Welcome to our series sharing Food Holidays: August 23rd, 2022. Today is National Cuban Sandwich Day. I’ve never had a Cuban Sandwich but with Charlie taking Homeschool Cooking this would be a nice addition to our Cooking Class. Would you like to have a Cuban Sandwich with us?
National Cuban Sandwich Day on August 23rd celebrates the joy of devouring a humble yet heroic Cuban Sandwich. Whether it’s a casual budget-friendly lunch or evening treat, there’s never a bad time to enjoy the traditional Sandwich. There’s much more to the Cuban Sandwich than the famous flavor combinations.
It’s no secret that the birthplace of the Cuban Sandwich is from the largest Island Nation of the Caribbean. The Sandwich is mostly characterized by its delectable blend of Ham, Cheese, Pork, and Mustard. Cubanos represent the melting pot of culture in the Country!
History of National Cuban Sandwich Day
The first Cuban Sandwich is believed to be created more than a quincentenary ago by the Cuban Taíno tribe. One of three tribes who inhabited Cuba before the Europeans arrived. Cuban Taíno tribe supposedly used Casabe Bread which is made from Yucca to create the Cuban Sandwich. However, Pork was unavailable at the time, so the Taínos stuffed Fish and Bird meat between the crunchy slices of Casabe Bread.
When Europeans primarily Spaniards eventually arrived on the Island, meats such as Pork and Ham became part of the Native’s diets, transforming the Cuban Sandwich into what we recognize in modern-times. Casabe, which was more of a crunchy and thin Bread at the time, made way for a doughy, Bread-like alternative.
We thank the Cuban influence in Tampa during the mid-1860s for making the Cuban Sandwich what it is today. The Sandwich likely originated in the Key West as a common lunch food for Cuban workers who sailed back and forth for employment,and family visits. However, history is rather murky of its exact creation in the Country, because of the largely undocumented movement of people between the Island Nation and the United States.
Later on, Miami fell in love with the Sandwich when Cuban expatriates introduced the Sandwich to the area during the 1960s. The Cuban Sandwich became so popular, that there is now a long-standing friendly rivalry between Tampa and Miami. So much so that in 2012, Tampa designated the “Historic Cuban Sandwich” and the “signature sandwich of the City of Tampa.”
Alongside Ham, Roasted Pork, Swiss Cheese, Pckles and Mustard, Salami is also included in the Cuban Bread recipe in Tampa, due to the area’s large Italian immigrant population. The Communist Revolution also brought a wave of Cuban immigrants to other Cities in the Country, including New York, New Jersey, and Chicago, where variations of the Sandwich popped up. Even with it’s simple appearance, the Cuban Sandwich illustrates that the soul is more important than anything.
National Cuban Sandwich Day Activities
- What better way to kickstart the day than to make your own variety of the tasty treat! Salami or no Salami, compile the delectable ingredients and share the sandwich with family. Hold a lunch so everyone can enjoy the deliciousness of the Sandwich.
- The Cuban Sandwich as it is today wouldn’t be around without immigrant influence and Cultural exchange through the means of food. Food is actually one of the most effective not to mention tasty means of celebrating Culture.
- Bringing family along to enjoy a tasty Cuban Sandwich meal is a sure way to celebrate the holiday in style. Wherever a Cuban Sandwich is on the menu, take a pick of the numerous restaurants and Cafes that serve it and celebrate the holiday with the Cuban Sandwich.
5 Facts About Cuban Sandwich Day
- A writer from the Tampa Bay Times decided to perform an experiment to see if people would celebrate a holiday he made up in 2016 which has stuck ever since then.
- Many say the true famous Sandwich starts with Cuban Bread. This includes 8-12 inches of loaf slices, lightly brushed with Olive Oil, cut in half horizontally.
- Putting aside Tampa and Miami for a moment, traditional Cuban Bread baking is far from easy. Above all, a moist Palmetto Leaf on top of the dough before it’s baked must be present for the flavor.
- “In a raft from Cuba”Tampa famously renamed the Cuban Sandwich “Historic Tampa Cuban Sandwich,”which prompted former Miami Mayor Tomas Regalado to say, “The Cuban Sandwich came in a raft from Cuba.”
- The Cuban Sandwich is popular all the same in the US and Cuba, except in Cuba, locals just ask for a Sandwich.
Why We Love National Cuban Sandwich Day
- From different styles of Bread to a variety of ingredients or how the Pork is cooked, the Cuban Sandwich is tasty nonetheless and is a prime example of a simple yet delicious meal.
- Perhaps there is no other food quite like the Cuban Sandwich which represents the United States’ history as a melting pot of Culture at the turn of the Century.
- The traditionally pressed Sandwich and its many forms is so delicious that it spread from Tampa to restaurant menus all over the World. The holiday is a cause for celebration of Culture and sharing!
Today’s Food Facts about Cuban Sandwiches:
1. A Cuban sandwich is a variation of a Ham and Cheese sandwich that originated in Cafes catering to Cuban workers in Key West and Ybor City, Tampa; two early Cuban immigrant communities in Florida.
2 Many say a “true” Cuban Sandwich, starts with Cuban Bread. The Loaf is sliced into lengths of 8–12 inches, lightly buttered or brushed with Olive Oil on the crust, and cut in half horizontally. A coat of yellow Mustard is spread on the Bread. Sliced Roast Pork, Glazed Ham, Swiss Cheese, and thinly sliced Dill Pickles are added in layers. Sometimes the Pork is marinated in Mojo and slow roasted.
3. Did you know in 2012, the “Historic Tampa Cuban Sandwich” was designated as the “signature Sandwich of the City of Tampa”
4. It is believed by some that the Sandwich was a common lunch food for workers in both the Cigar factories and Sugar Mills of Cuba during the 1870’s. When the Cigar industry in Florida shifted to Tampa in the 1880’s, the Sandwich quickly appeared in workers’ Cafés in Ybor City and later on West Tampa,Fl.
Are you aching for Sponge Cake baking? Break out the cake stand because August 23rd is National Sponge Cake Day! This dessert was first created in the mid-16th Century by an Italian Pastry Chef for a Spanish Lord. Since then, Sponge Cake has become a popular dessert item.
While there are many variations of the Sponge Cake, one of the most popular is the Victoria Sponge. Named after Queen Victoria who is said to have enjoyed a slice of Sponge Cake with her afternoon Tea. The Cake consists of Raspberry Jam and Whipped Cream sandwiched between two layers of Sponge. Whichever variation you prefer, be sure to bake or purchase a Sponge Cake and celebrate!
National Sponge Cake Day Activities
- It may seem obvious, but one of the best ways to get into the spirit of National Sponge Cake Day is to, bake a Sponge Cake! Making a Sponge Cake is pretty easy. But you should get creative with the decorating. Draw a Cat with Icing,or you could cut slices in the shape of parallelograms. When decorating the Sponge Cake use your imagination and make the Cake your own masterpiece.
- Let’s say you’ve baked or bought a Sponge Cake. The next logical step is to indulge. Slice yourself and your family a slice of the Sponge Cake because sharing is caring. Treat yourself because National Sponge Cake Day only comes once a year.
- If you plan on baking a Sponge Cake, consider taking some to a neighbor. If you don’t have time to bake, don’t worry. Purchasing a Sponge Cake to give to someone is just as nice.
Why We Love National Sponge Cake Day
- Everyone loves to treat themselves to a slice of Cake or two slices. Being able to do so without feeling guilty makes it even better. National Sponge Cake Day gives us all a reason to eat Cake! All day long.
- Baking has always been fun, but with shows like Cupcake Wars, Cake Boss, and other shows focused on creating sweet treats, it seems baking is more popular than ever. If you’ve been scouring TV shows, Cookbooks and specialty websites for Sponge Cake recipes, National Sponge Cake Day is the perfect opportunity to copycat your favorite Chef’s creations.
- Sponge Cake, particularly Victoria Sponge, is light, simple, and oh so sweet. Victoria Sponge Cake can make us feel a little classier when we eat a slice. Especially when paired with a pleasing cup of Tea in a pretty teacup. It’s nice to feel a little fancy sometimes, and that’s one of the reasons we love Sponge Cake!
Five facts about Spongecake:
- During the Renaissance, Italian cooks became famous for their baking skills and were hired by households in both England and France.
- The new items that they introduced were called “Biscuits,” though they were the forerunner of what we now consider to be Sponge Cake.
- Gervase Markham 1568-1637, English Poet and Author, recorded the earliest Sponge Cake recipe in English in 1615.
- These Sponge Cakes were most likely thin, crisp Cakes more like modern Cookies.
- By the middle of the 18th Century, Yeast had fallen into disuse as a raising agent for Cakes in favor of beaten Eggs.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
