Pepper Pot Day– always observed on December 29th
Pepper Pot Day commemorates the creation of this thick Spicy Soup, which was served to the Continental Army during the cold, harsh Winter of 1777-1778. Pepper Pot soup, is also spelled “Pepperpot”. Pepper Pot Soup was first made on December 29, 1777. Pepper Pot Soup is popular in Pennsylvania where it is called Philadelphia Pepperpot Soup. Pepper Pot Soup is also a popular dish in the South. Pepper Pot Soup has roots in Guyana, where it is also popular.
According to legend of Pepper Pot Soup
During the Revolutionary War, the Continental Army was camped at Valley Forge. The Winter was cold and harsh. Conditions were deplorable. Food was often scarce. George Washington asked his Army’s Chef to prepare a meal for the army, that would both warm them, and boost their morale.
The Chef found scraps of Tripe, small bits of Meat, and some Peppercorn. The Chef mixed this in with other Spices and ingredients, and created Pepper Pot Soup, also known as “Philadelphia Pepper Pot Soup”. The hot and somewhat spicy Soup was well received by the troops. This Soup was called “the Soup that won the war”.
Celebrate Pepper Pot Day by preparing Pepper Pot Soup for the family. Note: while Tripe was the main ingredient of Pepper Pot Soup, you can substitute Tripe with Chicken, Pig, or Beef.
How to Celebrate Pepper Pot Day
It’s unlikely you will fin Pepper Pot Soup on a restaurant menu but you can look up a recipe in a cookbook, or online, and make Pepper Pot Soup at home.
History and Origin of Pepper Pot Day
Pepper Pot Day dates back to when it was first made to serve the Continental Army on December 29th, 1777. We do not know when Pepper Pot Day was first was celebrated as a Holiday, or who started this tradition. However, Pepper Pot Day is a day that will warm you up!
Our first research of Pepper Pot Day in the early 2000s, and follow-up research in the early 2020s, found no congressional records or presidential proclamations proclaiming Pepper Pot Day to be a true “National” Holiday.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
