Welcome to our series sharing Food Holidays: November 26th, 2022. Today is National Cake Day. I must confess I’ve celebrated today because I had Chocolate Cake with Walnuts and Pecans for breakfast. I wish you were here to have a slice of Cake with me.
National Cake Day
From Chocolate to Bundt today is the day to share a slice of Cake with our family. If you have time try your hand at decorating or ask the local bakery to whip up a Cake celebrating your family to share today. #CakeDay#NationalCakeDay
“Qu’ils mangent de la brioche!” or, “Let them eat cake!” Could most likely be the most famous quote about Cake ever. The words of a great French Princess. Typically attributed to Marie Antoinette herself upon being informed that the peasants were so poor that they had no Bread to eat during one of the famines that occurred in France during the reign of her husband, Louis XVI.
Needless to say, the ignorance and arrogance of that disdainful statement did not win either Marie Antoinette or her husband any respect or sympathy from their people, who then proceeded to behead both of them during the French Revolution!
None of this changes the fact that Cake is arguably one of the most delicious baked goods that humans have ever made to eat. Cakes numerous varieties continue to astound every Cake fan. For that reason, it is obvious that Cake is deserving of its own holiday.
The History of National Cake Day
The history of Cake dates back to ancient times. The first Cakes are thought to have been made in Ancient Greece and Egypt. These first Cakes were rather heavy and flat and were eaten at the end of a meal with Nuts and Honey.
Nowadays, this type of Cake has evolved into Baklava, a traditional Greek dessert and a must-try for any fan of sweet stickiness. In later years the ancient Romans also created their own version of this sweet treat, which was rather creamy and rich. However, like in many cultures around the world, this Cake was often reserved for the Gods and was offered to them at their temples as a sign of respect, love, and reverence.
The Oxford English Dictionary traces the English word Cake back to the 13th Century. During the Great Depression, it was necessary to provide easy, relatively cheap food to millions of Americans who were living in poverty, and the boxed Cake mix was born. The idea turned out to be pure gold, as millions of housewives all over the United States took advantage of boxed Cakes to make their lives easier.
Cakes started being used to celebrate birthdays in 19th Century Western Europe and eventually earned their candles on top. Cakes are also a delightful addition to a variety of other meals and functions, from a simple family dessert to a huge catered party. Whether Chocolate or Angel Food or pretty much everyone who enjoys a slice of Cake.
Now, National Cake Day is celebrated throughout the world!
Facts about Cake:
In Roman times, Eggs and Butter were often added to basic Bread to give a consistency that we would recognize as Cake-like, and Honey was used as a sweetener.
Did you know the famous saying, ‘let them eat Cake’, was attributed to Marie Antoniette upon learning that her people had no Bread, but the saying was probably much older.
In Scotland, and parts of Wales and Northern England, cake took on the specific meaning of ‘a thick, hard Biscuit made from Oatmeal’.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David cates
