FOOD HOLIDAY: Hamburger History For National Hamburger Month

[1] One of our favorite burgers, from Built Burger. [2] Another fave: a bacon cheeseburger with onion rings (photo © Smokey Bones).   National Hamburger Month is May, but that’s not all. National/International Hamburger Day is May 28th, National Burger Day is the Thursday before Labor Day and National Cheeseburger Day is September 18th. How…
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The History Of Jelly Beans For National Jelly Bean Day

[1] Jelly beans are mostly sugar. No wonder they are so popular! (photo by River Soma | © THE NIBBLE). [2] Today, jelly beans are associated with kids’ Easter candy. But they’re fun year-round; and were President Ronald Regan’s favorite candy (photo © Williams Sonoma). [3] Jelly beans became associated with Easter because of their…
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FOOD HOLIDAY: National Fruit Compote Day

It’s National Compote Day. What’s a compote? Compote de fruits, or fruit compote, is mixed stewed fruit. Compote de pommes or compote d’abricots is a single stewed fruit (here, apples and apricots, respectively). Compote can be made from fresh or dried fruits or a combination, and can be served warm or chilled. It is a…
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TIP OF THE DAY: Mandoline Slicer

[1] A mandoline makes beautiful, ultra-thin, even slices (photo courtesy Microplane). [2] Slicing perfectly even julienne carrot strips (photo courtesy Kitchen Expert).   If you don’t have a mandoline slicer, it’s time to think seriously about getting one. A mandoline (man-doe-LEEN) is a kitchen utensil that makes thin, even slices, from juliennes to crinkle-cuts and…
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RECIPE: Cherry Brownies For President’s Day

[1] Add dried cherries to your favorite brownie recipe, like this recipe from Frugal Foodie Mama (photo © Frugal Foodie Mama). [2] Already have baked brownies? Press soaked dried cherries into the top or whip up a light film of icing to hold the cherries (photo © Alison’s Gourmet).   The legend of George Washington…
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