Food Holidays: June 12th, 2022

Good morning, how are you? As we begin a new week I wanted to share our series featuring Food Holidays: June 12th, 2022. Did you know today is National Peanut Butter Cookie Day? I don’t know about you but Peanut Cookies sure would be good this morning.

National Peanut Butter Cookie Day

Today is a day that not only Cookie lovers but Peanut Butter lovers unite to celebrate National Peanut Butter Cookie Day. I would like to share the key ingredients of Peanut Butter Cookies which is Peanut Butter, Sugar, and Eggs so you can make Peanut Butter Cookies today which are easy to make. If you’re a Peanut Butter lover, Peanut Butter Cookies always hit the spot.

History of National Peanut Butter Cookie Day

Know one can say for sure when Peanuts were first harvested. Although evidence dating back 3,500 years ago indicates that ancient Incans of Peru used Peanuts as sacrificial offerings. Peanuts likely originated somewhere around modern-day Peru or Brazil, potentially growing as far north as Mexico, and was spread by European explorers. These Europeans likely brought Peanuts to Africa and Asia. It was eventually Africans who brought Peanuts to North America in the 1700s. 

In America, and particularly the South, Peanut production took off and it was around the 1800s that Peanuts became a commercial crop in the U.S., and demand for Peanuts was high. Not only were Peanuts a great food, but they could also be used as Oil or as a Cocoa substitute. Peanuts were, however, challenging to raise and harvest. Mostly Peanuts were only consumed by farm animals or those in poverty. That is until Union Soldiers decided they liked Peanuts and found they were high in Protein.

The early 1900s saw the destruction of cotton crops at the hands of the Boll Weevil, which threatened the livelihood of many farmers. Dr. George Washington Carver, a well-known Scientist at the time, suggested many plantations switch to planting Peanuts, which caused Peanuts to be almost as popular of a crop as cotton in the South. 

Determining who invented Peanut Butter, is different but there is evidence that the ancient Incas ground Peanuts to make a primitive sort of Peanut Butte. Dr. John Harvey Kellog is credited with creating the first Peanut Butter in the United States in 1895. There’s also some credit given for the invention of Peanut Butter to a Physician from Saint Louis, who needed a way for his patients who were too old or sick to chew meat to get protein. After Peanut Butter’s introduction at the World’s Fair in 1904, however, Peanut Butter took off. 

Dr. George Washington Carver included a recipe for Peanut Butter in his 1916 book on growing Peanuts and preparing Peanuts to be eaten. In 1922 Joseph Rosefield improved on the recipe by developing a way to prevent Peanut Oil from separating from the solids. Peanut Butter had hit stores in 1920, and already Peanut Butter Cookies were being homemade across America. In 1932, the first recipe for Peanut Butter Cookies that featured the decoration with forks on top was printed in “The Schenectady Gazette,” and Peanut Butter Cookies had become the classic treat we know today.

How to Observe National Peanut Butter Cookie Day

1. Recipes for Peanut Butter Cookies range from being classified as ‘health foods’ to being mostly Sugar and Butter. No matter what you’re looking for, there’s a recipe.Take some time in the kitchen and surprise your family with Peanut Butter Cookies.
2. Purchase Peanut Butter Cookies from Nutter Butter to Keebler to Grandma’s, Peanut Butter Cookies if baking isn’t your your cup of Tea.
3. Whether you’re passing on a cherished family recipe to your kids, so you aren’t baking alone, joy in the kitchen is always best shared!

5 Facts About Peanut Butter

1. Did you know Astronauts eat Peanut Butter with Tortillas because Bread has too many crumbs for a zero-gravity environment.
2. ‘Tagalongs’ which are ‘Peanut Butter Patties’ are usually the runner-up or third-bestselling cookie of Girl Scouts.
3. $800 million is spent yearly in America just on Peanut Butter!
4. According to one survey, it’s estimated that ¾ of the houses in America have at least one jar of Peanut Butter in their home.
5. According to Skippy Peanut Butter, over 30 celebrities including Jerry Seinfeld and Madonna are part of their Adult Peanut Butter Lovers Fan Club.

Why We Love National Peanut Butter Cookie Day

1. We know Peanut Butter Cookies are delicious and which is obvious, but bears repeating. Peanut Butter Cookies hit the perfect note of sweet, salty, nutty, or creamy. We couldn’t ask for more in a Cookie, and I don’t know about you but I won’t.
2. We’re here to break the good news: Peanut Butter is associated with a lower risk of heart disease, Cancer, and premature death. Peanut Butter Cookies may just help you live a little longer! However, you do want to make sure that the Peanut Butter isn’t heavily processed or full of trans fats if you want to reap the benefits.
3. Once childhood is over, work and school take up a significant amount of time. How many of us have the extra time to bake Cookies from scratch? We promise, three-ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies are super easy and reminiscent of mom’s fresh-out-of-the-oven batch from childhood. If you have children you could recruit your kids to help you!

5 facts about Cookies

1. The first commercial Cookie in the U.S. was the Animal Cracker, which was first introduced in 1902.
2. The Oreo, the best-selling cookie of the 20th Century, was developed and introduced by the American company Nabisco, in 1912.
3. The U.S. leads the world as the biggest Cookie bakers and eaters, spending more than $550 million annually on Oreo Cookies alone.
4. In 1989, New Mexico named the ‘Bizcochito’ its official state cookie. Bizcochito, is derived from the Spanish word ‘Bizcocho’ which means Bscuit, Which is a delicious Shortbread Cookie flavored with Anise and topped with Cinnamon Sugar.
5. The U.S. has a National Cookie Cutter Historical Museum located within the Joplin Museum Complex located in Joplin, Missouri.

International Falafel Day

1. Falafel is made of soaked Chickpeas, Garlic, Coriander, Cumin, Salt and Pepper which is served in Pita Bread with Hummus, Iraqi fried Eggplant, French Fries and anything of your choice.

2. The origin of the Falafel is a long going debate of where Falafel originated from. One of the theories suggests that Falafel was invented thousand years ago in Egypt, others say that its origin dates back to Ancient India or Pharaonic Egypt. No matter what the theories say, the fact is Falafel is one of the favourite dishes in the Middle East.

3. Falafel is high in protein, fiber and complex carbohydrates. Chickpeas are low in fat and contains no cholesterol. And so many nutrients including Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Zinc, Copper, Manganese, Vitamin C, Thiamine, Pantothenic Acid, Vitamin B, and Folate.

4. After hummus, Falafel is the second most common dish made of Chickpeas out there. More and more people are eating Falafel which is becoming more popular around the globe.

5. The Israeli Falafel became highly popular by Yemeni Jews in Israel in 1950s. They brought with them deep fried balls made of Chickpeas from Yemen that were served in a Pita or wrapped in a Flatbread. It is commonly considered to be a national dish in Israel.

On International Falafel Day, which takes place on June 12th, fans of the healthy treat gather. It’s also a day to encourage folks who haven’t tried Falafel to do so. For those who don’t know what it Falafel its a deep-fried ball made from ground Chickpeas.Falafel is occasionally cooked using Fava Beans. Onions and spices, including Cumin or Coriander, may also be included, depending on your preferences. Falafel can be eaten on its own or put into a Pita for a wrap. Falafel is a Vegan favorite since Falafel contains no meat or dairy.

History of International Falafel Day

The origins of the Falafel concept are a point of contention. There is a tale that was first popularized in Egypt when the Coptic Christians ate a Fava Bean variant during Lent as early as the 4th Century. There is no documented proof for this. Falafel appears to have originated with Fava Beans. Chickpeas are unlikely to have entered the scene until late. Once the dish had traveled further North. Some speculate that this supper may have originated in Pharaonic Egypt, although no one knows for sure.

Falafel is a popular street snack in the Middle East which is frequently served as part of a Meze, which is a collection of tiny plates of food. Falafel was first served in North America in a few Jewish eateries and neighborhoods. Falafel acquired popularity among North Americans in 1970, and Falafel quickly became one of the most popular street foods. Falafel is now available in many eateries as a meat-free choice for Vegetarians. In the twentieth century, Falafel became well-known in Germany.

Falafel is now a popular dish served in many nations throughout the world and Falafel has become popular among Vegetarians and Vegans as a meat-free alternative to fast food, and it is also sold in health food stores as packaged mixes. In 2012, the co-founder of Innovation Israel created International Falafel Day.

International Falafel Day Activities

1. Enjoy Falafels today and spread love. Use the hashtag #InternationalFalafelDay to share your experience .
2. Today, Falafels are recommended for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Visit restaurants that specialize in Middle Eastern cuisine and order the Falafel special.
3. If you can’t get Falafel at a nearby restaurant, you can try making Falafel on your own. It’s surprisingly easy to mix up a variety of excellent Falafel variations. The Egyptian recipe will solely include Fava Beans, but in the West, Chickpeas are more commonly used. You may take it a step further by using more ingredients.

5 Mouthwatering Facts About Falafels

1. Egypt, Palestine, and Israel all regard Falafel as their national cuisine.
2. Falafel was first popularized by Yemeni Jews in the 1950s.
3. In 2012, one of the hotels in Amman made the world’s largest Falafel disc, weighing approximately 165 pounds.
4. The meaning of ‘falafel’‘Falafel’ is thought to derive from the Arabic word ‘falfil,’ which means “long pepper.”
5. Falafel became so popular that McDonald’s offered a ‘McFalafel’ as part of its breakfast menu in Egypt for a time.

Why PEOPLE Love International Falafel Day

1. Falafel is an all-inclusive yet delicious treat. Falafel can be eaten by Vegetarians, Vegans, and Non-Vegans alike. Falafels can be made according to an individual’s specifications or the traditional recipes.
2. Falafels produced from Chickpeas include a significant amount of Soluble Fiber, protein, and complex carbs, and are low in fat and cholesterol. Falafels are also chock-full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Falafels can be consumed at any hour of the day.
3. Falafels are commonly consumed as snacks at any time of day, including breakfast to dinner, and even at Midnight. Falafel stands and cafes may be found throughout Qatar, and they are open 24 hours a day to serve hungry clients.

Thank you,

Glenda, Charlie and David Cates