Food Holidays: April 13th, 2022

Good evening, welcome to our series sharing Food Holidays: April 13th, 2022. Today is National Apple Pie Month. I don’t know about you but a slice of Apple Pie sure sounds good with Whipped Cream. Although, its to hot to cook in our home this afternoon. If only I knew a resturant that served Pies and had Apple Pie I would go get a slice. Would you like to go with me this evening?

National Apple Pie Day

Grab a fork and a napkin, because May 13th is Apple Pie day. Talk about a holiday you can really sink your teeth into Apple Pie Day is it.

Did you know the Apple Pie has been around since the Middle Ages? A Dutch Cookbook dated 1514 lists a recipe for Appeltaerten which called for a standard Pie Crust, slices of soft Seedless Apples, and a few Spices. Specifically Cardamom, Ginger, Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Clove, Mace, and Sugarcooked up in a traditional Dutch Oven. The English also had their version of Apple Pie, which dates back to the time of Chaucer. The English version of Apple Pie also suggests adding Figs, Raisins, and Pears to the Apple-and-Spice mixture with Rolled Oats instead of Pastry, and is served up with Custard or Ice Cream. Did you know in France, Apple Pie is served upside-down as a Tarte Tatin.

The French also Caramelized their Apples, an innovation which added a whole new dynamic to the flavor. The French were also the ones who decided to add Cheese to their Pies, which actually makes for a delicious treat. In the 17th Century, Apple Pie was finally brought to the American Colonies. Over time, Apple Trees which were not Native to the Americasbegan to grow, which made baking much easier. Now, Apple Pie has become an indelible part of the American identity, to the extent that Apple Pie is considered one of the most American things in the world.

NATIONAL APPLE PIE DAY ACTIVITIES

1. Any Cookbook will no doubt have an Apple Pie recipe in its dessert section. Follow the recipe to the letter or improvise. Most of all have fun. Did you know there are dedicated Apple Pie Cookbooks, including Ken Haedrich’s Apple Pie. Pick the one that sounds the tastiest and get to baking.
2. Since there are so many different ways to make Apple Pie, there’s a chance that you haven’t tried your favorite kind yet. Get the family together and set a challenge to each bake a different Apple Pie. When you’re all done, get together and do a taste-test. See which baker comes out on top!
3. If you don’t happen to be in a baking mood, you can always go out to get Apple Pie. Make a list of all the restaurants in your area that serve Apple Pie, grab your family and go out on the town in search of the best Apple Pie.

WHY PEOPLE LOVE NATIONAL APPLE PIE DAY

1. The wonderful thing about an Apple is that the taste is so neutral it lends itself to all sorts of Spices. Not only does this Apple give the brave Chef room to experiment, but it also presents a delicious opportunity to any self-proclaimed foodie. Apples are a perfect warming treat on a cold day, but Apples also pair perfectly with a cold dish of Ice Cream.
2. IWhile it is true that Apple Pie was not originally invented in America, Apple Pie has become so much a part of the National identity that you can’t help but feel a little more American with every bite of Apple Pie. Not only that, but the various influences on Apple Pie represent cultural collaboration and innovation, which represent American ideals at their very finest.
3. If you want to make an Apple Pie, all you really need is Pie Pastry, a few sliced Apples, Cream, and Spices. You can make the Apple Pie a little fancier if you want, but you don’t have to search far and wide for delicious ingredients. Despite its basic nature, Apple Pie is almost universally loved, so Aplle Pie will be a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at your next dinner party.

National Fruit Cocktail Day

The term Fruit Cocktail brings up childhood memories of finding a sweet surprise at the bottom of your sack lunch, but there’s so much more to this Spring and Summer recipe. From its origins as a heavy, purely unwholesome aperitif of the American South to the trendy Summer Salads we see today, this confectionary concoction has rightfully earned a day of celebration. Mark your calendars for May 13th, and join us for National Fruit Cocktail Day!

NATIONAL FRUIT COCKTAIL DAY ACTIVITIES

1. For an uncanny way to celebrate, let your creative juices run wild and make your own Fruit Cocktail. For the adventurous, there’s little harm in buying a mix of your favorite Fruits and combining them together with the sauce of your choice to see what happens. The next Del Monte recipe could come from your own kitchen.
2. With Summer just around the corner and temperatures heating up, pack Fruit Cocktail to go. Grab your family and enjoy the outdoors with a healthy treat in hand. What better way to celebrate Spring than with a picnic in the park?
3. Creating an adult beverage out of a kid’s lunchtime classic is a quick way to add flare to your late-Spring party. A dessert Wine like Port, or a low-Alcohol Liqueur, or even Brandy add a great firewater touch to Fruit cCocktail’s cool, sweet nectar.

WHY PEOPLE LOVE NATIONAL FRUIT COCKTAIL DAY

1. You can feel good about throwing back a serving of Fruit Cocktail. Even pre-made canned varieties like Del Monte Fruit Cocktail pack a punch of Vitamin C, and often, contain even more of the Immunity-boosting Antioxidant than fresh Fruit. Be careful, though. This snack can turn against you quick. In the form of Sugars and calories if the Fruti Cocktail is canned in heavy Syrup.
2. Fruit Cocktail as we know it can be traced back to the earliest days of industrial canning in America. America’s Fruit producers found a way to delight the public, while at the same time selling damaged Fruit that would have otherwise been unmarketable.
3. Whether you’re buying your favorite brand of Fruit Cocktail off the shelves or preparing your own Fruit Cocktail yourself, Fruit Cocktail is a snack. If you’re going for aesthetics, what’s an easier way to jazz up a table than with a cornucopia of colors and a dollop of Whipped Cream?

National Hummus Day

Seeing as May 13th is International Hummus Day we have no choice but to celebrate theconcoction of Garbanzo Beans, Tahini, Lemon Juice, and Garlic otherwise known as Hummus. From whipping up a batch of your own custom-flavored Red Pepper Hummus to spreading store-bought dessert Hummus on a Cookie, there are endless ways to celebrate Hummus. We hear that there’s even some magical thing called a Hummus festival which a lot of people are not missing that event! Hummus has been around for Centuries and remains one of the most versatile and healthy staples in many diets. Today, we celebrate Hummus for all that it provides our diet and Culture, as well as how we can all agree Hummus is nature’s perfect food.

HISTORY OF INTERNATIONAL HUMMUS DAY

The origin of Hummus is cloudy and hotly contested. Though we know Hummus originated in the Middle East, many regions around the Eastern crescent of the Mediterranean claim to be the one true originator of Hummus. The first real mention of Hummus in a cookbook was found in 13th Century in Cairo, where Hummus appears as merely a cold Chickpea Puree, and notably lacks Lemon Juice and Garlic – including instead pickled Lemons with Oil, Herbs, and Spices. Hummusstill sounds pretty good to some people.

Hummus remained a huge staple in the diet of many living in the Middle East, where Chickpeas flourish. In fact, the word “Hummus” is rooted in the Arabic word for “Chickpea”! Though there is some debate over whether or not the Greeks also invented Hummus, most believe that Hummus is spread between Greek and Middle Eastern traders, along with popular delicacies like Baklava and Stuffed Grape Leaves. Hummus is known for this reason as one of the greatest crossover foods.

Hummus is also the national dish for many Countries in the Middle East. Hummus is a cultural phenomenon as much as a culinary one, and Nations stick up for their claim to Hummus. For example, in 2008 Lebanon tried to sue Israel for “stealing” Hummus! After that, the two strove to set the record for the largest plate of Hummus. For all its long-lasting popularity in the Middle East and Southern Europe, it may surprise you to learn that the first British Grocery Store to stock Hummus only did so in 1980. Unsurprisingly, however, Hummus quickly became a great hit in the UK, largely for its health benefits.

Hummus definitely had a fashionably late arrival to the U.S. While 20 years ago, most Americans probably couldn’t even pronounce the name of the dish, and annual sales barely topped $5 million, today Hummus is found in most Grocery Stores and considered a staple in many American households. While in the Middle East, Hummus is increasingly considered a somewhat routine and middle-class meal, Americans are falling for Hummus hard. It’s estimated that more than a quarter of U.S. households have Hummus in the fridge right this second. 

The first International Hummus Day was in 2012 and most peoples taste buds have been celebrating ever since.

INTERNATIONAL HUMMUS DAY ACTIVITIES

1. The key to being a forever favorite seems to be simplicity in Hummus which is based on Chickpeas, Tahini, Lemon Juice, and Garlic. There are many Hummus recipes online, but as long as you have a Food Processor and the key four ingredients, you’ll be successful in preparing Hummus! Once you’ve got that down, try adding flavors for your own custom Hummus.
2. What do Roasted Red Peppers, Jalapeno, Avocado, Black Olives, and Chocolate have in common? They’re all Hummus flavors! If your store doesn’t carry the flavor you’re craving, pick up Plain Hummus and spice the Hummus up to your heart’s desire.
3. If your crazy about Hummus then you should attend a Hummus festival. Hummus festivals are real! Check out the hashtag #hummusday or the account @hummusday on Instagram to see what events are happening near you. You can also find Hummus Day on Facebook or check out the various events on their website. Did you know there are Hummus Festivals on every continent, so there’s a good chance you’ll find something you can attend!

5 SURPRISING FACTS ABOUT HUMMUS

1. Hummus, which contains Omega-3 fatty acids, is known to maintain both heart health and a good mood!
2. Though Hummus has gone global and the recipe has been tweaked slightly, the four key ingredients are always the same: Chickpeas, Sesame Paste, Lemon Juice, and Garlic.
3. Hummus is made from protein and vitamin-rich Chickpeas which are the “Queen of Aphrodisiacs,” as Chickpeas are sometimes called, Hummus has been known to aid in sexual functions and boost physical energy.
4. In just one cup of Chickpeas, the basic ingredient of Hummus, there are 200 calories and only one gram of fat.
5. In some folklore, Hummus has been said to be one of the oldest-ever prepared foods.

WHY WE LOVE INTERNATIONAL HUMMUS DAY

1. Many different regions around the world lay claim to the development of Hummus, and at least we can all agree that this versatile and healthy spread is nature’s perfect food. Hummus has been adopted across the globe with shockingly minimal changes to either the recipe or the name. Everyone clearly love Hummus for exactly what it is.
2. Did you know Hummus is basically a multivitamin? Hummus is bursting with fiber, protein, potassium, B6, folate, and Vitamin C. Not to mention, Humus can lower our cholesterol, nip hunger in the bud, and stop excess snacking, and potentially even contribute to a lower risk of some Cancers!
3. Besides being a great Chip and Vegetable dip alternative to fattier dips like Ranch, Hummus can be used on Sandwiches, Salads, and more. These days, Hummus can be endlessly favored as well, from spicy to savory to even dessert. The jury is out on that one for us but at least it’s healthier than Ice Cream.

Thank you,

Glenda, Charlie and David Cates