#eclair with Raspberry and Pistacio

[rabbitcruiser]

National Chocolate Day

With so many different varieties of this delicious treat, it can be so hard to pick a favorite. What will you choose to indulge your sweet tooth?

A food that encourages passion, many people would consider chocolate to be a gift to the world. Whether eaten in the form of a chocolate bar, enjoyed as a chocolate beverage or used to bake a variety of desserts, chocolate has a rich history and a bright future! 

History of National Chocolate Day

Dating back more than 2000 years, chocolate seems to have originated in the Amazon where the cacao beans are made into a bitter-ish drink. Ancient Mayans and Olmecs of southern Mexico, as well as Aztecs were so enamored by the chocolate drink that some said that it must have come from the gods! Which is why it was likely used as a ceremonial drink at the time.

The name of the tree that produces the beans for making chocolate is Theobroma Cacao which, when translated, means “food of the gods”. It was named by taxonomist Carolus Linneaus who likely named it after the fact that Aztecs considered chocolate to have been something that was given by the gods.

By the time chocolate was discovered by Westerners in the New World and then made its way to Europe in the 1500s, it was something that was reserved for the wealthy and upper classes. It was not only enjoyed by them for taste reasons, but it had been discovered that the cocoa beans also had some health benefits!

Sugar was eventually added to the concoction and, as the product evolved over the next couple of centuries, it went from being only something that was made into a beverage but was developed into the eating chocolate that people enjoy today.

In the 19th century, along with the development of the industrial revolution, new processes came about that offered the opportunity to produce chocolate on a more regular basis. Of course, chocolate companies began cropping up in England, Europe and the United States. Fry & Sons created the world’s first chocolate bar in 1847.

Today, chocolate continues to be a huge industry, with cocoa beans grown in warm climates and exported to chocolate manufacturers all over the globe. Whether it’s the Hershey’s chocolate company in Pennsylvania, the Lindt company in Switzerland, or a smaller local chocolate company, it’s fun to enjoy access to this delicious treat.

Now it’s time to celebrate National Chocolate Day!

National Chocolate Day Timeline

2000 BC

Mayans enjoy chocolate

Even though it is used ritualistically as a drink, chocolate is not only saved for the wealthy and powerful but is likely enjoyed by common people.

13th Century AD

Aztecs revere chocolate

Taking the love of chocolate to the next level, Aztecs use cacao beans as a currency.

1609

First book devoted to chocolate

As the love for chocolate increases in Europe, a book is published in Mexico that is dedicated entirely to chocolate, “Libro en el cual se trata del chocolate”.

1765

First chocolate factory in the US

Dr. James Baker and John Hannon start a chocolate factory in Massachusetts.

1876

Milk Chocolate is created

Before this time, chocolate was only dark but when a Swiss chocolatier adds powdered milk to the chocolate process, things change drastically.

How to Celebrate National Chocolate Day

National Chocolate Day offers tons of different opportunities to get involved with celebrating and enjoying the day! Consider trying out some of these fun and delicious ideas:

Take a Tour for National Chocolate Day

Have tons of fun learning all about how chocolate is made and, hopefully, get to take home some samples! Take a tour of a chocolate company like Hershey’s Chocolate World in Hershey, Pennsylvania. Or enjoy the Lindt Home of Chocolate located in Zurich, Switzerland.

Or one great place to learn a lot about the chocolate industry would be at The Institute of Culinary Education in New York City. With the country’s first educational bean-to-bar chocolate lab, the institute offers classes that teach all about the creative process of chocolate.

Learn Some Bits of Trivia About Chocolate

What could be a better day than National Chocolate Day to brush up on some fun facts related to chocolate? Plus, this would also be the perfect day to share a few bits of chocolate trivia with friends, in honor of the day! Get started with some of these facts:

One pound of chocolate requires 400 cocoa beans and each tree produces approximately 2500 beans, so one tree can make about 6 pounds of chocolate.

Cacao trees are very delicate and farmers typically count on losing up to 30% of their crop each year, so being a chocolate farmer is a volatile business!

Although cocoa beans seem to have originated in the New World, the most cocoa farms, around 70% of those in the world, are located in West Africa, with Cote d’Ivoire as the single largest producer of cocoa.

It takes approximately 4-5 years for a newly planted cacao tree to actually produce fruit, so it requires a great deal of patience from the chocolate farmers.

Share Chocolate with Friends

Any day worth celebrating is worth enjoying and sharing with friends! National Chocolate Day is a great time to pick up a variety of chocolates and make plans to share them. Choose some chocolate bars to pass around to coworkers at the office, or grab a box of chocolates to share with the family at home.

Got a big chocolate lover in your life? Perhaps send them a gift of chocolate in honor of this day. It’s easy to use this opportunity as an excuse to give a gift!

Try Chocolate in Some New Recipes

Though many people only think of chocolate as something that should be enjoyed as a sweet dessert, there are plenty of delicious recipes out there that include chocolate as part of the flavors of a savory dish.

Perhaps, in honor of National Chocolate Day, it would be fun to try adding a bit of chocolate to every meal of the day! Here are some ideas for savory chocolate dishes to get started with:

Cocoa Rubbed Baby Back Ribs. Create a rub for ribs that includes warm spices such as cinnamon, ginger, and allspice, complemented with flavors of mustard and cocoa powder blended together. 

Chocolate Beef and Bean Chili. Chocolate has often been used as an ingredient in certain types of chili, and this one is super delicious as it is made with a chocolate stout beer, providing a unique flavor. 

Gascon-Style Beef Stew with Chocolate. This hearty, French-style stew offers the delicious flavors of chocolate, Armagnac, and Madiran wine – or Pinot Noir for a lighter version of the stew. 

Chicken with Poblano Mole Sauce. This most iconic mole sauce from Mexico offers flavors like ancho, pasilla and mulato chiles, along with warm spices and, of course, velvety smooth chocolate.

National Chocolate Day FAQs

Can chocolate go bad?

Though some chocolate does not have a use by date, it can start to get chalky or cracked on the surface and may not taste as good as when it was first made.

What is white chocolate?

White chocolate can be made from the cocoa butter but does not necessarily contain the cacao nibs.

Did chocolate come from the new world?

Yes, the first evidence of chocolate consumption seems to come from the Aztec and Mayan cultures in what is modern-day Mexico.

Did chocolate used to be expensive?

When it came to Europe in the 1500s, chocolate was an import that was only enjoyed among the wealthy and elite.

Is chocolate poisonous to cats?

Yes, just like dogs, cats should not eat chocolate because it contains theobromine, which can be toxic to pets.

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[rabbitcruiser]

National Dessert Day

Satisfy your sweet tooth with cakes, pastries, tarts and candies on Dessert Day, have a bake-off with friends or invent a brand-new delicacy of your own.

So, What is more fun than making dinner or lunch? Dessert. It can be made with all things that are sweet and juicy or tart and sour and can come out in ways that are warm and soft, flavorful and crunchy, but it’s always delicious. You can indulge dessert with a range of chocolates, candy, or pastries, cakes, and cupcakes, and what about tarts and pies? Preparing them can make the wait for them all the sweeter, or you can grab a pudding or two on the go just to make the day that much brighter. National Dessert Day is your excuse to indulge in your favorite treats.

Learn about National Dessert Day

Are you a starter or a dessert person? If you fall into the latter category, you are going to love National Dessert Day. This day provides us with the perfect excuse to let our sweet tooth take over. You can indulge in as many desserts as you wish, and no one can tell you to do otherwise! What could be better? From pastries and cakes to chocolates and mousses; there is a dessert for everyone. What’s your favorite?

If you do a little bit of digging online, you will see that there are some interesting facts and statistics about desserts and the most popular choices. Of course, you have probably heard of tiramisu, which is the world’s most famous Italian dessert. What about Sacher cake, from Austria, or Baklava, from Greece and the Middle East? Research different cultures and try new desserts on this day!

History of National Dessert Day

The origin of the word dessert comes from the French “desservir,” a word which here means “to clear the table.” This, of course, referenced the dish that came after the clearing of the main dishes served as part of the meal. The earliest references to the term dessert being used are in the 1600’s and arrived at the same time as the concept of serving a meal in courses, letting each part of the meal be its own experience.

While it may seem like a no-brainer now, the idea of serving a sweet repast following the main meal wasn’t something that was always done. Those masters of decadence, the French, were known to serve a sweet wine as an aperitif, and it didn’t take long before the concept of sweet followings to the main dish became commonplace.

The birth of the sugar and honey trade helped to bolster the idea of dessert as it became easier to obtain sweeteners, though for a long time it was still known as a lush decadence reserved for the wealthy.

National Dessert Day Timeline

1300

Filo dough is first used

This base for all sorts of delicious sweets is recorded as having been filled with different nuts and spices, though they may have been serves as appetizers as well as dessert.

17th Century

First dessert cookbook is made 

As New World plantations lower the price of sugar, more recipes for sweet dishes are explored.

1691

First recipe for crème brûlée is recorded

England, Spain and France all make claims on this delicious dessert, but the first printed recipe with this name is by a cook at the Palace of Versailles, in France.

1847

First edible chocolate bar is created

British company, J.S. Fry & Sons, makes the first chocolate bar from cocoa powder, cocoa butter and sugar.

2007

Guinness World Record set for most expensive dessert 

The famous cafe in New York City, Serendipity 3, sets the record for the most expensive dessert ever: $25,000 for a chocolate ice cream sundae decorated with gold.

How to Celebrate National Dessert Day

National Dessert Day encourages us to celebrate by selecting our favorite delicacies and indulging in them, while also exploring the ever-growing number of options we have to experience in the world of sweets. There are so many to choose from cakes, pies, fried dough, chocolate, tarts, candy, jellied desserts, and pastries; it’s all about choosing how you make them and what to make, and maybe even where to make it?

Dessert can happen at home with family, or you can pick them up from your local store, and there’s always grandma’s house? The only important question on National Dessert Day is “What is your favorite dessert, and how would you like it?” Maybe there’s an old family recipe or something that the bakery down the street made fresh that morning. Whatever you decide, National Dessert Day is your opportunity to indulge in your favorite treats and maybe relive some old memories while doing so.

From rich chocolate to sweet strawberries, there are many desserts you can make on this day. How about Sticky Toffee Pudding? This is a British classic. For those that are unaware, Sticky Toffee Pudding is a delicious moist sponge cake that is made with finely chopped dates. The star of the show is, of course, the toffee sauce that is poured over the top.

If you fancy something a bit more modern, how about Green Tea-Coated Chocolate Mousse? Green tea is a massive hit in desserts at the moment. The Strawberry Cobbler is another dessert worth a mention. For something spectacular, serve it with cream cheese and warm vanilla seed custard. It is warm, comforting, and will melt in your mouth.

Or, what about Sicilian Lemon Tart? The balance between the sweetness and tartness in this dessert is spot on. We could go on, and on, and on, and on… after all, there are so many delicious and mouth-watering desserts out there! All you need to do is a quick search on the Internet and you are going to find plenty of exciting recipes to try on this day.

Another fun way to celebrate National Dessert Day is by watching Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. When you think of sweet treats and chocolate, this is often the first thing that comes to mind. It is a great film, and it is something that all of the family can watch. So, prepare your dessert, whether it be an ice cream sundae or a comforting apple pie, and get yourself comfortable in front of the television so that you and the family can enjoy a good movie night together. What could be better?

If you are really feeling adventurous, you may want to try making your own dessert invention on National Dessert Day. After all, the best recipes out there usually started as a bit of trial and error. Get plenty of different baking ingredients in and have fun experimenting with different flavors.

You could even turn this into a bit of a bake-off competition with your family or friends. You can all have your own ‘workstation’ and then you can try everyone’s desserts to see who is crowned the winner. It’s always fun to do something a little bit different with your loved ones, isn’t it?

National Dessert Day FAQs

Where did dessert come from? 

Derived from the French word “desservir”, the word dessert means “to clear the table”, which seems fitting for the last course of a large meal.

Are desserts bad for you?

Some desserts that are high in fat, sugar and empty calories can be unhealthy, especially when eaten every day. But in moderation, it’s okay!

Can desserts be healthy?

Sure! Desserts that have a small amount of sugar and lots of fiber, like fresh fruit, applesauce, or frozen fruit pops, can be a healthy end to a meal.

What dessert is Italy famous for?

Most people would say that the most famous Italian dessert is Tiramisu, which is made with coffee, ladyfingers, cinnamon and sweet cream.

Should dessert wine be chilled?

Yes, sweet wines that are meant to be served after a meal should be chilled to between 6-10 degrees C or 45-50 degrees F.

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[rabbitcruiser]

National Nut Day

Walnut, Hazelnut, Chestnut, Kola Nuts, Pine Nuts, Cashews, and more. There are more types of nuts in the world than most people realize, and many more of these are used for food than people suspect. Most people have a favorite kind of nut, most commonly involved in a favored kind of treat, but there are varieties and uses for nuts that are not commonly known.

Did you know that the flavor in your cola originally came from the Kola Nut? Or that Beech Nuts are commonly used as feed for animals? From ages past these high-fat, high-protein tree seeds have served as a major source of winter survival. Their natural ability to be stored and resist decay throughout the winter has made them a valuable resource for animals and humans alike.

What’s even more fascinating is that nuts have been revealed to have notable health benefits for those with a history of Coronary Heart Disease by lowering LDL cholesterol concentrations.

Learn about National Nut Day

National Nut Day has been created in order to encourage the public to consume healthier snack options. What is your go-to snack? A packet of crisps? A chocolate bar? We know that we are guilty of going for the unhealthy option more regularly than we should! So, why not use National Nut Day as the perfect opportunity to switch up your workplace snack? Some nuts, or a combination of nuts and dried fruit, is a healthy snack that will bring a lot of benefits.

The great thing about nuts is that there are so many different types and varieties to choose from. They come in many different sizes and shapes. You have everything from wrinkly walnuts to teardrop-shaped almonds, and so you are bound to find something that appeals to your taste buds.

We also love National Nut Day because nuts are not only delicious, but they are nutritious as well. Different nuts have different benefits. For example, almonds are rich in vitamin E, calcium, and protein. Another beneficial type of nuts is pistachios. They are high in fiber and they can help to reduce a rise in blood sugar after you have had a meal. Walnuts are also very popular, and they are a great source of omega-3 fatty acid. They can improve factors relating to heart health. Or, what about cashews? Cashews can improve blood pressure and they have a good nutrient profile too.

It is definitely a good idea to do a bit of research on your favorite nuts on Nuts Day too. You will be surprised by the different benefits that are associated with the variety of nuts out there. For a piece of food that is so small, it certainly packs a powerful punch when it comes to the different nutrients and benefits that it can bring.

History of National Nut Day

The Liberation Foods Company organized National Nut Day to celebrate the long and storied history of the nut, as well as to dispel some pernicious myths, such as the persistent idea that peanuts are a nut for instance. Nuts have been part of our diets for time out of mind, a trait we likely learned by following our fuzzy four footed brethren to their winter stores.

Since the inception of National Nut Day, great festivals have sprung up around the world to celebrate the versatility and great taste of the nut. There’s nothing like the rich smell of roast nuts to remind you that fall is here, and there is nothing to soothe a sweet tooth like a roast candied nut. Orange Glazed, Cinnamon, Sweet Chipotle are just a few of the common and more unusual flavors available in the world of the nut.

How to celebrate National Nut Day

The best way to celebrate National Nut Day is by treating yourself to your favorite nut related treat. Whether that’s a nut rich doughnut or a bag of your favorite roasted nuts, National Nut Day is an opportunity to indulge in the rich, nutty taste of.. well.. nuts!

There are often events held by vendors of nuts and their enthusiasts, where they share activities, introduce new types of nuts, and even share the best nut recipes. So get out there and improve your health and your winter with these shell-covered treasures.

There are plenty of other activities that you can do on National Nut Day. This includes making your favorite nut butter. A lot of people love nut butter, but why go to the store and purchase the premade version when you can probably make a much nicer version yourself? All you need to do is grab your favorite nut and throw them into a food processor. Most people will add some sweetener, and then all you need to do is blitz the combination. It really is as easy as that. Some people love their creation so much that they simply eat it out of the food processor. We won’t tell if you don’t!

Another way to celebrate National Nut Day is by adding them to your meal. Nuts are incredibly versatile, meaning they can be added to everything from breakfast to dinner. They go just as good in oatmeal as they do a stir-fry or salad. You can also brighten up someone else’s day on National Nut Day by bringing them a nut-based treat. A snack-sized packet of nut goodies is bound to put a smile on anyone’s face. It’s always nice when someone thinks about you, right?

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[rabbitcruiser]

National Eat an Extra Dessert Day

With the assumption that everyone is eating dessert on the regular, this day encourages people to embrace life a little more. It’s time to learn about and celebrate National Eat an Extra Dessert Day!

History of National Eat an Extra Dessert Day

Life can get a little bit hectic and stressful. Of course, exercising, eating right and practicing meditation are all ways to engage in a healthier lifestyle that can make people happier. But one other way to be filled with joy is to embrace and celebrate certain days of the year. And one day that’s certainly worth embracing is National Eat an Extra Dessert Day!

Well, since it’s the name of the day, then who can really argue? Go ahead and get that second scoop of ice cream, add another cookie to the stack, or grab a fork and try out the other flavor of pie. Whatever kind of dessert is on the menu for the day, this is the time to really live it up and enjoy another one.

How to Celebrate National Eat an Extra Dessert Day

A whole lot of delicious fun can be found in National Eat an Extra Dessert Day. Here are some fun ideas to try out for celebrating the day:

Eat an Extra Dessert, Of Course!

Obviously, the name of the day tells everyone exactly what to do in order to celebrate. So go on and pile that extra slice of pie or cake onto the plate and enjoy it! Want to mix it up a bit? Go ahead and enjoy two different types of desserts on this day.

Share an Extra Dessert with Someone

While eating that extra dessert might be tasty, it’s much more fun when it is shared with someone you care about. In fact, this is a great day to make an extra dessert (or buy one), whether it’s a cake, a pie or a cheesecake. Then, when telling friends and family members that today is National Eat an Extra Dessert Day, everything will be fully ready with an extra dessert for everyone!

Learn Some Fun Facts About Dessert

In celebration of National Eat an Extra Dessert Day, share some fun bits of trivia with family members or coworkers. Try these out for starters, or come up with some of your own:

The word “dessert” is derived from a French verb desservir that means “to clear the table”. Originally, these bits of sweetmeats served with spiced wines were offered to guests who were standing up after they had left the table so the servants could clean up.

Desserts in the past were often for wealthy people. A sugar sculpture made in the 16th century could cost about as much as an average person’s wage for the year.

Queen Victoria of England, who got married in 1840, had a wedding cake that was a single-tier fruit cake and weighed a whopping 300 pounds. It was covered in white icing and had busts of the couple on top.

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