Today is Thursday, December 29th, 2011 

Pepper Pot Day

Today is Pepper Pot Day! Pepper pot is a thick spicy soup first created on December 29, 1777. During the Revolutionary War, the Continental Army experienced an exceptionally harsh winter in Valley Forge. The soldiers were low on food because the farmers in the area sold all their supplies to the British Army for cash rather than the weak currency that the Continental soldiers could offer.

Christopher Ludwick, the baker general of the Continental Army, gathered whatever food he could find to feed the frail soldiers. The chef was able to find scraps of tripe, meat, and some peppercorn. He mixed the ingredients together with some other seasonings and created the hot spicy soup we now know as pepper pot. It became known as "the soup that won the war."

To celebrate this historic dish, try making your own pepper pot soup today! It’s the perfect way to warm up on a chilly December day.

December is National Fruit Cake Month & National Egg Nog Month

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

History for December 29 1848 - U.S. President James Polk turned on the first gas light at the White House. 1851 - The first American Young Men's Christian Association was organized in Boston, MA. 1888 - The first performance of Macbeth took place at the Lyceum Theatre. 1940 - During World War II, Germany began dropping incendiary bombs on London. 1952 - Sonotone Corporation offered the first transistorized hearing aid for sale.

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"It must be borne in mind that the tragedy of life does not lie in not reaching your goal. The tragedy lies in having no goal to reach. It isn’t a calamity to die with dreams unfulfilled, but it is a calamity not to dream. It is not a disgrace not to reach the stars, but it is a disgrace to have no stars to reach for."

--Benjamin E. Mays

Today is Wednesday, December 28th, 2011 

National Chocolate Candy Day

It's National Chocolate Candy Day! Chocolate candy is one of the most popular types of candy with kids and adults alike. It can be combined with everything from nuts and caramel to raisins and pretzels to make some of our favorite chocolate treats!

Did you know that during the Second World War, the U.S. Government commissioned Milton Hershey to create a candy bar that would be included in the soldiers' rations? The candy bar they created was the famous Hershey Milk Chocolate Bar.

Today, chocolate is still clearly an American favorite treat as 2.8 billion pounds are consumed annually. On average that means each person consumes over eleven pounds per year! To celebrate National Chocolate Candy Day, enjoy some of your favorite types of chocolate candy.

December is National Fruit Cake Month & National Egg Nog Month

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

History for December 28 1836 - Mexico's independence was recognized by Spain. 1902 - The first professional indoor football game was played at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Syracuse defeated the Philadelphia Nationals 6-0. 1945 - The U.S. Congress officially recognized the "Pledge of Allegiance." 1964 - Initial filming of the movie "Dr. Zhivago" began on location near Madrid, Spain. The movies total running time is 197 minutes. 1981 - Elizabeth Jordan Carr, the first American test-tube baby, was born in Norfolk, VA.

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"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, December 27th, 2011 

National Fruit Cake Day

Today is National Fruit Cake Day! Although fruit cakes are certainly a delicious treat to enjoy around the holidays, they are quite possibly the most popular re-gifted item. A whopping 38% of people say they give fruit cakes away when they receive them!

Nevertheless, fruit cakes have remained popular for thousands of years. Originating in Ancient Egypt, they were often placed inside tombs because they were believed to be essential for the journey to the afterlife.

The Crusaders were also known to eat fruit cakes because they were full of nutritious items like dried fruits and nuts, and could also withstand the Crusaders' long journeys.

To celebrate National Fruit Cake Day, buy one at your local grocery store to share with friends!

December is National Fruit Cake Month & National Egg Nog Month

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

History for December 27 1831 - Charles Darwin set out on a voyage to the Pacific aboard the HMS Beagle. Darwin's discoveries during the voyage helped him form the basis of his theories on evolution. 1932 - Radio City Music Hall opened its doors to the public for the first time. 1945 - The World Bank was created with an agreement signed by 28 nations. 1947 - The children's television program "Howdy Doody," hosted by Bob Smith, made its debut on NBC. 1971 - Snoopy, Charlie Brown, Linus, Lucy and Woodstock of Charles Schulz’ "Peanuts" comic strip were on the cover of "Newsweek" magazine. 1978 - Spain adopted a new constitution and became a democracy after 40 years of dictatorship. 2000 - Mario Lemeiux (Pittsburgh Penguins) returned to the National Hockey League (NHL) as a player after over 3 years of retirement. He was the first owner-player in the modern era of pro sports. Lemieux had purchased the Pittsburgh Penguins during his retirement from playing. 2001 - U.S. President George W. Bush granted China permanent normal trade status with the United States.

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"We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give."

--Winston Churchill