Food Holidays: April 4th, 2022

Good evening, welcome to our series sharing Food Holidays: April 4th, 2022, Today is National Chicken Cordon Blue Day. I don’t know about you but I will pass on having this meal for lunch or dinner. Although as I child I did try it and didn’t like having meat and cheese friend together.

Instead, I will celebrate International Carrot Day should I make a Pot Pie or a Roast and add Carrots to it. Or how about a Carrot Cake I could share with my neighbors as a going away present to them as we will be moving within the next two weeks:

National Cordon Bleu Day

The French term Cordon Bleu is translated as “blue ribbon.”

Cordon Blue dates back as far back as the 16th Century

Five facts to know about Cordon Bleu:

1. The phrase “Cordon Bleu” means “Blue Ribbon” when referring to the dish.
2. Another use of the phrase “Cordon Bleu” comes from a distinguished order of sixteenth-century French knights, who apparently wore blue sashes and were therefore popularly referred to as the “Cordon-bleus.”
3. Cordon Bleu is a thinly pounded piece of Meat usually Chicken but could be Veal or Pork stuffed with Ham and Cheese, then breaded and fried.
4. Chicken Cordon Bleu is a relatively recent American creation, first found mentioned in the written word in 1967.
5. Common variations on Cordon Blue include baking instead of frying, skipping the breading, and switching the order of Meats.

More Cordon Bleu Facts:

Cordon Bleu did not originate at any of the prestigious Cordon Bleu Cooking Schools of Europe. It is not exactly clear who was the first person to prepare and name the dish Chicken Cordon Bleu.

There are many regional dishes from Europe that share characteristics with Chicken Cordon Bleu. Some of the Countries that include Roulades, or roll ups of meat, in their cuisine are Germany, France and Italy.

In largely Muslim-populated Countries, the halal versions of Chicken Cordon Bleu are also popular, but to cater to the halal requirement for the Muslims, the Chicken is rolled around Beef instead of Pork product.

International Carrot Day

Shake off the dirt and wear your best orange on this International Carrot Day, on April 4th. You’ll never catch us without a pack of Carrots in our refrigerator because Carrots are not only highly affordable with a long shelf life, but Carrots are exceedingly beneficial for our health. Whether Carrots are brightening Winter Soups or complimenting Cream Cheese Icing, Carrots are always a welcome guest.

HISTORY OF INTERNATIONAL CARROT DAY

The first annual celebration of Carrots occurred in 2003 with the pure intention of celebrating the staple Salad ingredient. As of now, celebrations have been reported to occur in France, Italy, Sweden, Russia, Australia, Japan, and the U.K. It seems that Carrots are a rather hearty plant that can grow in many diverse conditions, though Carrots typically come into harvest in the Summer and Fall Seasons.

California is responsible for 85% of the Carrots that U.S. citizens purchase in grocery stores across the country. While the Taproot is traditionally the star of the culinary show, Carrot Greens which is the part that grows out of the soil and toward the Sun is edible. Many Countries use this portion of the plant to mix in with Salad Greens. 

Carrots are among the few Vegetables that are harvested primarily for their roots, rather than their sprouts. Joining Carrots are Potatoes, Turnips, Radishes, and Beets. The traditional Carrot’s hue is a deep orange with yellow undertones, but there are many different variations in color harvested worldwide, including purple, red, and pale-yellow.

Due to the Carrot’s longevity when stored in the refrigerator, Carrots often makes appearances in dishes for all Seasons, from Spring to Autumn to Winter. Carrots are also among the Vegetables that can be eaten raw and fresh. When raw, the crunch of a Carrot can be heard many feet away. Carrots can be served as a sweet treat in Carrot Cake, or as a savory accompaniment to Meats including Salmon.

HOW TO CELEBRATE INTERNATIONAL CARROT DAY

1. After visiting your local grocery or Farmer’s Market to gather some different Carrot varieties, bring your haul home and prepare for a blind taste test. Cut and prepare each variety, from purple to white to orange and once, complete, blindfold your family members and serve the veggies up! Without the visual input to spoil things, your taste testers can describe the different flavor nuances of each colored root.
2. Did you know you could grow your own Carrot plants just by using the scraps from your regular grocery store purchase? When you’re ready to use your Carrots, cut the tops of them off and set them aside. Place the stump-cut side down in a shallow glass dish. Fill with about one inch of water. Set the dish in a sunny windowsill and top the Water off each day. You will be growing your own sprouts!
3. If this Holiday, which occurs in early Spring, is still chilly take advantage of the opportunity to throw together a Carrot Soup. People like to start Soups by sautéing Onion, Garlic, and Celery in a deep pot. Adding Carrots cut in thin discs before covering with delicious Chicken or Vegetable Stock.

5 FACTS ABOUT FARMERS’ MARKETS

1. At a Farmers’ Market, almost all the produce has been harvested at its peak ripeness. Sometimes even within the last 24 hours before you purchase the food.
2. When you shop at a Farmers’ Market, you’ll only be able to purchase what is already in Season. By building your weekly menu to Mother Earth’s bounty, you’ll be reducing carbon emissions and helping the planet.
3. Local farmers, who are the life of Farmers’ Markets, can help introduce you to new fruits and vegetables you may never have heard of before.
4. Depending on your Geographical location, you can also purchase farm-fresh Eggs, fresh Milk, Cheeses and Meats from your local Farmers Market. As an added bonus, most of the Animals responsible for producing these products are treated far more humanely on these small family farms than they in corporate factories.
5. Your most cherished local restaurants probably visit the Farmers’ Markets religiously. While you’re there, you’ll meet community-oriented members of your neighborhood helping you feel more connected than you would by just walking into a grocery chain.

WHY PEOPLE LOVE INTERNATIONAL CARROT DAY

1. I don’t know if Carrots are a fridge staple in your home or not, but Carrots have been in mine. When it comes to finding enthusiasm in the kitchen, we can often overlook the simple staples that have carried us through a lifetime. International Carrot Day reminds us about this universally loved vegetable.
2. The primary Vitamin in Carrots is Beta-Carotene, which transforms into Vitamin A once processed through the human digestive system. Vitamin A is known for strengthening the eyes as well as the bones, teeth, and skin.
3. Carrots are among the cheapest Vegetables available for purchase in the U.S. Carrots make clean eating more accessible to Citizens of all socioeconomic backgrounds. No one is excluded from celebrating along with us!

Thank you,

Glenda, Charlie and David Cates