04-12

NATIONAL GRILLED CHEESE SANDWICH DAY 

Each year, National Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day on April 12th recognizes one of the top comfort foods in the United States. Why wouldn't it be when we're talking about bread grilled to perfection, and warm, gooey, melted cheese. 

Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day

According to food historians, many cultures around the world have enjoyed cooked bread and cheese since ancient times. The United States modern version of the grilled cheese sandwich originated in the 1920s. As sliced bread and American cheese became easily available, Americans began making open-faced grilled cheese sandwiches. 

United States government cookbooks describe Navy cooks broiling “American cheese filling sandwiches” during World War II. 

Grilled cheese sandwiches are versatile thanks to the ability to mix and match cheeses, bread, and seasonings. Adding sauteed vegetables or herb-infused oils can elevate this simple comfort food to a whole other level.  

How to Observe Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day

• Make your favorite version of a grilled cheese sandwich.
• Share the best cheeses to make grilled cheese. Do you use American cheese or do you prefer Swiss? What's your favorite cheese?
• Serve it with your favorite soup and sides, too.
• Layer it and make a double-decker grilled cheese sandwich. Add ham or bacon for extra flavor and variety.
• Share with us all the ways you make grilled cheese sandwiches or try this recipe below:

Baby Swiss and Tomato Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Prep:  5 mins
Cook:  5 mins
Total Prep: 10 minutes
Servings:  1

Instructions:

Slice 4 pieces of Baby Swiss, and 3 or 4 slices of ripened tomato.

Spread one side of each piece of bread with softened butter.

Heating medium fry pan and place 1 piece of bread buttered side down in pan.

Cover bread in layers with two pieces of cheese, sliced tomato, and finally second two pieces of cheese. Place second slice of bread buttered side up.

Families, take this day to the next level and make personalized sandwiches. Get creative with your grilled cheese by bringing out the cookie cutters. Imagine the fun the kids will have and everyone can make unique-shaped sandwiches. Don't fret about the crusts because you can dip them in your favorite sauces or soups. Try adding ranch, siracha or a dill dip. How will you mix it up?

National Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day History

National Day Calendar continues researching the origins of the comfort food holiday.

Grilled Cheese FAQ

Q. What is a deep-fried grilled cheese called?
A. A deep-fried grilled cheese sandwich (yes, there is such a thing) is called a Cheese Frenchie (or Frenchee).

Q. What's the best way to make a crispy grilled cheese sandwich?
A. Grilled cheese is so delectable-crispy buttery toast on the outside, soft, gooey, cheesy center. How can you improve on that? Well, swap the butter for mayonnaise. You'll get a crisper, more flavorful, golden-brown exterior while keeping all that gooey goodness in the middle.

 Also

Big Wind Day

Colorado Day

For Twelves Day

Licorice Day

Only Child Day

 

Today's Thought 

Be with the people who bring out the best in you.

 

 08 Days until Easter

 

 

 

 

 

04-11

NATIONAL PET DAY 

National Pet Day on April 11th dedicates the day to those pets who may not always get the companionship and attention pets deserve. While loving our pets is something we do every day, the observance encourages helping out orphaned pet companions. It will improve their health and enhance their opportunities for adoption.

National Pet Day

Sometimes their human companions aren't well.  Making sure their forever furry friends are receiving the best of care will help relieve stress and worry.

National Pet Day is an excellent time to do a few checks for your pets.

• Go through your furever family member's toys. Throw away any items that are no longer safe.
• Maintain your pet-friendly home. Keep cords and toxins secure from your four-legged friends. This includes phone chargers.
• Verify when vaccinations are due and schedule an appointment to update if they are due.
• Check collars to ensure tags are secure and numbers are current. We sometimes forget to update this information when we move or change numbers.

How to Observe National Pet Day

• Take supplies to those pets in shelters.
• Help a friend with pets who is recovering from an illness.  
• Adopt a pet.
• Give your pets extra love with a bath and rub down. 

National Pet Day History

Celebrity Pet Lifestyle Expert & Animal Welfare Advocate Colleen Paige founded the day in 2005.

Pets FAQ

Q. What are some of the responsibilities that come with having a pet?
A. Pet owners know that some pets require more attention than others. However, each pet deserves to be given proper care and attention. Some requirements of pet ownership include:

• Feeding pets according to their needs. Most pets (like dogs and cats) usually need to be fed twice a day. Other pets may require more or less frequent feeding.
• Access to freshwater.
• A safe place to rest.
• Daily exercise.
• Routine checkups, vaccinations, and medical care when sick.
• Love, affection, social interaction.
• Training.
• Grooming

 Q. Is National Pet Day just for cats and dogs?
A. No. All our loveable pets can be celebrated on National Pet Day!

 

 Also

Living Donor Day

Barbershop Quartet Day

Cheese Fondue Day

Eight Track Tape Day

Submarine Day

 

Today's Thought

There is nothing so useless as doing efficiently that which should not be done at all. ~ Peter Drucker

 

 09 Days until Easter

 

 

 

04-10

NATIONAL SIBLINGS DAY  

National Siblings Day (also referred to as Sibling Day) on April 10th each year honors our brothers and sisters. 

National Siblings Day

Siblings. They are our best friends or our worst enemies. At times, siblings will provide us with our biggest competition, strongest encouragement and remind us of our most embarrassing moments.

Fictional characters describe those siblings best who are both rivals and yet best friends. From The Brady Bunch and the Cosby family to The Simpsons and the Piersons, television siblings tell our stories in humorous and dramatic form. 

However, real-life royal siblings Queen Elizabeth and Princess Margaret had a different set of rules to follow making their relationship quite different from anything we would call normal. Being a queen will do that. Queen Elizabeth's grandsons, Princes William and Harry and William's children, too have royal sibling relationships that engage the world. 

Playing fictional characters who are siblings and being siblings in front of a television audience must have created a different lifestyle for Mary Kate and Ashley Olson. Their older sister is Elizabeth. Another pair of sibling actors is Shirley MacLaine and Warren Beatty. And don't forget the exuberant Tia and Tamera Mowry. 

There have been plenty of presidents with siblings as well. George W. Bush has five siblings and William Jefferson Clinton has three.

How many siblings do you have? Are you rivals or do you support each other in all you do?

How to Observe National Siblings Day

• Celebrate your siblings and the times you've had together.
• Laugh at the awkward and ill-spent time in your youth.
• Catch up with your sibling(s). Enjoy looking at photos and videos of time spent with your sibling(s).
• Play a song or two from the 35 Best Sister Songs list.
• Share photos of you and your siblings.
  

National Siblings Day History

In 1995, native New Yorker, Claudia Evart, founded National Siblings Day to honor and celebrate siblings.  After losing her two siblings early in life in separate accidents, she knew how important siblings could be in our lives.

Claudia created the Siblings Day Foundation (SDF), a tax-exempt organization, whose goals included the establishment of the national holiday. Claudia selected April 10th in honor of her late sister, Lisette's birthday. 

Also

Cinnamon Crescent Day

Encourage a Young writer Day

Farm Animals Day

Alcohol Screening Day

Today's Thought

Don't let small minds convince you that  your dreams are too big.

 

 10 Days until Easter

 

04-09

NATIONAL UNICORN DAY 

National Unicorn Day on April 9th each year celebrates the mythical horse-like creature with a single, pointed horn growing from the center of its forehead.

National Unicorn Day

Unicorns have been a popular mythical creature since Ancient Greek times when people believed they lived in exotic India. While they were once considered to be fierce, powerful animals, many now see them as a symbol of love, purity, enchantment, and magic. They also appear in many movies and cartoons as magical creatures. Both adults and children find a fascination with unicorns. They also continue to find their way into fantasy novels alongside other mythical creatures.

How to Observe National Unicorn Day

• Make some brightly colored pancakes or cupcakes.  Decorate them with multicolored sprinkles or glitter.
• Bake cookies in the shape of unicorns.
• Watch a favorite movie including unicorns.
• Draw a picture of a unicorn or write a story about one.
• Read your favorite fantasy novel featuring unicorns.
  

National Unicorn Day History

National Day Calendar continues to research the origins of this holiday.

Unicorn FAQ

Q. Do unicorns have wings?
A. Traditionally, unicorns are not winged creatures. However, some art and literature depict winged unicorns. A horse with wings is called a Pegasus. In some my

Q. How old are unicorns?
A. One-horned creatures began appearing in carvings around 2000 BC. The mention of such beasts gradually grew until they became quite prominent during the Renaissance.

 

Also 

Cherish an Antique Day

Chinese Almond Cookie Day

Former POW Recognition Day

Education & Sharing Day

Name Yourself Day

Winston Churchill Day

 

Today's Thought

Practice is the price you pay today to be better tomorrow. ~ James Clear

 

 11 Days until Easter

 

04-08

NATIONAL EMPANADA DAY 

Each year on April 8th, National Empanada Day recognizes a delicious pastry that comes in several different forms. The name empanada comes from the Galician, Portuguese and Spanish verb em pandar, meaning to wrap or coat in bread.

National Empanada Day

Empanadas are made by folding the dough or bread around a seasoned stuffing. The stuffed dough is then baked or fried. Very much like hand pies, these delicious pastries offer a variety of choices. You can make your empanadas with meat, cheese, vegetables or fruit fillings. However, they may be made with other ingredients, too.

A cookbook published in 1520 in Catalan, the Libre del Coch by Ruperto de Nola, mentions empanadas filled with seafood.

If you've never had an empanada, you might be surprised just how versatile they are. Different parts of the United States make them with their own style and flavors. Starting in the Southern and Southwestern United States where an empanada is called a Creole empanada, the dish becomes a savory meal. There, they fill the half-circle flaky crust with seasoned pork, beef or chicken, and cheese.

Head to the Southeastern part of the country and empanadas transform. A little more on the sweeter side, they fill these pastries with fresh or reconstituted dry fruit. Some choices include apples, apricots, peaches or sweet potatoes. Once fried, the pies have a crispy outer shell with piping hot fruit inside. 

Further west in New Mexico, making empanadas for Christmas is a winter tradition. They make sweetmeats, similar to mincemeat, using ground pork, sugar, pinon nuts, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Everything is then sealed in a tortilla-like dough and deep-fried in lard.

How to Observe National Empanada Day

• Make your favorite version of empanadas. You can choose from a variety of fillings and make one for everyone in the family. Have everyone try their hand at making the dough and filling them. 
• Share your favorite empanada recipes.
• If you're doubting your dough-making skills, try frozen or canned dough. While you're cooking, be sure to share your recipes, too! Empanada recipes 

National Empanada Day History

National Day Calendar continues researching this delicious food celebration. 

Empanada FAQ

Q. Are empanadas and handpies the same thing?
A. They are similar in that they are pie-like pastries that contain fillings and fit in the hand.

Q. Can I use an egg wash on empanadas?
A. Yes. And egg wash will give the empanada a crispy crust.

 

 Also

All is Ours Day

Zoo Lovers Day

 

Today's Thought

Does my time allocation match my priorities in life?

 

 12 Days until Easter

 

 

04-07

NATIONAL BEER DAY 

National Beer Day on April 7th annually, recognizes the world's most widely consumed alcoholic beverage. Following water and tea, it is the third most popular drink overall.

National Beer Day

One of the world’s oldest prepared beverages, beer possibly dates back to 9500 BC when cereal was first farmed. It is also recorded in the written history of ancient Iraq and ancient Egypt.  Perhaps there’s a porter or a Belgian in your glass. Whether yours is fermented or not, dark or pale, hoppy, bitter, smooth, raise your mug. Lift it high among friends around the world, thanking those who work brewing delicious beer in your local area. And besides, beer lovers have more selection than ever before. The craft beer industry continues to challenge the classics, providing a wide variety of choices. Thanks to these opportunities, new beer drinkers are joining the club every day. 

How to Observe National Beer Day

• Grab a beer and spend some time with friends.
• (Remember always to drink responsibly and never drink and drive.)
• Celebrate with a pint of pale ale, lager, stout, wheat beer or pale ale. 

National Beer Day History

On April 7, 1933, President Franklin Roosevelt took the first step toward ending Prohibition and signed a law that allowed people to brew and sell beer, in the United States, as long as it remained below 4.0% alcohol by volume (ABV). Beer drinkers celebrated and were happy to be able to purchase beer again for the first time in thirteen years. The celebration by beer drinkers was dubbed National Beer Day.

Our research found the National Beer Day showing up in 2009 on social media after Justin Smith, a Richmond, Virginia Craft Beer Examiner, and his friend Mike Connolly from Liverpool, England created a Facebook page celebrating National Beer Day. The date corresponded with the date the Cullen-Harrison Act was signed into law and became active. On their National Beer Day Facebook page, the duo invited friends to join, and word spread to many sources.

Beer FAQ

Q. What are the different types of beers?
A. Many types and styles of beer are on the market. Two prominent styles of beer are lagers and ales. They are further broken down by pale, dark, stouts, pilsners, and other types of beer.

Q. Do light beers contain less alcohol?
A. Most light beers contain less alcohol than regular beer. 

 

Also

Coffee Cake Day

IEP Writing Day

Girl Me Too Day

No Housework Day

 

Today's Thought

Courage is very important.  Like a muscle, it is strengthened by use. ~ Ruth Gordon

 

   13 Days until Easter

 

 

 

 

04-06

NATIONAL CARAMEL POPCORN DAY 

Each year on April 6th, National Caramel Popcorn Day conjures up memories of fairs, sporting events, and fun snacking.

Caramel Popcorn Day

In January, we celebrated National Popcorn Day. Now, we add delicious caramel popcorn to the calendar, one of America's favorite snacks. For many people, this chewy or crunchy caramel popcorn treat is an all-time favorite. 

Combining popcorn and molasses began in the early 1800s. However, caramel was prevalent as well, and with the production of Cracker Jack, the popularity was ever-increasing. Invented by Frederick Rueckheim, the popcorn merchant dabbled with creating a new snack. An immigrant from Germany to Chicago, he enlisted his brother, Louis, to help. After adding molasses and nuts, their snack was ready for an introduction to the masses. 

Like many famous foods, Cracker Jack gained popularity on the stage at the 1893 World's Fair. Other foods to grab the public's attention at similar expositions include cotton candy and the ice cream cone. While they weren't invented there, nor did they make their debut, they sure did capture the imagination and make a lasting impression there.

However, in 1908, something happened to connect Cracker Jack and baseball permanently in the American psyche, while also launching the business into high gear. A young entertainer by the name of Jack Norworth penned a catchy tune referencing Cracker Jack and the American pastime. The song "Take Me Out To The Ballgame" not only caused sales of the snack food to soar but the fans of the game continue to sing the song at every game.

There are many commercial brands and forms of caramel corn available in grocery stores, cinemas, and convenience stores.  There are also specialty brands available in stores, gift catalogs, and online.

How to Observe Caramel Popcorn Day

• Enjoy your favorite kind of caramel popcorn.
• If you're making some, don't forget to make extra for others, too. The bigger the batch, the better.
• We even have a recipe for you to try. Caramel Sauce
• Stop by your favorite treat shop and pick up some caramel corn. While you're there, give them a shout-out, too. It's a great way to support small businesses.
• Another fun way to celebrate is by singing "Take Me Out To The Ball Game" and watching one on TV. Tune into an old game until the season starts up again.

Caramel Popcorn Day History

National Day Calendar continues to research the origins of this tasty snack food holiday. 

Caramel Popcorn FAQ

Q. Which kind of popcorn is best for making caramel popcorn?
A. There are two basic kinds of popcorn kernels. One is the butterfly and the other is a mushroom. The butterfly popcorn pops up light and fluffy with little wings. The mushroom popcorn pops into a sturdy, fluffy, and mounded top. While either type of popcorn will make delicious caramel corn, the mushroom kernels hold up better to the weight of the sweet and gooey caramel.

Q. Can anyone make caramel popcorn at home?
A. Making caramel popcorn at home doesn't require any special tools. Most people have what's required on hand, so just about anyone can make caramel popcorn at home. Adult supervision is required when children are helping. Be sure to protect them from the hot sugar as you make the caramel.

Also

Employee Benefits Day

Geologist Day

Carbonara Day

New Beer's Day

Sorry Charlie Day

Student-Athlete Day

Tartan Day

Teflon Day

Today's Thought

It is not that we have too little time to do all the things we need to do, it is that we feel the need to do too many things in the time we have. ~ Gary Keller

 

 14 Days until Easter