Food Holidays: January 6th, 2022

It’s funny as I was thinking earlier this evening about making a Pot of Red Beans for tomorrow night’s dinner or Baked Beans to go with the Fried Chicken I wanted to prepare. When I got ready to share with you the Food Holidays: January 6th, 2022, for today and found out its not only National Bean Day but also National Shortbread which was one of my Christmas Gifts that I opened this evening, and we can have for dessert tomorrow. Would you like to join my family for dinner?

National Shortbread Day

We celebrate National Shortbread Day on January 6 to appreciate the delectable shortbread in all its glory. This high-fat, melt-in-your-mouth buttery treat is Scotland’s best gift to the world. Baked without a leavening component such as baking soda or powder, the dense and rustic texture of this incredible dessert stands out. As a remnant of the holiday spirit, bake this Scottish delight in your home on National Shortbread Day to start the new year on a sweet note.

Five things to know about Shortbread:

1.  Scottish shortbread evolved from Medieval Biscuit Bread, a twice-baked, enriched Bread Roll dusted with Sugar and Spices and hardened into a Rusk.
2. Eventually Butter was substituted for Yeast, and Shortbread was born.
3. Since Butter was such an important ingredient, the word “shortbread” derived from Shortening.
4. Shortbread may have been made as early as the 12th Century; however, its invention is often attributed to Mary, Queen of Scots in the 16th Century.
5. Petticoat Tails were a traditional form of Shortbread said to be enjoyed by the queen. The round Shortbread was flavored with Caraway Seeds, baked and cut into triangular wedges.

HISTORY OF NATIONAL SHORTBREAD DAY

Along with Windmills, spectacles, and gunpowder, the 12th Century also saw the creation of Shortbread. Originating in Scotland and benefiting from a cultural exchange with French Pastry Chefs, Shortbread’s original recipe calls for the simple mix of Butter in the Flour. The fattening of the dough shortens it, hence the name ‘shortbread’. 

It wasn’t until the intervention of Mary, Queen of Scots, that this crumbling delicacy gained National prominence. In the 16th Century, Mary, Queen of Scots refined the recipe and propagated its triangular sizing to match them with her preferred petticoat tails. After the introduction of Sugar to the United Kingdom, the 17th-Century Shortbread became a Sweet Biscuit, best enjoyed with evening Tea. Shortbread can trace its cultural footprint back to William Shakespeare’s 17th-Century play, “The Merry Wives of Windsor”. 

As the recipe traveled overseas, the limited ingredients and simplification of its preparation process became its trademark. In a way, Shortbread connects us to the divinity of taste that erupts when we stop chasing after it. All you need is a cup of Sugar, a scoop of Butter, a handful of Flour, and an oven to bake the Shortbread till it’s golden brown.

Shortbread gained prominence in Scotland as a scarce luxury, reserved by the common folk for special occasions such as Christmas. There are many traditions attached to Shortbread, which signals its Historical prominence. Today, Shortbread is a highly commercialized item, sold in Tartan Boxes throughout the Country. On January 6th, we come together to share our love for this ultimate Scottish snack. 

National Bean Day

NATIONAL BEAN DAY ACTIVITIES

1. Beans certainly aren’t the only ingredient in Chil but as any serious Chili cook knows, finding the right Beans is the key to make or break your Chili recipe. Did you know the first Chili cook-off took place in 1967 in Texas? Cooks have had plenty of time to perfect their techniques and find the best Beans to use. If you like Vegetarian Chili, Beans will be the primary ingredient.
2. If Chili is one of the most popular Bean-based foods for people to create their own recipes, creating a personalized Baked Beans recipe is a close second. Don’t be afraid to experiment with Baked Beans recipes on National Bean Day. Try a few different types of Beans or add different ingredients to give your Baked Beans recipe a unique flavor. If it helps, you can even sing the “magical fruit” song while cooking.
3. Dried Beans are great in recipes, but they also work well for crafting and art projects for kids. For example, you could create a Mosaic that includes a variety of Seeds and different sizes and colors of Beans.

WHY WE LOVE NATIONAL BEAN DAY

1. There are many different kinds of Beans to try if you decide to celebrate National Bean Day including Green String Beans, Pinto Beans, Navy Beans, Black Beans, and Red Kidney Beans which are among the most popular Beans grown in the United States.
2. If you’re looking to save a bit of money on your food bill, Beans are among the most cost-effective foods you can prepare. Or if you’re looking for a source of protein that’s quite a bit cheaper than Beef or Chicken, Beans are the perfect choice. Did you know a cooked Bean’s weight is between 6% and 11% protein?
3. Some kinds of beans are best served for dessert including Jellybeans which are one of the most popular candies around. There’s even a Chili flavor of Jelly Belly. Boston Baked Beans are great candies too. Even though Jellybeans and the Candy-Coated Peanuts that make up Boston Baked Beans aren’t the same as traditional Beans, they taste great.

Thank you,

Glenda, Charlie and David Cates