Welcome to our series sharing Unique Holidays: March 24th, 2022. I would like to ask you to check out the Holidays being celebrated today and let me know which one you most would want to celebrate and why. As for me I will sit out this Holiday, but Charlie and David say bring on the Cheesesteak Sandwiches but leave off the Raisniets.
Are you hungry? I hope so, because today is the day to celebrate the Cheesesteak Sandwich. Meal planning for the day is all set when you serve this sandwich which is best known as the “Philadelphia Cheesesteak” or “Philly Cheesesteak”.
Hot Dog Vendors and brothers Pat and Harry Olivieri from Philadelphia, PA are credited with creating the Cheesesteak Sandwich in the 1930s. Pat and Harry Olivieri created a Grilled Beef and Onion Sandwich on a Hoagie Roll. This sandwich became an immediate hit, and it wasn’t long before a Taxicab driver suggested to Pat Olivier that he quit the Hot Dog vending business and open a store to sell his Sandwich. That’s exactly what he did, opening “Pat’s King of Steaks” restaurant. The original Sandwich did not have Cheese. Cocky Joe, an employee of the restaurant added Melted Provolone Cheese. Grilled Peppers also came later.
Celebrate today with a classical American Sandwich for lunch, dinner or both.
History and Origin of “National Cheesesteak Day”:
We know all about the history of Cheesesteaks, and what a great Sandwich it is. Unfortunately, we know next to nothing about this Holiday, but our research did not find the creator, or the origin of this Holiday and we found a reference to this holiday dating back to 2015.
This is referred to as a “National” Holiday, however, we did not find any congressional records or presidential proclamations for this Holiday.
National Chocolate Covered Raisin Day
HISTORY OF NATIONAL CHOCOLATE COVERED RAISIN DAY
Raisinets, the most widely known name for Chocolate Covered Raisins, were born in 1927 at the Blumenthal Brothers Chocolate Company in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Raisinets and other candies produced by the Blumenthal Brothers grew in popularity as a snack of choice in Movie Theaters across America during this time.
Nestle Corporation acquired the Raisinets, Goobers and SnoCaps brands in 1984 but have since sold those and other brands to Ferraro Group where Raisinets are still made in the USA under the Ferrara Candy Group. Of course, Raisinets is not the only brand of Chocolate Covered Raisins in the world. Many other labels sell Chocolate Covered Raisins with their own twists and flavors.
Social Media encourages creativity around any and every food known to man. Chocolate Covered Raaisins are no exception. There are endless recipes for Trail Mixes, and Granolas with amazing ideas for Charcuterie boards. One simple but irresistible idea is Raspberries Stuffed with Chocolate Covered Raisins.
NATIONAL CHOCOLATE COVERED RAISIN DAY ACTIVITIES
- A fun activity for kids and adults is to make Chocolate Covered Raisins in a crockpot.
- Did you know there are Candy Museums throughout America? Check out Candytopia for three locations open year-round and traveling pop up museums visiting new cities every year.
- Oatmeal Raisin Cookies often get a bad rap but what if you used Chocolate Covered Raisins instead of plain Raisins in your next batch? Don’t forget to take a batch to your friend.
FUN FACTS ABOUT RAISINETS
- When Raisinets were first sold in Movie Theaters, Theaters bought Raisnets for $01.25 (yes, 1.25 cents) per box and sold them for a nickel.
- There is only one type of Grape used to make Raisinets: Thompson Seedless Grapes grown in California.
- With the efficiency of today’s mass production, one batch makes almost one million Raisinets. That’s over 21 million Raisnets made each day!
- Perhaps you’ve noticed how shiny those Raisinets are as you are reaching in and out of that yellow box. The shine comes from the polishing during the production process.
- Not only are Raisinets healthier than other candy options. Did you know Raisnets can also be found on the Gluten-free menu!
WHY PEOPLE LOVE NATIONAL CHOCOLATE COVERED RAISIN DAY
- For people who only splurge on Chocolate Covered Raisins at the movie theater, this snack can be a great hostess gift, or office party addition or gift for any other occasion that calls for something simple.
- It’s always nice to find a produce 100% made in the USA and did you know Raisinets fit that bill.Not only can you feel good about eating Raisinets a healthier snack option.
- The love affair between movies and Raisinets has stood the test of time with no indication of it waning. Even with movie nights at home, there are fewer things better than a box of Chocolate Covered Raisins; and don’t forget you can mix them with your Popped Popcorn!
National Chocolate Covered Raisin Day is a Holiday to enjoy this combination of Chocolate and Fruit. Chocolate lovers including kids who like Raisins, find the combination simply irresistible.
Are you watching your waistline? National Chocolate Raisin Day will not help.
Chocolate is made from Cocoa Beans a vegetable and Raisins are from Grape’s aka a Fruit. We all know that Vegetables and Fruit are good for you. Doesn’t that make Chocolate Covered Raisins good for you?
Related Holiday Events: National Raisin Day
History and Origin of “National Chocolate Covered Raisin Day”:
Our research did not find the creator, or the origin of this Holiday which was most likely created by candy makers. but we find it surprising that this day is during the Christian season of Lent, when many people give up Chocolates.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
