HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH

Beginning on September 15, and continuing through to October 15, we recognize National Hispanic Heritage Month. During the four weeks, celebrations honor the heritage and contributions made by members of the Hispanic community. President Lyndon Johnson first declared Hispanic Heritage Week in September of 1968. Years later, in 1988, U.S. Rep. Esteban Torres (D-California) introduced legislation to expand Hispanic Heritage Week into a full month. Festivities begin on September 15, marking the anniversary of independence for the Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. With great fanfare, celebrations sweep across Latin America, Central American, and on into Mexico and Chili commemorating each country’s independence from week to week!

CONTRIBUTIONS

As of 2016, the Hispanic population has grown to nearly 57 million people in the United States. Amazingly, Hispanic people contribute to two-thirds of the residents, with that number increasing every day. Furthermore, an estimated 27 million Hispanics were eligible to vote that same year, proving people of Hispanic heritage are a thriving part of society. As the Hispanic population continues to grow in strides, more opportunity presents itself to embrace the rich culture and vast history they provide. From coast to coast, we celebrate Hispanic heritage every day in mainstream society. It’s not only reflecting our cultural differences; it’s adding a different perspective to our lives for us to enjoy.

Hispanic people across the country contribute to society in unprecedented ways. Historically, Alberto Gonzales is credited as being the first Hispanic U.S. Attorney General, while Mel Martinez is considered the first Cuban-American U.S. Senator. Currently, and politically, Ted Cruz and Marco Rubio, both members of the Hispanic community, are members of the U.S. Senate. Sonia Sotomayor is the first Hispanic to sit as a U.S. Supreme Court Justice. Undeniably, representation from the Hispanic community is found in schools, public office, medical, fashion, as well as every aspect of business.

In addition, pop culture contributions by the Hispanic community flourishes thanks to many talented artists, such as Salma Hayek, George Lopez, Carlos Santana, and Jennifer Lopez. Finally, we need to give credit to the countless tasty Hispanic recipes found across the nation. Hispanic food has increasingly become a part of mainstream Americana. We relish the flavor and spice deeply infused into the traditions. Dishes ranging from tacos and tamales to Cuban sandwiches, nachos, Tres leche cake, family taco night, tequila, and Mojitos, entice us to enjoy the Hispanic heritage, one bite at a time.

HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH HISTORY

Originally, President Lyndon Johnson declared Hispanic Heritage Week in 1968. Through later legislation, submitted by U.S. Rep. Esteban Torres (D-California), the week was expanded to National Hispanic Heritage Month under the direction of President Ronald Reagan in 1988.

More to Explore…

HOW TO OBSERVE #HispanicHeritageMonth

Joining local celebrations during National Hispanic Heritage Month is a fantastic way to meet new people. Additionally, you can learn more about the contributions Hispanics have made in areas of politics, business, the arts, sports, fashion, and cuisine, to name a few. Embracing the history and traditions of another culture not only broadens your knowledge, but it also teaches appreciation of other people and their customs.

Use #HispanicHeritageMonth in social media correspondence.

NATIONAL ICE CREAM CAKE DAY

National Ice Cream Cake Day is observed annually on June 27. In the height of summer, an ice cream cake is the perfect dessert.

An ice cream cake consists of any flavor of ice cream in the shape of a cake.  It can include many different ingredients such as cake, cookie crumbs, sponge cake, fudge, fruit or caramel between the layers of ice cream.  It is then frosted with either whipped cream or a similar icing.  Ice cream cakes are kept frozen until served.  They are typically decorated and served at a wide variety of parties.

Although the origin of the ice cream cake remains somewhat of a mystery, this popular dessert combines the classic summer treat, ice cream, with the time-honored celebratory cake, which makes it one of the best culinary inventions to date.

HOW TO OBSERVE

Order an ice cream cake from your favorite bakery or make your own to share with friends.  Use #nationalicecreamcakeday to share your photos on social media.

Jen’s Tres Leche Cake

Slice of creamy cake with white chocolate curl and raspberry on plate, coffee cup nearby

The Tres Leches cake, or “three milks” cake, is a beloved Latin American dessert known for its uniquely moist, cloud-like texture. White cake that is thoroughly soaked in a sweet, silky blend of three distinct milks—typically evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and heavy cream. After being bathed in this rich mixture, the cake is chilled to allow the flavors to meld, then finished with a fluffy whipped cream. Top with a sprinkle of cinnamon. The result is a melt-in-your-mouth dessert that strikes a perfect balance between creamy and airy.

Ingredients

1 Yellow or White cake mix ( I usually use a Duncan Hines)

1 8 oz can sweetened condensed milk

1 can evaporated milk

1 cup heavy cream

1 Large tub whipped topping

Ground cinnamon to decorate

Directions

Assemble cake as directed.

Pour into oven safe cake pan.  I like an 9 x 13 for this.

Bake cake as directed.

Cool completely

Make milk mixture by combining condensed milk, evaporated milk and heavy cream in large bowl with wire wisk.

Once cake is completely cooled use a wooden dowl or I use wooden spoon handle to poke 4 sets of 4 offset wholes in cake top. As show.

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Slowly pour milk mixture over back of spoon or small plate so no craters are formed on cake top. 

Cover and refrigerate 1 – 2 hours for flavors to meld.

Smooth layer of whipped topping over entire top of cake use as much as desired.  Sprinkle with light dusting of cinnamon.  Serve cold and enjoy.


Enjoy this moist, delicious cake any time.  I even made it for my husbands birthday cake. Just be careful with candles.

NATIONAL CAKE DAY

On November 26th, National Cake Day delivers a scrumptious treat for everyone to enjoy! Slide over pie, this day cake takes center stage as the dessert of choice. On most birthdays, the cake is topped with candles no matter their age. Showers, weddings, retirements and anniversaries, cake serves up a slice or two. Add ice cream, and you have America’s top favorite desserts in the same dish!

Whether it’s a shapely bundt cake (celebrated on November 15) to the less curvaceous sheet cake, these sweet layered, frosting covered or fondant decorated works of art scream celebration!  Whether made from scratch, a box or picked up from the bakery, a cake sends a sweet message. They also come in many combinations and flavors, too. 

No one can know how many. There are countless cake recipes. Some are even bread-like, others rich and elaborate, and many still are centuries old. Of Viking origin, the word cake is derived from Old Norse “kaka.” At that time, a cake’s texture was more like gingerbread due to the availability of refined ingredients. 

Cakes typically contain a combination of flour, sugar, eggs, and butter or oil. Additionally, some variety of liquid, such as milk or water, creates a batter. A leavening agent such as yeast or baking powder helps the cake rise. Flavorful ingredients are often added, for example, chopped nuts, fresh, candied or dried fruit, fruit purees, or extracts. Though we commonly think of cake with frosting or icing, many cakes can be enjoyed with just fruit or other toppings. 

My mom always made our birthday cakes. She makes beautiful edible creations. From a young age we learned not only how to bake a delicious cake, but how to decorate them too. Want to learn? Check out Wilton decorating classes. Learn how to create everything from the icings needed for perfect roses, fondant and how to pipe those complicated designs you see in bakeries.

As someone famous once said “Let them eat cake“.

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalCakeDay

Grab the flour and cake pans. Get dusted up and warm the house with love. Decorate and frost them. And then, deliver it to a family gathering. You know you’ll wow them with their favorite. Cream cheese frosting, buttercream or icing. What’s your favorite?

Use #NationalCakeDay to post on social media.

La Fiesta Reasons to Party

Hello May flowers! As we enjoy nature’s beautiful celebration there are plenty of reasons to enjoy before the hot summer months. Cinco De Mayo is just around the corner, followed closely by Mother’s Day, and Summer Vacation for the kids. Cinco De Mayo gives me an excellent reason to pull out the blender for Margaritas or this Margarita Sangria, I found that looked to good to pass up, and since Hubby’s Birthday is also May 5th, Loaded Nachos, easy Quesadillas with avocado, and Tre letche birthday cake.

Well that and some easy decorations add friends and family and the party is on! Now to find a gift? What do you gift to a man who does not follow sports, video games, gym routine, or major hobby? He is a musician, his music is digital in the tablet we got 3 years ago. His Keyboard is $4000; professional so accessories are few and quite pricey.

100% Live play music! My other half Pro Muscian Scott Langholff

I guess practical it will be. I’m open to any suggestions. We have couple small personal gifts hidden, but I’d like one more. Drop me a message on Facebook. While you’re on my page don’t forget to subscribe, like, and share. He doesn’t know this email address or password. Enjoy the music and search for him on YouTube.com for more. May the 4th be with you! I know another Star Wars fan. Just remember there is no try do or do not.