Today is Tuesday  April 20, 2011

Lima Bean Respect Day

Today is a day to have some respect for lima beans. After all, what have they ever done to you?

Lima beans are extremely healthy vegetables. They are rich in fiber, potassium, iron, copper, and manganese. They are also low in fat and contain protease inhibitors that stall the development of cancerous cells. Did you know that lima beans are named after Lima, Peru where they are grown? They have been cultivated there since 6000 B.C.

There are many varieties of lima beans. Large lima beans are flat and pale green in color. They also have a buttery taste and a creamy texture. Green baby lima beans are popular in Japanese desserts like bean paste. Other types of lima beans also make great additions to recipes such as soup, spreads, and casseroles. A popular recipe in the southern region of the United States is succotash, which contains lima beans, corn, and chili peppers.

To celebrate Lima Bean Respect Day, enjoy some tasty lima beans cooked your favorite way!

Today is also National Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Day

April is Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month & National Grilled Cheese Month

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

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On this day in History:

1912 - Fenway Park opened as the home of the Boston Red Sox. 1935 - "Your Hit Parade" was first broadcast on radio. It aired for 24 years. 1961 - In the U.S., FM stereo broadcasting was approved by the FCC. 1964 - The Elvis Presley movie "Viva Las Vegas" premiered. 1972 - The manned lunar module from Apollo 16 landed on the moon. 1985 - Wham's "Make It Big" LP was released in China. It was the first Western album to be released there.

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Quote of the Day:
"Aim at heaven and you will get earth thrown in. Aim at earth and you will get neither."

--C.S. Lewis"Don’t be afraid to take a big step if one is indicated. You can’t cross a chasm in two small jumps."

Today is Monday April 18, 2011

Passover

Passover (which begins today) is an eight-day festival in the Jewish religion. It honors the emancipation of the Israelites from slavery in ancient Egypt. During the first and last two days of Passover, people celebrate the splitting of the Red Sea. On these days, Jewish families light candles at night and enjoy holiday meals. The middle four days of Passover are called Chol Hamoed, or the weekdays of the festival.

In order to honor the matzo (the unleavened bread that the Israelites ate when they left Egypt), Jews are not allowed to eat any "chametz" during Passover.  Chametz is leavened grain, or any food or drink that contains wheat, barley, rye, or oats. During the weeks prior to Passover, observant Jewish families also spend time cleaning their homes in order to get rid of any crumbs or traces of chametz.

Another important aspect of Passover is the Sedar, the festive meal eaten in remembrance of the hardships that faced Jew’s ancestors. During the meal, the youngest child is prompted to ask four questions to the adults about the significance of the Sedar symbols. Families also say prayers and read stories during the meal to tell the story of the Exodus.

Today is also Boston Marathon & National Wear Your Pajamas To Work Day & National Animal Crackers Day & Tax Day

April is Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month & National Grilled Cheese Month

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

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On this day in History:

1775 - American revolutionaries Paul Revere, William Dawes and Samuel Prescott rode though the towns of Massachusetts giving the warning that "the British are coming." 1853 - The first train in Asia began running from Bombay to Tanna. 1934 - The first Laundromat opened. It was in Fort Worth, TX. 1939 - Gene Autry recorded "Back in the Saddle Again." 1949 - The Republic of Ireland was established. 1979 - The TV show "Real People" premiered.

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Quote of the Day:
"Don’t be afraid to take a big step if one is indicated. You can’t cross a chasm in two small jumps."

--David Lloyd George

Today is Sunday April 17, 2011

National Cheeseball Day

We hope you're ready to eat because today is National Cheeseball Day! There are actually two types of cheeseballs that refer to two very different foods. First, there are the bright orange, marble-sized snacks that turn our fingers orange. It's hard to stop eating them with just a handful!

Then, there's the cheeseball that you might serve at a party. This type of cheeseball is a type of soft cheese, often served with raw vegetables and crackers. Typically they are made with cream cheese, cheddar cheese, nuts, salt, pepper, garlic, and Worcestershire sauce. Fancier cheeseballs can also be made with bleu cheese, olives, pineapple, sherry, or smoked salmon.

Did you know that on July 20, 1801, Elisha Brown Jr. pressed a 1,235-pound cheeseball at his farm? He presented it to President Thomas Jefferson at the White House because it was so impressive.

To celebrate National Cheeseball Day, pick up a bag of cheeseballs at your local grocery store or try your hand at making your own fancy cheeseball! You will be able to experiment with the ingredients and make it just the way you like it. Enjoy!

Today is also Pet Parent's Day

April is Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month & National Grilled Cheese Month

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

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On this day in History:

1875 - The game "snooker" was invented by Sir Neville Chamberlain. 1964 - The Ford Motor Company unveiled its new Mustang model. 1965 - The Beach Boys' "Help Me Rhonda" was released. 1985 - The U.S. Postal Service unveiled its new 22-cent, "LOVE" stamp.

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Quote of the Day:
"Real joy comes not from ease or riches or from the praise of men, but from doing something worthwhile."

--W. T. Grenfell

Today is Saturday April 16, 2011

National Eggs Benedict Day

Eggs Benedict is the perfect way to start your day! This tasty dish consists of two toasted English muffin halves topped with poached eggs, bacon or ham, and tangy Hollandaise sauce. 

There are various people that claim to be the inventors of eggs Benedict. The first major account is from a Wall Street broker named Lemuel Benedict. He claimed that one morning 1894 he went to the Waldorf Hotel to find a hangover cure. At the hotel restaurant he ordered “buttered toast, poached eggs, crisp bacon, and a hooker of hollandaise.” Restaurant chef Oscar Tschirky loved the dish so much that he added it to the menu and named it after Mr. Benedict.

Another account is from a man named Edward P. Montgomery. In 1967, he wrote a letter to New York Times Magazine writer Craig Claiborne. His note contained a recipe that was created by Commodore E.C. Benedict before his death in 1920. Montgomery had received the recipe from his mother who was an acquaintance of the Commodore.

Regardless of where the recipe for eggs Benedict originated, today it is a tasty meal to enjoy at breakfast or brunch. Celebrate National Eggs Benedict Day by cooking some delicious eggs Benedict on an English muffin!

April is Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month & National Grilled Cheese Month

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

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On this day in History:

1862 - In the U.S., slavery was abolished by law in the District of Columbia. 1905 - Andrew Carnegie donated $10,000,000 of personal money to set up the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. 1996 - KISS announced a reunion tour with makeup. 1999 - Wayne Gretzky announced his retirement from the National Hockey League (NHL).

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Quote of the Day:
"If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost; that is where they should be. Now put the foundations under them."

--Henry David Thoreau

Today is Friday April 15, 2011

Tax Day

As Ben Franklin once said, "Nothing is certain but death and taxes." Today is the last day in the U.S. that tax returns can be postmarked to the federal and state governments. Hallelujah, let's celebrate that we can put our taxes behind us!

Tax Day has been April 15 since 1955, but it has been in existence since the Revenue Act of 1861. Federal income tax was introduced to the United States to help fund the Civil War. Over the years, there have been various Supreme Court cases that have challenged income taxes and tax rates.

In 2009, more than a million American taxpayers protested high taxes at rallies in all 50 states, calling them "Tax Day Tea Parties." This movement started with bloggers in Seattle and it quickly spread throughout the U.S. in a "rant heard round the world," as CNBC talker Rick Santelli called it.

Whether or not these protests influence government spending and tax rates in the United States, you still have to pay your taxes today so don't forget to put it in the mail! Then have a little party afterwards to celebrate!

Today is also National Glazed Spiral Ham Day & National DNA Day

April is Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month & National Grilled Cheese Month

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

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On this day in History:

1817 - The first American school for the deaf was opened in Hartford, CT. 1850 - The city of San Francisco was incorporated. 1892 - The General Electric Company was organized. 1947 - Jackie Robinson played his first major league baseball game for the Brooklyn Dodgers. Previously he had only appeared in exhibition games. 1952 - The first B-52 prototype was flight-tested. 1955 - Ray Kroc started the McDonald's restaurant chain.

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Quote of the Day:
"Existence is synonymous with purpose."

--Dr. Micah Sadigh

Today is Thursday April 14, 2011

International Moment of Laughter Day

International Moment of Laughter Day is certainly a day to put a smile on your face! Today is a day to laugh loudly and laugh often. Watch a funny movie, read an amusing book, or just be silly with your friends. It is not the cause of the laughter that matters… but the effect.

Researchers have begun to examine positive emotions and their impact on a person's health and aging process. Based on the results from a scientific study at the University of Maryland Medical Center, laughter may give a jolt to circulation and have positive effects on the heart. In addition, laughter may increase the body's production of nitric oxide (a chemical that helps dilate blood vessels).

All of these positive impacts on your health are reason enough to laugh not just today, but every day! So go ahead and be silly and laugh at your own jokes. And don't forget that laughter is contagious!

Today is also National Pecan Day

April is Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month & National Grilled Cheese Month

April is Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month & National Grilled Cheese Month

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

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On this day in History:

1828 - The first edition of Noah Webster's dictionary was published under the name "American Dictionary of the English Language." 1902 - James Cash (J.C.) Penney opened his first retail store in Kemmerer, WY. It was called the Golden Rule Store. 1939 - The John Steinbeck novel "The Grapes of Wrath" was first published. 1960 - The musical "Bye Bye Birdie" opened in New York City. 1981 - America's first space shuttle, Columbia, returned to Earth after its first flight. The shuttle orbited the Earth 36 times during the mission.

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Quote of the Day:
"Happiness makes up in height what it lacks in length."

--Robert Frost

Today is Wednesday April 13, 2011

National Peach Cobbler Day

Cobbler is a tasty dessert that can be enjoyed anytime of the year! This dish is popular in both the United States and the United Kingdom; though they are cooked quite differently in these two locations. In England, cobbler is usually a meat dish made into a type of casserole.

American cobbler on the other hand, is typically a dessert consisting of fruit filling and batter. When it is baked, the batter rises into a dumpling. There are many different types of fruit cobblers including apple, blackberry, mango, cherry, rhubarb, pear, and of course peach.

Did you know that the world's largest peach cobbler that has ever been baked was 11 by 5 feet and 8 inches deep? It was made out of 90 pounds of butter, 150 pounds of sugar, 150 pounds of flour, 32 gallons of milk, and 75 gallons of peaches! This gigantic cobbler was made for the Georgia Peach Festival in 2007 and every year they try and out-do the previous year.

To celebrate National Peach Cobbler Day, try making some of your own delicious peach cobbler to enjoy!

April is Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month & National Grilled Cheese Month

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

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On this day in History:

1870 - The Metropolitan Museum of Art was founded in New York City. 1943 - U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt dedicated the Jefferson Memorial. 1958 - Van Cliburn of Kilgore, TX, earned 1st prize in the Soviet Union's Tchaikovsky International Piano Contest in Moscow. He was the first American to win the award. 1972 - The first strike in the history of major league baseball ended. Players had walked off the field 13 days earlier. 1985 - "The Grand Ole Opry" debuted on television. 1997 - Tiger Woods became the youngest person to win the Masters Tournament at the age of 21. He also set a record when he finished at 18 under par.

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Quote of the Day:
"The words 'I am...' are potent words; be careful what you hitch them to. The thing you’re claiming has a way of reaching back and claiming you."

--A.L. Kitselman

Today is Tuesday April 12, 2011

National Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day

A grilled cheese sandwich is the perfect comfort food for anyone, regardless of their age! The gooey center paired with crispy bread makes for one of the most sought after sandwiches in America.

Though it only contains three ingredients (bread, butter, and cheese), this divine sandwich is quite versatile. It can be made in a frying pan, oven, grilling appliance, or toaster oven. It can also be eaten by itself or paired with soup such as tomato or chicken noodle.

The recipe for a grilled cheese sandwich comes from the French recipe for Croque Monsieur (a grilled ham and cheese sandwich). During the 1920's, American grilled cheese sandwiches first became popular. But they were made with only one slice of bread! It wasn’t until the 1960's that the top piece of bread was added which became the standard for grilled cheese sandwiches.

To celebrate National Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day, enjoy a grilled cheese sandwich cooked your favorite way!

Today is also National Licorice Day

April is Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month & National Grilled Cheese Month

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

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On this day in History:

1833 - Charles Gaylor patented the fireproof safe. 1934 - F. Scott Fitzgerald novel "Tender Is the Night" was first published. 1954 - Bill Haley and the Comets recorded "Rock Around the Clock." The song was released a year later in the movie "Blackboard Jungle." 1981 - The space shuttle Columbia blasted off from Cape Canaveral, FL, on its first test flight. 1985 - USA for Africa's "We Are The World" album was released. 1985 - Federal inspectors declared that four animals of the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus were not unicorns. They were goats with horns that had been surgically implanted. 1988 - Sonny Bono was elected Mayor of Palm Springs, CA.

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Quote of the Day:
"Until you make peace with who you are, you’ll never be content with what you have."

--Doris Mortman

Today is Monday April 11, 2011

National Cheese Fondue Day

Cheese fondue is a delicious dish that originated in Switzerland during the 18th century. The traditional pot used to make fondue is called a "caquelon," which is made of heavy earthenware. A heavy promotes even heat distribution and heat retention in the fondue. Typical fondue cheese recipes include sharp cheeses (like cheddar) or strong cheeses (like Swiss). Additional ingredients such as milk, spices, cream, wine, or brandy may be added to the fondue to balance out the cheese flavor and thicken the fondue. The key to a successful fondue is to make sure that the sauce stays smooth. Cheese has the tendency to get stringy or clumpy as the fat separates from the protein at high temperatures. To ensure that this does not happen, do not heat the cheese beyond its melting point or over stir it. To celebrate National Cheese Fondue Day, have a potluck style fondue night with some friends. Have them bring over different types of bread like baguettes, French, or Italian style bread to dip in the cheese fondue. Enjoy!           

• Today is also National Pet Day
• April is Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month & National Grilled Cheese Month

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

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On this day in History:

1783 - After receiving a copy of the provisional treaty on March 13, the U.S. Congress proclaimed a formal end to hostilities with Great Britain. 1814 - Napoleon was forced to abdicate his throne. The allied European nations had marched into Paris on March 30, 1814. He was banished to the island of Elba. 1980 - The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission issued regulations specifically prohibiting sexual harassment of workers by supervisors. 1981 - Edward "Eddie" Van Halen and Valerie Bertinelli were married.

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Quote of the Day:
"The root of the matter is a very simple and old-fashioned thing, a thing so simple that I am almost ashamed to mention it for fear of the derisive smile with which cynics will greet my words. The thing I mean--please forgive me for mentioning it--is love, or compassion. If you feel this, you have a motive for existence, a reason for courage, a guide in action, an imperative necessity for intellectual honesty. If you feel this, you have all that anybody should need in the way of religion."

--Betrand Russell