By which we mean Hot Cocoa! That delicious frothy topped warming beverage so loved as winter settles into the Northern Hemisphere. You could order it from your favorite coffee shop, but that can get expensive and requires a special trip. You can buy pre-packaged brands at the supermarket but it often contains chemical stabilizers, flavors … Continue reading National Cocoa Day
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National Gingerbread House Day
Today is National Gingerbread House Day - that wholesome family traditional of assembling a dwelling made of gingerbread, icing, candies and especially gumdrops as part of the seasonal festivities. Much of the time this is assembled from a kit but it is still a lot of fun and creativity to assemble the structures, especially for … Continue reading National Gingerbread House Day
Grab and go – an entire breakfast in one muffin!
I recently tried a breakfast muffin recipe found on http://www.purewow.com. It is a savory muffin and quite delicious. In the center is a full, peeled, hard-boiled egg (you can use your own method to hard boil instead of the recipe's method, but do be sure to peel it before inserting in the muffin!). In addition … Continue reading Grab and go – an entire breakfast in one muffin!
National Pastry Day
Today is National Pastry Day and I hope you get the chance to celebrate by partaking in a delicious pastry in celebration. I know I will. Mmmm. As always you can find more at http://www.walterthinnes.com and on Twitter @walterthinnes
National Cookie Day
As noted earlier this week, I no longer bake masses of Christmas Cookies because of my limited New York City kitchen. That doesn't mean I don't continue to collect interesting cookie recipes. When I did the massive bakeoff I always included my two favorites - Snickerdoodles and Ginger Snaps. What if someone combined those into … Continue reading National Cookie Day
National Cookie Cutter Day
As the December holidays speed toward us, it is time to start making preparations. For me that used to mean making a huge numbers of cookies to distribute to family and friends. Before moving to New York City I had houses and kitchens large enough to support the hobby. That scale of operations are not … Continue reading National Cookie Cutter Day
National Gingerbread Cookie Day
When I saw that National Gingerbread Cookie Day was coming up I dug into my recipe collection and was surprised to find only Gingersnap and not Gingerbread Cookie recipes. So I turned to one of my favorite recipe sources - http://www.foodnetwork.com and found a nice recipe. Here it is, properly attributed. https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/gingerbread-cookies-101-recipe-1963337 =============== Gingerbread Cookies … Continue reading National Gingerbread Cookie Day
National Bundt Cake Day
A bundt cake travels pretty well, simple, delicious, always welcome at pot lucks and holiday parties. Included here - a boozy version that has always been welcomed this time of year. No kidding - no one under 21 and make sure you have a designated driver... =============== RUM BUNDT CAKE INGREDIENTS: 1 package Duncan Hines … Continue reading National Bundt Cake Day
National Spicy Guacamole Day
Who doesn't like guacamole? Check out this recipe which makes the tastiest guac I've ever sampled. Enjoy! =============== GUACAMOLE INGREDIENTS: 2 avocado, ripe1/2 small onion, minced1 teaspoon kosher salt1 garlic clove, minced and mashed4 teaspoons fresh lime juice1/2 teaspoon ground cumin1 jalapeno, seeded and minced3 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chop METHOD: Mash and mince garlic with … Continue reading National Spicy Guacamole Day
World Kindness Day
Well, the world could certainly use more kindness and here is a special day to remind you. It was founded by this group: https://www.theworldkindnessmovement.org I am happy to see people banded together to spread kindness. Too many groups, whether religions, governments or clubs are too tied up in promoting themselves as superior or the only … Continue reading World Kindness Day
National Chicken Soup for the Soul Day – and my recipe
Today's National Day was not founded by the prolific publisher of that 1990's series but by a fan group in 2002. Sure, you can celebrate by reading inspirational selections from that series, by I suggest you make Chicken Soup for the Tummy by following the recipe below I have developed over the years. I like … Continue reading National Chicken Soup for the Soul Day – and my recipe
trying Amazon Fresh Delivery
If you are an Amazon Prime Member you should take a look at Amazon Fresh, their new full grocery delivery option. After Amazon's purchase of Whole Foods they've expanded their "Amazon Pantry" options to include refrigerated and frozen options like meat, cheese, frozen vegetables and ice cream. Delivery is free if you are a Prime … Continue reading trying Amazon Fresh Delivery
National Cappuccino Day
As winter creeps in, today is National Cappuccino Day - that espresso, hot milk and steamed milk foam beverage often decorated and celebrated. Order one today. Ask the barista to give it to you free because of the celebration. Run real fast to get away but don't spill the cappuccino. Good luck with that, I … Continue reading National Cappuccino Day
National Doughnut Day – easy as pie…
I know, I know - there was a National Donut day back in June when all the big chains offered freebies in celebration. I think the makers of National Days are trying to goad their way into another free donut, but it is not working. Instead I want to feature a set of special doughnuts … Continue reading National Doughnut Day – easy as pie…
National Deviled Eggs Day
"Deviled" Eggs have been made for centuries and in many cultures but is especially popular in the USA and most especially in our southern states. Simple concept really. Hard boil eggs, slice in half, scoop out the yolks to mix with add-ins (think mayonnaise or mustard, creative flavors), whipped together and scooped or piped into … Continue reading National Deviled Eggs Day
National Vinegar Day and where to find some of the best in New York City
Today is National Vinegar Day, that fermented liquid that adds a special acidic note to various foods (and to clean windows - but not our focus today). Why buy mass produced versions when you can get hand crafted products? I know just the place if you travel to New York City. The Filling Station is … Continue reading National Vinegar Day and where to find some of the best in New York City
National Candy Corn Day
Waxy Candy Corn doesn't taste very good and has no distinctive flavor of its own. Not sure why it is so popular, but I will pop a palmful into my pie hole if given the chance. You could get creative and make your own, like this recipe from Alton Brown. https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alton-brown/candy-corn-recipe2-2120004 Or make a themed … Continue reading National Candy Corn Day
National Boston Cream Pie Day
Mmmmm. I love Boston Cream Pie, though usually I get it in donut form when I do get it. What if you could make it at home? Try This... Homemade Boston Cream Donuts made by Farideh Sadeghin that you can make too. Below is a recipe link and video you might enjoy. Be aware that … Continue reading National Boston Cream Pie Day
Foodie Confession and possible solution
If you read this blog regularly you know I enjoy eating and making great food. I like making my own pasta, baking my own sourdough bread and even inventing my own triple process delicious barbecue baby back rib recipe. But I have a confession to make. There are certain low brow foods I absolutely crave. … Continue reading Foodie Confession and possible solution
National Pasta Day – and a waaaaay delayed restaurant review!
Today is National Pasta Day and I could go on about how I love to make homemade pasta and you should really give it a try, but instead will finally deliver a long delayed restaurant review. NUMERO 28 at 28 West Carmine Street in the West Village is a terrific restaurant here in NYC. Actually … Continue reading National Pasta Day – and a waaaaay delayed restaurant review!
October is National German-American Heritage Month & National Pretzel Month!
Not surprisingly with all the OctoberFest hype that this month is both National German-American Heritage Month and National Pretzel Month at the same time! To celebrate use one of my favorite celebrity chef's homemade pretzel recipe. First the video... https://www.foodnetwork.com/videos/altons-homemade-soft-pretzels-0170183 And now the actual recipe... https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alton-brown/homemade-soft-pretzels-recipe-1948242 ENJOY! Breadbasket with traditional Bavarian pretzels with German flag. … Continue reading October is National German-American Heritage Month & National Pretzel Month!
National Chocolate Covered Pretzel Day
Many of the National Days I feature on my blog were founded years and even decades ago. Many of them have mysterious origins and exist traditionally from year to year. But today's was established by a Brooklyn based chocolate covered pretzel empire and this year, October 7, 2019, is the very first day this National … Continue reading National Chocolate Covered Pretzel Day
Take the ‘A’ Train to the 35th Annual Medieval Festival!
One day each year Fort Tryon Park in Northern Manhattan is transformed into a festival celebrating Medieval Times with jousting, attractions, performances, crafts, fair food and more. In 2019, it is scheduled for this Sunday, September 29 from 11:30 AM to 6 PM. It is literally next door to where I live and I have … Continue reading Take the ‘A’ Train to the 35th Annual Medieval Festival!
National Pecan Cookie Day
Today is National Pecan Cookie Day and there is only one that satisfies me - try this recipe for a copycat version and hope you enjoy. Combine and set aside 1 3/4 cup flour, 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar, and 1/2 teaspoon baking powder. Cream 1/2 cup vegetable shortening, 1/2 cup white sugar, and 1/2 … Continue reading National Pecan Cookie Day
The Return of “Good Eats”
I've been a big fan of Alton Brown and his "Good Eats" series from the beginning. While I had been a dedicated baker for most of my life I was just warming to cooking beyond the grill and pots of chili when the original show came on. It was perfect. Focus on a single iconic … Continue reading The Return of “Good Eats”
