Wylie is a laid back lover who likes to cuddle.

Whatever you decide to do, spoil and appreciate your pets!  Use #NationalLoveYourPetDay to post on social media.

Spoil your pets today!
Spoil your pets today!