Food Holidays: October 21st, 2021

Well, today we are celebrating Pumpkin in a Cheesecake. In our series sharing Food Holidays: October 21st, 2021. Would you like to celebrate this Holiday with David? As Charlie and I plan on sitting it our because we don’t care for Pumpkin. How about you?

National Pumpkin Cheesecake Day

Which is celebrated every year on October 21st. For a lot of people including my Mother n Law this might honestly be there favorite Fall Holiday. Fall screams Pumpkin in every way — Pumpkin Pie, Halloween, Pumpkin Spiced Latte, or Pumpkin-patch dates and Pumpkin Cheesecake is a way to win any American’s heart.

Recipe for Pumpkin Cheesecake

Ingredients

• Crust:
• 1 cup Graham Cracker Crumbs
• 1 tablespoon Sugar
• 1/4 cup Butter, melted
• filling:
• 2 packages (8 ounces each) Cream Cheese, softened
• 3/4 cup Sugar
• 2 large Eggs, room temperature, lightly beaten
• 1 can (15 ounces) solid-pack Pumpkin
• 1-1/4 teaspoons ground Cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground Ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground Nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon Salt
• topping:
• 2 cups Sour Cream
• 2 tablespoons Sugar
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
• 12 to 16 Pecan halves, chopped

Directions

1. In a small bowl, combine the Graham Cracker Crumbs and Sugar; stir in Butter. Press into the bottom of a 9-in. springform pan; chill.
2. For filling, in a large bowl, beat Cream Cheese and Sugar until smooth. Add Eggs; beat on low speed just until blended. Stir in the Pumpkin, Spices and Salt.
3. Pour into Crust. Place pan on the baking sheet Bake at 350° for 50 minutes.
4. Meanwhile, for the topping, combine Sour Cream, Sugar and Vanilla until smooth. Spread over the filling; then return to the oven for 5 minutes. Cool on the rack for 10 minutes. Carefully run a knife around the edge of pan to loosen; cool 1 hour longer.
5. Refrigerate overnight. Remove sides of pan. Top with chopped Pecans.

History of NATIONAL PUMPKIN CHEESECAKE DAY

Cheesecakes can be dated as far back as the 5th Century B.C. when ancient Greeks made the earliest form of Cheesecake. This consisted of Cheese pounded with Honey and Flour. Cooked on a griddle. Which was known as the ‘plakous’ meaning ‘flat mass’.

Cheesecake was then elevated in late Medieval England, where it emerged with a tart-like Pastry base. It spread rapidly across the region. Given its popularity in England, Cheesecake soon made an appearance in American Colonies. Cheesecake bakers began to experiment with several different Currants and Spices as infusions, however, American Cheesecake took a new form when Cream Cheese was introduced. Cream Cheese made the base creamier and sturdier than it had been before. This new Cheesecake became all the rage in the 1930s when Arnold Reuben (the creator of the Reuben sandwich) introduced the ‘New York Cheesecake’ to the city.

Bakers went on to experiment with an endless array of different flavorings and toppings including Blueberry, Strawberry, and Chocolate. The Pumpkin Cheesecake was born and went on to win hearts and gain popularity. So much so that Cheesecake lovers declared October 21st to be National Pumpkin Cheesecake Day in 2011. Which has since been celebrated every year nationwide.

NATIONAL PUMPKIN CHEESECAKE DAY ACTIVITIES

1. Consider National Pumpkin Cheesecake Day as an excuse to indulge in a slice (or two) of Pumpkin Cheesecake!
2. Tap into your inner baker and bake your a Pumpkin Cheesecake. Get creative with your infusion of Pumpkin into a classic Cheesecake recipe.
3. Make a fun day out of this Holiday and plan a day of Fall activities. Including visiting a Pumpkin Patch. Smelling Fall Candles. Order a Pumpkin Spice Latte. Have a slice of Pumpkin Cheesecake from a local bakery!

5 Facts about CHEESECAKES

1. A Cheesecake Shot can be made with Vanilla Schnapps and Cranberry Juice.
2. The world’s most expensive Cheesecake sold for $5,000!
3. For $400, you can order the entire Cheesecake Factory Menu.
4. Back in the day, people could buy Cheesecake-flavored postage stamps
5. Baking is not the only way to prepare a Cheesecake, you can chill a Cheesecake and set it in the fridge.

Why people love NATIONAL PUMPKIN CHEESECAKE DAY

1. This Holiday is dedicated to the celebration of two things coming together. America’s love for Pumpkins in the Fall is undeniable, and combining that with one of the most popular desserts is nothing less than a cause for a party.
2. National Pumpkin Cheesecake Day is one of the many days allotted to this dessert. From National Cheesecake Day to individual days for different flavors, Cheesecakes are celebrated throughout the year.
3. Not that there is ever a bad time to devour Seasonal treats. However, National Pumpkin Cheesecake Day can be your excuse to call it a cheat day when you feed your mind, body, and soul.

Thank you,

Glenda, Charlie and David Cates