NATIONAL ROAST SUCKLING PIG DAY

National Roast Suckling Pig Day on December 18th recognizes a savory dish that takes some planning to prepare. The results, however, are worth the effort.

A suckling pig is a young pig, between the ages of two to six weeks, which is still fed by its mother’s milk. The pig is roasted whole until the skin is crisp. The meat is tender and succulent.

Suckling pig can range between 8-30 pounds and expect between $12-$20 a pound depending on the market. These factors coupled with the daunting task of roasting a whole (granted small) pig make the finished product a delicacy most anywhere in the world.

With the right tools and ingredients, the roasting process is not that complicated. If you’ve roasted a whole turkey, you can cook a suckling pig. Only the smallest piglets will fit into most standard home ovens. Those at the lower weight range will provide about 20 adult servings. 

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HOW TO OBSERVE #RoastSucklingPigDay

On National Roast Suckling Pig Day, do you feel up to the challenge? If you do, this celebration challenges us to give this recipe a try: Whole Roasted Suckling Pig.

One way to take on this savory task is by dividing up the responsibilities. Invite others to help you conquer and then savor the suckling pig. 

Use #RoastSucklingPigDay to post on social media.

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NATIONAL CHOCOLATE-COVERED ANYTHING DAY

Chocolate lovers rejoice on National Chocolate Covered Anything Day! December 16th offers the chocolate day you’ve been waiting for. On this day, dip and drizzle your favorite foods in every kind of chocolate imaginable.

If you could cover anything in chocolate, what would it be? So many foods improve when we dip them in chocolate. Many businesses build their foundation on the practice of dipping food into chocolate. Whether you pick up a chocolate fountain or order a bouquet of a beautiful arrangement of chocolate-dipped fruit, celebrate! 

But fruit isn’t the only food meant for dipping in chocolate. Oh no. Other foods cry out for chocolate, too. Have you tried chocolate-covered peanuts, cashews, or walnuts? Pretzels undergo a divine transformation when dipped in chocolate, and they even have a national day of their own. Pound cake and gummy candies taste delicious with chocolate, too. If you love coffee, how can you pass up chocolate-covered coffee beans?

The list goes on. What’s your favorite covered chocolate covered anything?

Tempering is a process that improves the quality of a substance. In the case of chocolate, it improves its resiliency and shine. It’s recommended to use tempered chocolate when dipping or making candy.

There are a few different methods for tempering chocolate. One is to heat chocolate slowly in a microwave in 30-second intervals. When the chocolate starts to melt you are getting close. Stop heating the chocolate when it is soft but is still holding some of its shape. When you stir the chocolate, it should become smooth and lose its shape. Seeding chocolate is another method for tempering chocolate. Separate 1/3 of the chocolate and chop it into pea-sized bits. This is the seed chocolate. Melt the remaining 2/3 of the chocolate in a double boiler. The temperature you bring the chocolate to will depend on the type of chocolate.

Dark Chocolate – 120°F
Milk Chocolate – 115°F
White Chocolate- 110°F

Remove the melted chocolate from the heat and stir in the seed chocolate. Keep stirring until the chocolate reaches a temperature of:

Dark Chocolate – 82°F
Milk Chocolate – 80°F
White Chocolate- 78°F

Return the chocolate to the double boiler and bring it to the following temperature:

Dark Chocolate – 90°F
Milk Chocolate – 86°F
White Chocolate- 82°F

Remove from the heat and begin dipping!

HOW TO OBSERVE CHOCOLATE COVERED ANYTHING DAY

Pick up some chocolate-covered anything, or try your hand at dipping your favorite food in chocolate. Invite friends to join you and share in the experiment. Chocolate-covered treats make great gifts during the holiday season, too. 

Try these suggestions:

  • Bananas and peanut butter
  • Cookies
  • Potato chips
  • Orange wedges
  • Ritz crackers
  • Biscotti
  • Peanut brittle
  • Marshmallows
  • Fudge
  • Shortbread
  • Ice cream

Use #ChocolateCoveredAnythingDay to post on social media.

The Enchanting Romance of December’s Blue Topaz Birthstone

December’s birthstone, blue topaz, holds a special allure, captivating hearts with its tranquil, sky-blue hue. Throughout history, blue topaz has been cherished not only for its beauty but for the deeper emotions it evokes. This gemstone is often associated with love and loyalty, making it an ideal gift to symbolize romance and commitment. Its ethereal color is said to represent the calm yet profound depths of love, much like a serene sky or the vastness of the ocean, bringing a sense of peace to relationships. The gentle energy of blue topaz is thought to enhance open communication, essential for nurturing lasting bonds in any romance.

Legends surrounding blue topaz reveal its mystical qualities as a gem of passion and devotion. Ancient Greeks believed that blue topaz could enhance strength and bring forth the loyalty of one’s partner. In the Renaissance, it was often given as a token of love and protection, believed to keep the wearer safe from harm while attracting positive energy into relationships. This tradition of gifting blue topaz as a symbol of fidelity and affection continues today, particularly in romantic settings. When given with love, blue topaz is said to deepen the connection between partners, harmonizing their emotions and fostering a bond that grows with time.

As winter embraces December, the cool and crystalline beauty of blue topaz becomes even more meaningful. The icy blue hues evoke a sense of wonder and warmth, perfect for winter romance. This gemstone not only complements the season but embodies the introspective calm that December brings. For couples, it can serve as a reminder of the enduring nature of their love, mirroring the stillness and strength found in winter’s quiet moments. The allure of blue topaz lies in its ability to capture a season’s essence while adding a touch of warmth to relationships, making it a cherished piece for lovers to share.

Beyond its symbolism, blue topaz also possesses healing qualities that promote harmony in relationships. Many believe that it has the power to soothe tempers, resolve conflicts, and dispel misunderstandings. This gemstone is thought to encourage patience and forgiveness, both essential qualities for a long-lasting relationship. By wearing blue topaz, couples can enhance their bond, attracting positive energies that help them move through challenges together. It’s a stone that nurtures understanding and compassion, making it an ideal gift for couples looking to strengthen their love and friendship.

A blue topaz engagement ring or anniversary gift can be an exquisite way to celebrate a special moment. Its captivating color and symbolic meaning bring romance and elegance to any occasion. For those born in December, wearing blue topaz not only connects them to their birthstone’s calming energies but also brings a sense of love and appreciation from their partner. The sparkle of blue topaz represents the many facets of love, from tenderness to passion. When gifted thoughtfully, this gemstone becomes a romantic gesture that speaks to the depth of one’s feelings, illuminating the path to a love that is as steadfast and beautiful as the stone itself.

Amazon Black Friday Deals

Amazon’s Black Friday deals are the ultimate shopping event for bargain hunters and savvy shoppers alike. This highly anticipated annual sale offers massive discounts across virtually every product category, from electronics and home essentials to fashion and beauty. Whether you’re looking for the latest tech gadgets, upgrading your home appliances, or hunting for holiday gifts, Amazon’s Black Friday extravaganza has something for everyone. With deals that change hourly and exclusive offers for Prime members, it’s the perfect opportunity to snag incredible savings and check off your shopping list early.

This year, Amazon has upped the ante with deeper discounts, expanded product selections, and faster delivery options to ensure you get what you need without the wait. From doorbuster sales on popular brands to lightning deals on hard-to-find items, shoppers can expect unprecedented savings on top-quality merchandise. With convenient tools like wish lists, deal notifications, and one-click purchasing, Amazon makes it easier than ever to stay ahead of the shopping frenzy. Get ready to take advantage of this unparalleled sale and make the most of your Black Friday experience!

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday to me! Today, I celebrate another year of growth, laughter, and memories made. I am grateful for the lessons learned, the challenges overcome, and the people who have been a part of my journey. Each year brings new opportunities, and I am excited to see what this one holds. I’ve worked hard to get here, and today is all about celebrating those accomplishments and the person I’m becoming.

After surving a hemoragic stroke in 2013, my life took a drastic turn from where I thought I would be today.  I lost my very good health, the ability to bear children, and my mobility as an independent person.  In spite of the odds I have not only survived, I taught myself how to build this blog, start 2 YouTube channels, and developed, write and produce a digital monthly magazine.  Having lost the ability to work even in a remote capacity had not impeded my aspirations for success.   I truly hope to garner the ability to continue forward with a little help from technology,  family, friends and a fantastic physical therapist.  

I’m also looking forward to embracing whatever the future has in store. This year, I’m focusing on setting goals that truly matter to me and on making time for the things that bring me joy. Today, I’m taking a moment to just be present, appreciating the people who care about me, and enjoying the little moments that make life beautiful. Here’s to another fantastic year—filled with growth, happiness, and success!