Tag #WinterWarmth

NATIONAL MULLED WINE DAY

Jensperspectiveblog 2 Comments

National Mulled Wine Day on March 3rd warms us up with fruits, spices, and wine. In the lingering days of winter, a hot mug of mulled wine hits the spot and fills the home with pleasant aromas. 

Mulled spirits are wine and liquors that have been heated and spiced. Mulled wine is usually made with red wine with various spices, fruits and sometimes slightly sweetened with honey.  Popular blends include cinnamon, nutmeg, citrus, vanilla, anise, cloves, raisins or pears.

JoyJolt Declan Coffee Mug. Glass Coffee Mugs Set of 6. Clear Glass Coffee Cups 16 Oz with Handles for Hot Beverages - Cappuccino, Latte, Big Tea Cup. Crystal Clear Glass Cups, Espresso Coffee Gifts Visit the JoyJolt Store
JoyJolt Declan Coffee Mug. Glass Coffee Mugs Set of 6. Clear Glass Coffee Cups 16 Oz with Handles for Hot Beverages – Cappuccino, Latte, Big Tea Cup. Crystal Clear Glass Cups, Espresso Coffee Gifts

Visit the JoyJolt Store

Wine was first recorded as spiced and heated in First Century Rome.

The combination of the heated spirits and spices are a warm welcome on a cold winter’s day and have long been considered a balm against illness during this time of year.

Mulled Wine Spice Mix | Classic Mulled Blend | Mulled Spice Kit | Cooking Gift Set | Set of Spices for Mulled Cider | Hot Cider Kit Brand: Aroma Gift
Mulled Wine Spice Mix | Classic Mulled Blend | Mulled Spice Kit | Cooking Gift Set | Set of Spices for Mulled Cider | Hot Cider Kit

Brand: Aroma Gift

Since we live in Florida, this is a warm welcome for us in late fall. It makes a great treat for holiday parties. Put it on low in a crockpot for an easy way to serve for Thanksgiving or Christmas. This will make your home both smell and feel amazing for holiday family gatherings.

* Tip* For a non alcoholic beverage substitute apple cider and apple juice. Try honey crisp apples and juice too.

Jennifer L.

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HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalMulledWineDay

Make up some mulled wine and invite someone to share it with you. If you’re looking for a recipe, try this one: 

Mulled Wine

Mulled wine recipe

Enjoy some mulled wine (Remember always drink responsibly and never to drink and drive) and use #NationalMulledWineDay to post on social media.

NATIONAL CLAM CHOWDER DAY

Jensperspectiveblog 3 Comments

Each year on February 25th people across the nation have a bowl and spoon ready to be filled with clam chowder as they prepare to participate in National Clam Chowder Day.

A clam chowder in its simplest form is a soup or stew containing clams or fish. The most common type of chowder includes milk or cream as well as potatoes, though the Manhattan clam chowder has tomatoes.

The origin of the word “chowder” is up for a little bit of debate.  The French word for cauldron is “chaudiere.”  The English word “jowter” means fish peddler.  Both are on the hook for possible origins.

 In chowder, along with the clams, it is common to find diced potatoes, onions (often sautéed with pork or bacon drippings) and celery. Try pan frying diced spam and mushrooms, caramelized onions are a good touch too.  I add browned tofu in place of potatoes with extra mushrooms to make it keto friendly.

Following is a list of the basic clam chowder variants:

  • New England clam chowder
  • Manhattan clam chowder
  • Rhode Island clam chowder
  • Delaware clam chowder
  • New Jersey clam chowder
  • Hatteras clam chowder
  • Minorcan clam chowder
  • Long Island clam chowder
  • Puget Sound clam chowder

If you enjoy Clam Chowder be sure to enjoy these soups as well. National Vichyssoise Day, National Gazpacho Day, National Seafood Bisque Day, National Gumbo Day, National Turkey Neck Soup Day, National Soup it Forward Day, National Clam Chowder Day, Homemade Soup Day, National Pepper Pot Day, National Soup Month, National Menudo Month, National Slow Cooking Month, Chicken Noodle, Minestrone, Vegetable Beef, Jen’s Loaded Potato, Jen’s Easy Chili, White Chiken Chili, Beef stew, Pho, New England Clam chowder, Lobster Bisque, Split Pea Soup, National Eat Your Bean Day, Homemade Chicken Noodle, Tuscan Sausage Tortellini, Grown Up Ramen, French Onion, and Creamy Cauliflower Soup.

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalClamChowderDay

Make your region’s best clam chowder. Better yet, have a clam chowder taste-off! Invite friends and family to cook up a variety of chowders from all over the country and try them all. Let us know which one you liked best. Maybe you’ll find a new appreciation for chowders.

My Easy Slow Cooker New England Style Calm Chowder. I changed the recipe to make it more low carb friendly.

Use #NationalClamChowderDay to post on social media.

Campbell’s Chunky Soup, New England Clam Chowder
Progresso Rich & Hearty, New England Clam Chowder Soup#NationalClamChowderDay
Progresso Rich & Hearty, New England Clam Chowder Soup
Campbell's Chunky Soup, Manhattan Clam Chowder#NationalClamChowderDay
Campbell’s Chunky Soup, Manhattan Clam Chowder
Snow's Condensed New England Clam Chowder, 15 oz Can (Pack of 12) - 4g Protein per Serving - Authentic New England Style Recipe #NationalClamChowderDay
Snow’s Condensed New England Clam Chowder, 15 oz Can (Pack of 12) – 4g Protein per Serving – Authentic New England Style Recipe

HOMEMADE SOUP DAY

Jensperspectiveblog 2 Comments

February 4th heats up with National Homemade Soup Day. In every cuisine, soup provides a rich basis of flavor and history. 

Before the era of modern transportation, soup was a product of regionally available foods. For this reason, there are thousands of soup recipes available today.

The Essential Soup Cookbook: Comforting, Hearty Favorites#NationalHomemadeSoupDay
The Essential Soup Cookbook: Comforting, Hearty Favorites
The Soup Cookbook for Beginners: 365 Days of Savory and Seasoned Recipes to Reinvent the Joy of Soup with Simple Ingredient and Step-by-Step Instruction #NationalHomemadeSoupDay
The Soup Cookbook for Beginners: 365 Days of Savory and Seasoned Recipes to Reinvent the Joy of Soup with Simple Ingredient and Step-by-Step Instruction
The Super Soup Cookbook: 1000 Days of Comforting and Hearty Soups, Stews for Every Palate to Warm Your Heart｜Full Color Edition #NationalHomemadeSoupDay
The Super Soup Cookbook: 1000 Days of Comforting and Hearty Soups, Stews for Every Palate to Warm Your Heart｜Full Color Edition
Homemade Keto Soup Cookbook: Fat Burning & Delicious Soups, Stews, Broths & Bread #NationalHomemadeSoupDay
Homemade Keto Soup Cookbook: Fat Burning & Delicious Soups, Stews, Broths & Bread

Many soups also offer medicinal properties. What was once considered a wive’s tale, chicken soup now has the backing of the scientific community. Yes, chicken soup helps relieve the symptoms of the common cold. How? Well, scientists believe that a bowl of the soup may reduce inflammation of the lungs. It is thought that chicken soup slows down the activity of white blood cells that can cause inflammation.

But that’s not all homemade soup does. Every cook knows the most important ingredient that goes into every pot of simmering soup. They keep the ingredient stored where it will do its best work, too. As they work, they season the soup from their heart giving it just the right amount of love each and every time. Whether they add it with the noodles or the vegetable, the broth or the cream, each cook knows there’s enough to go around. That’s why homemade soup heals the best. 

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HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalHomemadeSoupDay

Tell us about your favorite homemade soup. Share a recipe or a memory. Gather the family to learn how to make your best recipe and share the love. Need a new recipe to add to your collection? From chowders and broths to creamy bisques, chances are you’ll find a recipe to love too.

Use #NationalHomemadeSoupDay to post on social media.

DAYYET Soup Mugs with Handle and Vented Lid, 26 oz Jumbo Coffee Mugs Soup Bowls, Ceramic Mugs for Cereal, Noodles, Ramen, Pasta, Salad, Dishwasher & Microwave Safe, Set of 2, White#NationalHomemadeSoupDay
DAYYET Soup Mugs with Handle and Vented Lid, 26 oz Jumbo Coffee Mugs Soup Bowls, Ceramic Mugs for Cereal, Noodles, Ramen, Pasta, Salad, Dishwasher & Microwave Safe, Set of 2, White
DOWAN Coffee Mugs Set of 4, 24 oz Large Coffee Mugs, Jumbo Soup Mugs With Handles, Ceramic Coffee Cups for Coffee Cereal Latte for Men Women, Housewarming Wedding Gift, Vibrant Colors#NationalHomemadeSoupDay
DOWAN Coffee Mugs Set of 4, 24 oz Large Coffee Mugs, Jumbo Soup Mugs With Handles, Ceramic Coffee Cups for Coffee Cereal Latte for Men Women, Housewarming Wedding Gift, Vibrant Colors
vicrays Ceramic Soup Bowls with Handles, 24 Oz Porcelain Soup Crocks for French Onion Soup, Cereal, Beef Stew, Chill, Pasta, Pot Pies, Microwave and Oven Safe, Set of 4 (Blue)#NationalHomemadeSoupDay
vicrays Ceramic Soup Bowls with Handles, 24 Oz Porcelain Soup Crocks for French Onion Soup, Cereal, Beef Stew, Chill, Pasta, Pot Pies, Microwave and Oven Safe, Set of 4 (Blue)
Rapid Soup Mug | Microwaveable Soup & Noodle Cooker | Enjoy Hot Soups Anytime | Ideal for Dorm, Small Kitchen, or Office | Dishwasher-Safe, Microwaveable, & BPA-Free #NationalHomemadeSoupDay
Rapid Soup Mug | Microwaveable Soup & Noodle Cooker | Enjoy Hot Soups Anytime | Ideal for Dorm, Small Kitchen, or Office | Dishwasher-Safe, Microwaveable, & BPA-Free

NATIONAL HOT CHOCOLATE DAY

Jensperspectiveblog

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.