Tag #SweetEscape

NATIONAL CANDY MONTH

Jensperspectiveblog 5 Comments

What sweeter way to kick off the first month of summer than by celebrating National Candy Month? Candy and treats get recognized all month long for their contributions to the way we celebrate our past times, mark special occasions and especial the ways we celebrate every day!

Whether its a box of Milkduds at the movies or hot tamales at the baseball game, there’s a special treat that comes to mind when we get together for some fun times. A visit to the fair reminds us of a big cone of spun sugar, better known today as cotton candy. Fudge and saltwater taffy are a must have after visiting some of our favorite vacation spots.

We often add some sweetness to our trail mix throughout the summer for added energy on hikes or making a s’more while camping. Fresh mints brighten our day or even a wedding reception. There are so many ways candies and the candy industry adds to our lives.

Airheads Candy Bars, Variety Bulk Box, Chewy Full Size Fruit Taffy, Gifts, Holiday, Parties, Concessions, Pantry, Non Melting, Party, 60 Individually Wrapped Full Size Bars#NationalCandyMonth
Airheads Candy Bars, Variety Bulk Box, Chewy Full Size Fruit Taffy, Gifts, Holiday, Parties, Concessions, Pantry, Non Melting, Party, 60 Individually Wrapped Full Size Bars
M&M'S#NationalCandyMonth
M&M’S
LIFE SAVERS Pep-O-Mint Breath Mint Bulk Hard Candy, Party Size, 44.93 oz Bag#NationalCandyMonth
LIFE SAVERS Pep-O-Mint Breath Mint Bulk Hard Candy, Party Size, 44.93 oz Bag
Mentos Chewy Mint Candy Roll, Mint, Non Melting, Party, 14 Count (Pack of 15) #NationalCandyMonth
Mentos Chewy Mint Candy Roll, Mint, Non Melting, Party, 14 Count (Pack of 15)

HISTORY

National Candy Month was first observed in January of 1974. Sales of confections would often drop after the busy holiday season and new year resolutions would kick into high gear making sweets a restricted diet item for some time to come.  The observance would later move to May and then settle into its current place in sunny June. It was founded by the National Confectioners Association.

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HOW TO OBSERVE

What’s your favorite sweet treat? Do you celebrate with sprinkles on your ice cream or a bag of chewy turtles from the candy store? We remember saving our coins to buy our candy by the bag. What was it? Use #NationalCandyMonth to share on social media and thank someone in the industry for all their dedication and hard work.

Assorted Candy Variety Pack - Individually Wrapped Party Candy Assortment - Candy For Every Occasion! (32 Ounces)#NationalCandyMonth
Assorted Candy Variety Pack – Individually Wrapped Party Candy Assortment – Candy For Every Occasion! (32 Ounces)
SKITTLES Original, SKITTLES Wild Berry & STARBURST Original and STARBURST FaveReds Fun Size Chewy Candy Variety Bag, Party Size, 20.13 Oz Bulk Bag#NationalCandyMonth
SKITTLES Original, SKITTLES Wild Berry & STARBURST Original and STARBURST FaveReds Fun Size Chewy Candy Variety Bag, Party Size, 20.13 Oz Bulk Bag
Hershey Assorted Chocolate Candy Variety Pack - 5lb Bulk Candy Assortment Individually Wrapped Candies - 5 Pound Bag of Chocolate Candy Bulk Mix#NationalCandyMonth
Hershey Assorted Chocolate Candy Variety Pack – 5lb Bulk Candy Assortment Individually Wrapped Candies – 5 Pound Bag of Chocolate Candy Bulk Mix
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NATIONAL WHITE CHOCOLATE CHEESECAKE DAY

Jensperspectiveblog 3 Comments

National White Chocolate Cheesecake Day on March 6th offers another way to celebrate one of our favorite desserts. 

Cheesecake is a sweet dessert that is a mixture of soft fresh cheese, cream cheese or cottage cheese, eggs and sugar on a crust made from crushed graham crackers, crushed cookies, pastry or sponge cake. Cheesecakes can be prepared baked or unbaked and are often served topped with fruit, chocolate or whipped cream. There are many flavors in which cheesecakes can be prepared. However, this day honors the white chocolate cheesecake. 

Now, white chocolate is not chocolate in the strictest sense. It doesn’t contact cocoa solids. During the process of manufacturing chocolate, the dark-colored solids of the cocoa bean separates from the fatty content. With milk or dark chocolate, these solids are reincarnated. However, when making white chocolate, these solids don’t return to the mixture. Additionally, white chocolate contains less caffeine than its darker counterparts. It also loses some of the health benefits as well since it tends to contain more fat and sugar. Add it to an already rich dessert and, well, decadence should be expected. 

HOW TO OBSERVE #WhiteChocolateCheesecakeDay

Make a white chocolate cheesecake to celebrate. We’ve provided several recipes to try. Or, visit your favorite bakery and give them a shoutout!

White Chocolate-Raspberry Cheesecake Bars
Fluffy White Chocolate Cheesecake
No-Bake WhiteChocolate Cheesecake
White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake Cookies

More Cheesecake…

Use #WhiteChocolateCheesecakeDay to post on social media.

Cheesecake White Chocolate Fudge *nut free * 1/2 pound#WhiteChocolateCheesecakeDay
Cheesecake White Chocolate Fudge *nut free * 1/2 pound
Wind & Willow White Chocolate Amaretto Cheesecake Cheeseball Mix#WhiteChocolateCheesecakeDay
Wind & Willow White Chocolate Amaretto Cheesecake Cheeseball Mix
Cambie Belgian White Chocolate Couverture 28% | Belgian White Callets | For Pastry Chefs, Chocolatiers and Home Bakers | Packaged Fresh in a Resealable Pouch (1 lb)#WhiteChocolateCheesecakeDay
Cambie Belgian White Chocolate Couverture 28% | Belgian White Callets | For Pastry Chefs, Chocolatiers and Home Bakers | Packaged Fresh in a Resealable Pouch (1 lb)
Ghirardelli White Chocolate Sauce Squeeze Bottles 16 oz (Pack of 3) with Ghirardelli Stamped Barista Spoon #WhiteChocolateCheesecakeDay
Ghirardelli White Chocolate Sauce Squeeze Bottles 16 oz (Pack of 3) with Ghirardelli Stamped Barista Spoon

NATIONAL HEAVENLY HASH DAY

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National Heavenly Hash Day on February 2nd recognizes a family favorite that covers a variety of desserts with a common ingredient. 

When it comes to defining Heavenly Hash, the only ingredient that seems for certain is a variety of marshmallows, marshmallow creme or whip. Other ingredients vary, though. Some recipes create delicious cakes with chocolate and marshmallow. And yet, others lean more toward a fruit salad with whipped cream and a variety of nuts or chocolate bars added. Nearly every brand of ice cream has its version of Heavenly Hash with nuts and chocolate included, too.

However, the common ingredient seems to always be a form of marshmallow bringing the dish to a heavenly flavor perfect for potlucks and family gatherings. 

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalHeavenlyHashDay

Make your favorite version of Heavenly Hash. Whether it’s a salad, cake or bar, we’re sure it’s…heavenly. If you don’t have a recipe, we found one for you to try. Be sure to share your favorites, too!

Try this Heavenly Hash Bars recipe from TheKitchn.com.  

Use #NationalHeavenlyHashDay to post on social media.

Heavenly Hash Celestial Delights: A Collection of 50 Out of this World Cookbook Recipes#NationalHeavenlyHashDay
Heavenly Hash Celestial Delights: A Collection of 50 Out of this World Cookbook Recipes
Elmer's Heavenly Hash Eggs (12 Individual Eggs)#NationalHeavenlyHashDay
Elmer’s Heavenly Hash Eggs (12 Individual Eggs)

NATIONAL HOT CHOCOLATE DAY

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Every year on January 31, National Hot Chocolate Day warms people up across the country. Try celebrating this, timeless cold-weather beverage.

Hot chocolate is a warm beverage made with ground chocolate, heated milk or water, and sugar. In America, we often use the terms hot chocolate and hot cocoa interchangeably. However, the two beverages are different. Try it with you favorite cookie or cake if you’re feeling really indulgent, and need a break from that New Years diet you started.

Cocoa vs Hot Chocolate 

We make hot cocoa with cocoa powder, heated milk or water, and sugar. We’re able to do this thanks to a process developed by father and son chemists. The thicker, more flavorful beverage, we make hot chocolate from ground chocolate containing cocoa butter. It’s also called drinking chocolate. Hot chocolate has also been around longer than hot cocoa. In the early 1800s, Casparus van Houten Sr. developed a process to separate the cocoa solids from the butter. His son, Coenraad Johannes made those fats more soluble in water. Together their processes made cocoa powder possible.

But before then, everyone drank hot chocolate. This thicker, creamier beverage often offered medicinal benefits for stomach ailments during the 19th century. In the 17th and 18th centuries it was a rare treat. Especially in some European countries like Britian. Long before the beverage’s popularity in Victorian times, it served in ceremonial culture. 

2000 years ago, the Mayans likely created the first chocolate beverage. A cocoa beverage was also an essential part of Aztec culture by 1400 AD. Europe popularized the drink after it was introduced from Mexico in the New World.

Nostalgia 30 Oz Electric Frother and Hot Chocolate Maker for Homemade Hot Cocoa, Cappuccinos, Lattes, Mochas, and Warm or Cold Milk Foam #NationalHotChocolateDay
Nostalgia 30 Oz Electric Frother and Hot Chocolate Maker for Homemade Hot Cocoa, Cappuccinos, Lattes, Mochas, and Warm or Cold Milk Foam
Moss & Stone Electric Milk Frother For Making Latte, Cappuccino, Hot Chocolate, Automatic Cold Hot Milk Frother & Warmer, Foam Maker, Auto Shut-Off, Detachable Base & Non-Stick Interior.#NationalHotChocolateDay
Moss & Stone Electric Milk Frother For Making Latte, Cappuccino, Hot Chocolate, Automatic Cold Hot Milk Frother & Warmer, Foam Maker, Auto Shut-Off, Detachable Base & Non-Stick Interior.
Zulay Kitchen Powerful Milk Frother Handheld Foam Maker for Lattes - Whisk Drink Mixer for Coffee, Mini Foamer for Cappuccino, Frappe, Matcha, Hot Chocolate by Milk Boss (Black)#NationalHotChocolateDay
Zulay Kitchen Powerful Milk Frother Handheld Foam Maker for Lattes – Whisk Drink Mixer for Coffee, Mini Foamer for Cappuccino, Frappe, Matcha, Hot Chocolate by Milk Boss (Black)
FOXNSK Self Stirring Mug, 400ML Electric Mixing Cup Self Stirring Coffee Mug High Borosilicate Glass Mixing Coffee Mug Rotating Home Office Stirring Cup Suitable for Coffee/Milk/Protein Powder #NationalHotChocolateDay
FOXNSK Self Stirring Mug, 400ML Electric Mixing Cup Self Stirring Coffee Mug High Borosilicate Glass Mixing Coffee Mug Rotating Home Office Stirring Cup Suitable for Coffee/Milk/Protein Powder
Make it and Benefit

Hot chocolate can be enjoyed in a variety of combinations, topped with whipped cream or marshmallows. Sometimes a sprinkle of cinnamon or a dash of peppermint makes the chocolate extra special. In the United States, an instant form of hot chocolate is popular. It is made with hot water or milk and a packet containing mostly cocoa powder, sugar, and dry milk. People enjoy topping it with marshmallows or whipped cream.

There are health benefits to drinking hot chocolate. Cocoa contains significant amounts of antioxidants that may help prevent cancer. It has also been shown that the cocoa beans help with digestion. The flavonoids that are found in the cocoa also have a positive effect on arterial health.

My favorite fact about chocolate is the way it effects your brain. Did you know it signals the pleasure center of your brain? This is why you get that warm contentment feeling after chocolate. One more reason to look forward to those boxes of chocolates at Valentine’s Day. Of course you can always just order your own year round.

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HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalHotChocolateDay

Enjoy a cup of hot chocolate. You can make it with dark or milk chocolate. While you’re at it, try experimenting, too. Add some cinnamon or other flavors to your chocolate. Of course, inviting a friend to join you is essential to the celebration, too. Try adding these toppings.

  • Whipped cream
  • Marshmallows
  • Sprinkles
  • Candied fruit

Take a photo and use #NationalHotChocolateDay to post on social media.

Ghirardelli Double Chocolate Hot Cocoa Mix, 0.85-Ounce Packets (Pack of 10)#NationalHotChocolateDay
Ghirardelli Double Chocolate Hot Cocoa Mix, 0.85-Ounce Packets (Pack of 10)
Valentine's Day Hot Chocolate Bombs with Marshmallows, Made with Belgium Chocolate, Milk Choco Melting Delights, 3 Count, Total 3 Bombs, Net 4.23 Oz #NationalHotChocolateDay
Valentine’s Day Hot Chocolate Bombs with Marshmallows, Made with Belgium Chocolate, Milk Choco Melting Delights, 3 Count, Total 3 Bombs, Net 4.23 Oz
Original Cadbury Drinking Chocolate Imported From The UK England The Best Of British Drinking Chocolate Imported From The UK England#NationalHotChocolateDay
Original Cadbury Drinking Chocolate Imported From The UK England The Best Of British Drinking Chocolate Imported From The UK England
Delicious Christmas Hot Chocolate Bombs - Set of 8 - Melting Hot Cocoa Filled with Marshmallows – Ideal Hot Cocoa Bombs for Birthdays, , Parties and Anniversaries – Tasteful Christmas Experience Choco Bombs. #NationalHotChocolateDay
Delicious Christmas Hot Chocolate Bombs – Set of 8 – Melting Hot Cocoa Filled with Marshmallows – Ideal Hot Cocoa Bombs for Birthdays, , Parties and Anniversaries – Tasteful Christmas Experience Choco Bombs.