Today is Friday January 7, 2011

National Tempura Day

This delicious Japanese style of cooking lightly batters and fries vegetables and seafood. It was first introduced in Southern Japan during the mid-sixteenth century by early Portuguese missionaries and traders.

Its popularity quickly spread throughout the rest of Japan and variations on the original dish also began to be made, using non-traditional and fusion tempura. The word "tempura" actually comes from the Latin word "tempora" which means time period.

The batter for tempura is usually made of cold water and wheat flour. Eggs, baking soda, oil, and spices can also be added to the mixture for extra flavoring. Thin slices of vegetables and seafood are dipped in the batter and then are briefly deep-fried in hot oil until crispy.

To celebrate National Tempura Day, try making your own tempura at home or head out to your favorite Japanese restaurant!

Today is also Harlem Globetrotters Day

January is Get Organized Month & National Oatmeal Month

"Images and text courtesy of MyPunchbowl.com" -- http://www.mypunchbowl.com/

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On this day in History:

1782 - The Bank of North America opened in Philadelphia. It was the first commercial bank in the United States. 1896 - "Fannie Farmer Cookbook" cookbook was published. 1904 - The distress signal "CQD" was established. Two years later "SOS" became the radio distress signal because it was quicker to send by wireless radio. 1953 - U.S. President Harry Truman announced the development of the hydrogen bomb. 1959 - The United States recognized Fidel Castro's new government in Cuba. 1975 - OPEC agreed to raise crude oil prices by 10%, which began a time of world economic inflation. 1990 - The Leaning Tower of Pisa was closed to the public. The accelerated rate of "leaning" raised fears for the safety of its visitors. 1998 - Former White House intern Monica Lewinsky signed an affidavit denying that she had an affair with U.S. President Clinton.

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Quote of the Day:
"Often people attempt to live their lives backwards; they try to have more things, or more money, in order to do more of what they want, so they will be happier. The way it actually works is the reverse. You must first be who you really are, then do what you need to do, in order to have what you want."

--Margaret Young