May 1 Loyalty Day

 

Loyalty Day is observed annually on May 1. It is a special day for people to reaffirm their loyalty to the United States and to recognize the heritage of American freedom. The President of the U.S. issues a proclamation annually on May 1 as part of celebratory activities of Loyalty Day.

First observed in 1921 as “Americanization Day,” this holiday was intended to counterbalance the Communist celebration of Labor Day on May Day. On July 18, 1958, it was made an official holiday by the U.S. Congress (Public Law 85-529). President Dwight D. Eisenhower proclaimed May 1, 1959, the first official observance of Loyalty Day. This day has been recognized with an official proclamation every year, by every president, since its inception as a legal holiday in 1958. 

May 1 Chocolate Parfait Day

May 1 recognizes the food holiday National Chocolate Parfait Day. Parfait literally means “perfect” in French. Parfait is a French dessert developed in 1894. This dessert was made with sugar syrup, eggs and cream. However it evolved to a custard-base ice cream flavored with fruit puree.

Chocolate parfait, that we honor today, usually involves chocolate mousse of pudding layered with whipped cream, cookie crumbs, fruit or anything else that is delicious and goes well with chocolate. Chocolate parfait also can have a gelatin or yogurt base, and the rest of the dessert is built from there.

There are hundreds of parfait recipes. They are all perfect for breakfast or dessert. If you want to celebrate National Chocolate Parfait Day, you should try making a perfect dessert to share with your family or friends.

 

April 30 Raisin Day

Raisin Day is observed annually on April 30th. Raisins are low in fat and contain important nutrients like iron, copper, calcium, and antioxidants, potassium, fiber and vitamin B. Chocolate covered raisins have been popular with moviegoers for many, many years and they continue to be. They are also a popular bulk vending item across the country.

The Blumenthal Chocolate Company introduced the Raisinets to the United States in 1927 and then in 1984, the brand was acquired by Nestle. In some countries, chocolate covered raisins are known as Raisinets. Raisinets were the earliest and one of the most popular brands of the product. Currently made by Nestle, they are the third largest selling candy in United States history. 

Try one of the following recipes:

Raisin-oni (Chocolate Raisin Clusters)

Easy Chocolate-Covered Raisins (Crock-Pot)

March 30 Oatmeal Cookie Day

Lacy Oatmeal Cookie Day is observed annually on March 30th. Originating in England, Oatmeal cookies have been around since the late 1800s. There are many different recipes for the lacy oatmeal cookies. They can be made with a variety of oats, such as old fashioned oats, quick cooking oats, and oat bran or oat flour. For a healthier cookie, add finely chopped or ground fruits or nuts and use a sugar substitute.

It wasn’t until the early 1900s that oatmeal became a major ingredient in the American diet. Soldiers used to carry oatcakes with them for a quick boost of energy during battle. Most research has found that the first recorded oatmeal raisin cookie recipe was written by Fannie Merritt Farmer in 1896. Considered as a “health food,” the cookies quickly became popular, and by early 1900s, a recipe for the delicious treats appeared on containers of Quaker Oats.

Enjoy this delicious recipe: Lacy Oatmeal Cookies recipe. 

April 29 Zipper Day

Zipper Day is traditionally celebrated on April 29.From handbags and jackets to trousers and boots, it really is impossible to imagine life without zippers.t was first in 1851 that Elias Howe, the inventor of the sewing machine, received a patent for an “Automatic, Continuous Clothing Closure”. Howe did not market it and missed the recognition he may have received for his invention.

On that date in 1913, Swedish-American scientist and inventor Gideon Sundback received a patent for a curious contraption he called “hookless fastener”. Although similar inventions had been around since the 1850s, his version is widely accepted as the first modern zipper.

You can find the world’s longest zipper at the hotel in Fort Lauderdale’s Executive Airport. The zipper measures 6,000 feet long. The name of the hotel’s nightclub is “Zippers”.

Hairball Awareness Day – Last Friday in April

Hairball Awareness Day is celebrated annually on the last Friday in April. This day is listed as one of the Pet Health Awareness Events of the American Veterinary Medical Association. The formation of hairballs is a common feline condition that is brought on by self-grooming and the associated ingestion of hair. You have to learn about things you can do to prevent your cat from developing hairballs.

For more information Visit http://www.hillspet.com/our-company/national-hairball-awareness-day.html

April 28 Great Poetry Reading Day

Great Poetry Reading Day is observed on April 28. It celebrates great poetry and the great poets who write them. Poetry may predate literacy. Epic poetry appears to have been composed in poetic form to aid memorization and oral transmission in prehistoric and ancient societies. It is directly from folk songs that other forms of poetry developed.

There are different forms of poetry including: Sonnet, Shi, Villanelle, Tanka, Haiku, Ode, and Ghazal. As well as different genres including: Narrative poetry, Epic poetry, Dramatic poetry, satirical poetry, Lyric poetry, Elegy, Verse fable, Prose poetry and Speculative poetry.

Poetry is an impressive and beautiful type of literary work. Celebrate today by reading some great poetry, throw a poetry reading party, or try writing a poem of your own. 

April 28 Blueberry Pie Day

Blueberry Pie Day is observed each year on April 28. Blueberries, or star berries as the Native Americans called them, are one of nature’s super foods. The humble blueberry is one of few blue foods, found in nature, and it is native to the Americas. The chemicals found in blueberries may contribute to fighting diseases and preventing against certain cancers. Rich in antioxidants and vitamins.

Blueberry pie is one of the most popular pie flavors in the United States. Maine produces more blueberries than any other state 25% more. Blueberry season begins in May and ends in the late summer, so blueberry pie is a perennial favorite at Fourth of July celebrations.

Blueberry Pie recipe.

April 27 Prime Rib Day

 
Prime Rib Day is celebrated annually on April 27. Today is Prime Rib Day. Sometimes known as the “King of Meats”, Prime Rib is a choice beef cut from one of the eight primal cuts of beef. A rubbed-on seasoned and then slow roasted prime rib will give you a deliciously tender, tasty main course.

Prime rib is a delicious cut of beef that is usually roasted and served as the main course of a meal. Real prime rib is graded USDA Prime, and can be quite difficult to obtain. Other grades of meat in the United States are Choice, Select, Cutter, and Canner. The best type of meat to use for prime rib is Prime, but Choice meat will work as well. 

Here is a Prime Rib recipe for you to enjoy.

April 27 Tell a Story Day

Tell a Story Day is celebrated on April 27. In the U.S., This is a day that was created for people to get together to tell stories of all kinds. Libraries celebrate this day with storytelling hours for kids. Storytelling is the conveying of events in words, images, and sounds, often by improvisation or embellishment. Stories or narratives have been shared in every culture as a means of entertainment, education, cultural preservation, and to instill moral values.

Telling stories of past generations is a good way to carry on traditions within one’s family as well as being interesting and educational. Some of the very best stories are ones that are told of about past experiences and adventures.

We encourage you to tell your stories and even share them on social media.

April 26 Kids and Pets Day

Kids and Pets Day is observed annually on April 26th. Kids & Pets Day is dedicated to furthering the magical bond between children and animals, to help bring awareness to the plight of pets in shelters awaiting new homes and educating the public about safety between children and pets.

The responsibility that a child can learn from caring for a pet is vital in their social development. Children that grow up with pets tend to be extremely nurturing and compassionate, making dedicated and loving parents and pet owners themselves. This, in turn, simply makes for a happier world. 

For more information, 

go to National Kids & Pets Day .

April 26 Pretzel Day

Pretzel Day is celebrated on April 26. Centuries ago, Catholic monks created the first pretzels from scraps of leftover dough. The unique knot shape represented the Holy Trinity, but the significance of this symbol has evolved over the course of history. During the 17th century, pretzels symbolized the bond of marriage. This is where the phrase “tying the knot” originated.

In the 19th century, southern German and Swiss German immigrants introduced the pretzel to North America. The average American consumes about 1.5 pounds (0.7 kg) of pretzels per year. Today, traditional soft pretzels are popular at sporting events, carnivals, and festivals. 

Following are a few “tried and true”

Recipes for you to enjoy:

Caramel Pretzel Brownies

Buttery Soft Pretzels

Jan’s Pretzel Dogs

Judy’s Strawberry Pretzel Salad

April 25 East Meets West Day

East meets West Day is observed on April 25. It's East Meets West Day.... time for a few introductions. Many kinds of sports team hold annual East vs. West games. Most often, it’s held by high school sports teams. It does not have to be limited to sports teams. It could be any club or organization that holds competitions, and can be geographically separated into and east and west groups.

These special games usually serve a number of purposes, including:

For charitable benefits

Sports booster club

To honor and/or showcase the best players of the season

One Story is that, when the two armies met on April 25th south of Berlin outside Torgau on the River Elbe, patrols were sent across the river in a small boat. The first to make contact were American First Lieutenant Albert Kotzebue and Soviet Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Gardiev along with their commands.

Two days later, photographers commemorated the event of the Eastern front meeting the Western front.

The armies were not supposed to make contact with each other. They were given orders to remain on their eastern and western banks of the river while officers from each division formalized occupation of Berlin. 

April 25 Zucchini Bread Day

Zucchini Bread Day is observed on April 25. Many explorers who came to the Americas brought back what they considered strange foods, including the zucchini. Native American referred to zucchini as “something eaten raw.” Many chefs agree that zucchini bread is a great recipe for beginner cooks because it is so easy to make.

Zucchini bread is a delicious type of quick bread that is sweet and moist. The primary ingredient in zucchini bread is of course zucchinis, but you can also add various other ingredients. Many people like to add dried cranberries, orange zest, or cinnamon to make the bread spicy.

The zucchini eventually found its way to Italy where it was named zucchino. However, we all know that zucchini tastes best cooked, especially in bread.

 

Homemade Zucchini Bread Recipe

April 24 Pet Parents Day

Last Sunday in April April 24 Pet Parents Day is observed annually on the last Sunday in April. There is a very special connection, a unique bond, between a pet and its owner. This unique relationship, which can often last for many years, is often a vital part of the ‘pet parents’ life. Their loved pets are considered to be a member of the family.

April 24 Pigs in a Blanket Day

April 24 today is Pigs-In-A-Blanket Day. To encourages the consumption of ‘pigs in blankets’ – small pork sausages (or chipolatas) wrapped in bacon or pastry, and cooked until crispy. In the United Kingdom, pigs-in-a-blanket is small sausages wrapped in bacon.

People traditionally serve them as Christmas dinner appetizers. In Israel, kids enjoy Moshe Ba'Teiva (Moses in the Ark), which are miniature hot dogs rolled in a ketchup-covered puff pastry and baked in the oven. In the United States, pigs-in-a-blanket are hot dogs or Vienna sausages wrapped in biscuit or croissant dough and baked until golden brown.

Make this tasty finger food for your kids and their friends and give them Pigs-in-a-Blanket Party tonight.

April 23 Cherry Cheesecake Day

Cherry cheesecake would be a nice end of any meal. Cream cheese was invented by accident in New York only in 1872.

There are a large variety of recipes for cherry cheesecake. Some cherry cheesecake recipes call for the cherries to be mixed into the batter and other recipes place the cherries on top. Savory cheesecakes were popular in ancient Greece. Soft fresh cheeses like ricotta existed in Europe for centuries that made possible making a variety of any kind cheesecakes, savory and sweet.

You can find hundreds of recipes for cherry cheesecake on internet especially on YouTube.

 

April 23 Take a Chance Day

Every year on April 23rd Take a Chance Day encourages us to break out of our comfort zone. This day is your chance to … take a chance. Most of us have unaccomplished goals or dreams. What if this was the day to take the chance to make them happen? Even if it is just the first step toward that goal, it will be one step closer than before.

Today is the day to take the risk and try new things. Take A Chance Day on April 23 is the perfect excuse for you to play with some odds and venture out into unchartered territories. Take that leap of faith and do something big. Overcome your fears and do something adventurous. 

April 22 Earth Day

 

Earth Day is observed each year on April 22, founded by Senator Gaylord Nelson. Earth Day is not a public holiday, Earth Day aims to inspire awareness of and appreciation for earth's environment. It's not to be confused with Earth Hour. People unite on Earth Day to appreciate and respect earth's environment

The April 22 Earth Day is usually celebrated with outdoor performances, where individuals or groups perform acts of service to earth. Earth Day is a name used for 2 similar global observances. While some people celebrate Earth Day around the time of the March Equinox, others observe the occasion on April 22 each year.

Earth Day is held to demonstrate support for environmental protection. Every year around the world, Earth Day organizers promote green campaigns to save the Earth. 

April 22 Jelly Bean Day

Jelly Bean Day is celebrated on April 22. Almost everyone loves a jelly bean. Jelly beans are now an everyday treat and there’s no better time to celebrate them than Jelly Bean Day. Popular during Easter and Halloween, jelly bean candies come in a variety of flavors and colors. No-one knows for sure how, when or why Jelly Bean Day began and the origins of the beans themselves are equally mysterious.

Most jelly beans are sold as an assortment of around eight different flavors, most of them fruit based. Assortments of "spiced" jellybeans and gumdrops are also available, which include a similar number of spice and mint flavors. The colors of jelly beans often correspond with a fruit and a "spiced" flavor. 

April 21 Kindergarten Day

Kindergarten Day takes place on April 21 every year. Kindergarten Day celebrates birthday of Friedrich Froebe who was born in 1782 and started the first kindergarten in 1837, in Germany. The day celebrates the preschool educational institution for children and honors the creator of the concept of the “kindergarten”.

Despite being popular in Germany, the Prussian government outlawed the schools in 1851. Froebe died a year later and it wasn’t until 1860 that the Prussians relented and allowed the schools to continue. 1873 saw the first public kindergarten opened in the United States, in St Louis.

The term kindergarden is used around the world to describe a variety of different institutions that have been developed for children ranging from the ages of two to seven, depending on the country concerned. Many of the activities developed by Fröbel are also used around the world under other names.

April 21 High Five Day – Third Thursday in April

Each year on the third Thursday in April 21, College students at the University of Virginia, Conor Lastowka (San Diego, CA), Sam Miotke (Corvallis, OR) and Wynn Walent (New York, NY) together created National High Five Day, an unofficial national holiday.

High Five Day aims to promote awareness of cancer, and the effects that it has on all of us. Two in five people are likely to be diagnosed with some form of the disease during their lifetime, and their stories touch and impact everybody in their lives. 

April 19 Amaretto Day

April 19, 2016 is Amaretto Day observed every year. Amaretto in Italian means “a little bitter” and is made from bitter almonds or apricot kernels or both. Its most notable characteristic is its strong almond flavoring. This flavor comes from apricot kernel oil, burnt sugar, and spices. The name "amaretto" means "slightly bitter" and refers to the aftertaste of the drink.

It appearing for sale in advertisements in the United States in the late 1940s.

Another amaretto tale comes from the same area of Italy but is of a young Lazzaroni couple blessed by the Cardinal of Milan in 1718. The couple honored his visit with a special recipe of their own, producing an amaretto cookie like no other. This one came in a bottle. Their recipe was also a closely guarded family secret for generations.

Make your Amaretto at home its easy...