Mission 2015: Eat The Year

Browsing through Barnes & Noble (my favorite store of all time!), I stumbled upon a book titled, "Eat The Year." As a girl who absolutely loves to eat, my challenge for 2015 became quite clear. So my journey to "eat the year" begins. Won't you join me?

[eattheyear2015]

August 22 - National Eat a Peach Day

It might seem like there are a lot of peach-related food holidays. That's because there are! Thus drupe (or "stone fruit," so named because of the fleshy meat encasing a hard seed) originated in China, but over centuries it has become a staple part of our own country's agriculture. So much so that in 1982 Ronald Reagan  declared --- in Proclamation 4947 --- that July should be National Peach Month. Somehow that celebration eventually migrated into August as well. That just further proves how passionate we are about peaches!

"In Hollywood, the women are all peaches. It makes one long for an apple occasionally." - William Somerset Maugham

I don't usually go out of my way to buy whole peaches; they aren't one of my favorite fruits. Truthfully, they fall somewhere in the middle if I had to rank all my preferred produce.

However, I do think they are absolutely exceptional in savory recipes, like marinades for ribs or when grilled in salads with tangy cheeses, in chutneys that top curried chicken or --- my favorite --- in spicy salsa! The heat and sweet from the salsa and salt from the tortilla chop is definitely is unique mouthgasm.

I chose a much simpler way. I bought a bag of peaches at the grocery store, settled on the couch in my favorite Farm Girl flannel comfy pants, and read the latest issue of Better Homes & Gardens magazine. A pretty sweet way to wrap up the week.

[eattheyear2015]

August 21 - National Spumoni Day

Spumoni --- a molded Italian frozen dessert made (usually) from layers of chocolate, pistachio, and cherry gelato, whipped cream, nuts, and candied fruit --- hailed from Naples, Italy. And the U.S. isn't the only one who loves the treat, either. Canada celebrations National Spumoni Day on November 13.

"Seize the moment. Remember all those women on the Titanic who waved off the dessert cart." - Emma Bombeck

Years ago, my family got an ice-cream maker; we’ve used it only a handful of times. While it's incredibly easy to use, it can be time-consuming (and expensive) to make ice cream from scratch.

But today seemed like the absolute perfect opportunity to bring it out, dust it off, and make my very first batch of spumoni. Sweet cherry-flavored ice cream with whole chunks of creamy chocolate and salt pistachios?

I may or may not have eaten the entire thing by myself, especially hours upon hours went into making the stuff!

[eattheyear2015]

August 20 - National Lemonade Day

Every summer, kids all over the United States learn entrepreneurial skills by continuing the deep-rooted custom of starting lemonade stands in their neighborhoods.

Let me rephrase that: Some kids in some parts of the country will start a lemonade stand while others will get an early dose of what governmental red tape feels like, because it's actually now illegal in certain parts of the U.S. to start a lemonade stand. Unless, that is, you pay for a permit to do so and/or register with the city clerk's office for an employer identification number. Even then, you may still need to receive permission from your local Department of Health and Human Services. And, for some states, taking a certified food protection course is required, too. (ISN’T THAT NUTS?!)

"I believe that if life gives you lemons, you should make lemonade. And try to find someone whose life gives them vodka, and have a party." - Ron White, Blue Collar Comedy Tour Rides Again

Since I wasn't able to break the law and buy some of that street-style lemonade (let's make is sound as thuggish as some local governments make it out to be), I set out for the next best thing.

My advice to you is the same (if you, too, are being prevented by The Man from a refreshing-drink-for-twenty-five-cents style transaction on someone's front lawn). You will not be disappointed by the flavors out there for lemonade, so whatever you’re craving, it’ll hit the spot on these glimmering and hot days of summertime.

[eattheyear2015]

August 19 - National Hot and Spicy Day

Today you shouldn't be saying anything but "My mouth is on fire," or "Please, pass the milk," or "Why did I do this to myself?!" It's all about hot and spicy foods, whether that's salsa, hot wings, kimchi, jerk chicken, or vindaloo.

In my opinion, life is a lot like food: It's better when it's spicier, not saltier. After all, capsaicin (the chemical compound that makes peppers hot as we learned on January 16, International Hot and Spicy Food Day) can improve digestion and also lower blood pressure. Too much salt, on the other hand, can make you retain fluid --- which keeps in the very stuff you should be expelling from your body to stay healthy and balanced.

"My favorite time of day is to get up and eat leftovers from dinner, especially spicy food." - David Byrne

I don't know about you, but I'd rather live a life that's clean of crap, one where I can breathe deeply and deal with everything thrown at me calmly.

Spice. Not salt.

Here's to a happy National Hot and Spicy Food Day every day of the year!

[eattheyear2015]

August 18 - National Ice Cream Pie Day

I was under some bizarre impression that ice cream pie was ridiculously difficult to construct. In my mind, it was a time-consuming process with lots of layers and ingredients and melting and stickiness and frustration (much like I imagine making a baked Alaska or bombe glacee from scratch is like).

And then I realized it didn't have to be so complicated --- ice cream, after all, never should be. I could just toss some (Ben and Jerry’s Half Baked) ice cream into a premade (regular) pie shell and call it good. So that's what I did. And y'know what? Not only was it a less messy way to eat ice cream, but it also came out awesome.

"Everyone likes pie. But people like pie a la mode even better. In the pie of life, arts is the ice cream." - Peter Krause

I'm glad simplicity still tastes so darn good this deep into eating the year.

With so many different ice cream and piecrust option available now, what will your flavor combination be?

[eattheyear2015]

August 17 - National Custard Day

Custard, the thicker cousin to pudding (and not the Civil War general), has been around since Medieval days when it was used in pies and tarts. When you think about how it's used today, you'll notice that tried-and-true concept hasn't changed much --- it's found in crème brulee, trifles, flan, éclairs, or the classiest (and my favorite) way of all, inside doughnuts.

"The belly rules the mind." - Spanish proverb

Did you know that vanilla is one of the most expensive spices there is? That's because it's so labor intensive to cultivate. (Seriously, have you ever purchased vanilla beans? When I made today's food holiday, just two of them cost me twelve dollars! As a diehard chocoholic, that certainly made me view vanilla in an entirely new, respect-filled light.)

If it's exceptionally hot out and you didn't get the chance to celebrate National Frozen Custard Day back on August 8, why not combine the two today? There are very few things in life that taste quite as exquisite as dense, velvety rich (as just learned) frozen custard in any flavor.

[eattheyear2015]

August 16 - National Rum Day

Avast! It's time to let your inner pirate out: It's National Rum Day. (Too bad National Talk Like a Pirate Day isn't until September 19, eh?)

Rum is made from distilled sugarcane by-products (like molasses). And unlike many other types of liquor, there's no one universally defined set of regulated standards for its production (like we learned there is on National Tequila Day, July 24, and National Scotch Day, July 27). Different countries have different rules for it.

"There's naught, no doubt, so much of the spirit calms as rum and true religion." - Lord Byron

Since we've already celebrated the spirit a couple different ways things year, take the opportunity to enjoy it today in a way that perhaps isn't represented on the food and drink calendar (yet). You could make Banana Foster, rum balls, rum raisin ice cream, or use it in a marinade. If you're dead-set on drinking, try a Bahama Mama, Dark and Stormy (drink an extra one for me, please!), Mojito Hurricane, Zombie, or my personal favorite, beachside coconut-flavored rum in a diet cola with as many maraschino cherries as the bartender will let me have.

So yo, ho, ho and a bottle of grog to you today, mateys!

[eattheyear2015]

August 15 - National Lemon Meringue Pie Day

When I was in my teens, I was fascinated with sweet yet tangy, creamy lemon meringue pie, mostly I think because of its height. It just seemed like when I ordered a piece I was actually getting twice as much pie than I would with other flavors.

After the traditional layer of crust and filling (lemon curd in this instance), there was also an enormous tier of fluffy egg whites, too. Which left me to believe that if I wanted more bang for my buck, lemon meringue pie was definitely the way to go.

"Our store is called The Pie Hole. As in shut your. Or in this case "open your" because it's real good." - Olive Snook, Pushing Daisies

August 15th is also National Relaxation Day. So today is the perfect opportunity to take a break from everything that stresses us out and float away on a sweet, heavenly cloud of meringue-topped lemon pie.

[eattheyear2015]

August 14 - National Creamsicle Day

When burly men approve of a “girly” drink, you know there’s something to the rumors. One summer night at the liquor store as I made a last minute stop before heading back to the farm for the weekend, I came across some whipped cream-flavored vodka. Curious, I picked it up. The moment my fingers curled around the neck of the bottle, a rugged-looking fellow appeared out of nowhere and said in crazed addict speed, "Doyouputorangesodainyour?"I blinked at him. He motioned to the vodka, "Orange soda. Do you put orange soda in yours? It makes it taste like a creamsicle."

Inspired by his vote of confidence, I decided to hold on it as I continued wandering up and down the aisles. Another muscular, flannel shirt-wearing, bearded man tapped me on the shoulder and said, "I drink mine with orange soda. It's awesome." "So I've heard," I responded. About to jump in line to pay for my alcohol, I was only harassed by one more another grizzled, unassuming local guy, "Looks like you forgot the orange soda!"

So before I left, I grabbed a six-pack of orange soda.

Reaching my parent’s place three hours later, I took drink orders and I mixed the orange soda with the whipped cream vodka. And --- wouldn't you know it --- it tasted just...like...a creamsicle!

"Cream doesn't rise to the top. It works its way up." --- Dutch proverb

Those men were right.

What they forgot to tell me is now smoothly the drink goes down. A little too smoothly. Like I-can't-feel-my-legs-anymore-because-of-how-many-of-these-drinks-I-gone-done-drank smoothly. So today I pay homage to the strange men who materialized out of nowhere to talk me into what they probably consider a very, very guilty pleasure drink.

[eattheyear2015]

August 13 - National Filet Mignon Day

If someone lovingly calls you ma petite mignon, they're probably not referring to you being the cut of meat we're celebrating today. In the French culture, mignon actually means "cut/cutie" or even "dainty." I'm sure if filet mignon could talk, it would disagree with being called such a mushy term of endearment, as it's considered to be the King of Steaks. The meat, which comes from the tenderloin of beef (the length of area that runs parallel to both sides of the spine), is thought to be the most tender and expensive cut available.

"If you're going to get a steak, make it a sirloin or filet mignon. They're the real cut above the rest." --- Jayne Hurley

So if you crave "melt-in-your-mouth" meat, this is the way to go.

For serious flavor explosion, try topping your filet with sauce like béarnaise, Cognac, and cream, mustard or even with blue cheese butter or Parmesan-garlic butter. Good side dishes include wild-mushroom risotto, rice pilaf, butternut squash, steamed asparagus, baked potato with all the fixings, or a wedge salad.

After celebrating today, I'm not sure you'll be feeling so dainty afterwards!

[eattheyear2015]

August 12 - National Julienne Fries Day

I think today just further proves the United States' love for junk food. Having a National French Fry Day about a month ago on July 13th just wasn't enough, so today we celebrate National Julienne Fries Day. Besides, what a joke of a cut regular, crinkle, curly, waffle, steak, home, or wedge fries are, right? They don't show supreme knife skills like julienning does, which is clearly the more sophisticated way to prepare small strips of potato you're going to then deep-fry and smother in ketchup, gravy and cheese, or salt and vinegar.

"You don't have to cook fancy or complicated masterpieces --- just good food from fresh ingredients." --- Julia Child

Who knows why today needed its own food holiday. Could it be because the world-famous golden-arches fast-food joint has made the cut fry iconic? Maybe it's no secret we celebrate those machines that chop, slice, and dice in one swift movement sold on three AM infomercials? Most likely we celebrate today because of just how delightfully easy it is to pick up these long, fun, crispy fries.

Fries before guys. That’s all I’m going to say, *wink*

[eattheyear2015]

August 11 - National Raspberry Tart Day

   Glenda Millard,                  A Small Free Kiss in the Dark          Have you had enough of our friend the raspberry, which we've now celebrated four times in the past twelve days? Well, don't despair, because this is the last we'll see of our bramble friend for some time. Besides, how could a day where you get to frost your food not excite you?

“We walked back the way we came, and even though it was dark there were no lights burning inside the houses. They were like people without hearts; raspberry tarts without the jam.” - Glenda Millard, A Small Free Kiss in the Dark

These simple, decadent treats keep overnight extremely well in the refrigerator (top with raspberries just before serving), and make for a lovely breakfast bite in the morning.

Try it with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream...not necessarily for breakfast, but you at the same time, why?!          

[eattheyear2015]

August 10 - National S’mores Day

You can always tell what season it is based on how the shelves are stocked at a grocery store. Everything becomes quite pink with an abundance of flowers and Champagne on sale as we approach Valentine's Day; with the Super Bowl, trays and trays of party food like finger sandwiches, chips with dip, and football-shaped snacks appear throughout the store; and, with summer --- much to the delight of most kids everywhere, because it signifies the end of the school year and the beginning of staying up late --- comes rows and rows of graham crackers, chocolates, and marshmallows.

"Buzz Lightyear: Don't worry, Woody. In just a few hours you'll be sitting around a campfire with Andy making delicious hot Schmoes. Woody: They're called s'mores, Buzz." --- Toy Story

Not having a campfire is no excuse not to celebrate the season's perfect dessert, either. You can still participate in his delightfully ooey, gooey sandwich by using a microwave (just be careful your marshmallow doesn't explode) or even an open candle (though a scented one might make your s'more slightly bizarre tasting).

I went a completely different route and enjoyed a S’mores beer at our great State Fair. Chocolate-infused beer with a graham cracker rim and a giant marshmallow to top it off...it was certainly tasty and different!

However you celebrate today --- out in the woods or curled up on the couch --- I hope it's one filled with wonderful childhood memories.

[eattheyear2015]

August 9 - National Rice Pudding Day

Remember way back on March 2nd when we discovered that banana cream pie was the favorite dessert among U.S. Armed Forces in a 1951 survey? Well, their least favorite dessert at the time was rice pudding. I can understand why: generally, I'm averse to savory dishes that try to be desserts. Until today, the thought of rice pudding always makes me cringe.

I like rice (especially when it's the bed to a fresh-from-the-garden chicken stir fry). I like pudding (who doesn't love a homemade chocolate pudding courtesy of mom?). But the two together just never made sense to me, probably because I never had a quality version before. A good rice pudding should be smooth and creamy like pudding (duh), but also have the chewy consistency of properly cooked rice. Crunchiness, stickiness, or soupiness are probably the reasons for my previous dislike!

"When they didn't give him boiled mutton, they gave him rice pudding, pretending it was a treat. And saved the butcher." --- Charles Dickens, The Schoolboy's Story

And if you're not feeling rice pudding, think of it this way: It's a dish that's long been associated with religion. It's believed that Buddha's final meal before enlightenment was a bowl of the stuff; and, in certain folklore, specifically Dutch and Flemish, rice pudding or porridge is given to people who go to heaven (and it's eaten with a golden spoon).

Kind of makes you look at the stuff in a whole new light.

[eattheyear2015]

August 8 - National Zucchini Day

I had every intention of celebrating National Frozen Custard Day today, but after visiting my parent’s farm and seeing their bounty of garden goodness, I knew that the only way to do justice on August 8th would be to celebrate with the colorful courgettes!

The prolific plant came to the U.S. most likely via Italian immigrants in the 1920s. Zucchini --- which is more flavorful when it's small --- is incredibly versatile. You can eat it raw, or you can grill, fry, steam, BBQ, saute, bake, or roast it. It goes great with pasta or as a pasta replacement (or so I’ve read).

"'Do I have to explain the obvious?' I asked impatiently. 'Somebody might break in and put zucchini in our house.'" - Barbara Kingsalver, Animal, Vegetable, Miracle

You can make stuffed zucchini boats, fritters or latkes, casseroles, bread, a classically French ratatouille, or you can use the yellow flower of the plant in an authentic Mexican soup or quesadilla. My preferred way? In pasta! One of my favorite things to do with fresh veggies in the summer is to chop’em up real nice, throw a little olive oil in a pan, and saute the daylight out of each and every piece.Add some buttered noodles to the mix, and then top with Alfredo sauce. And it's absolutely gorgeous-tasting.

Exactly how I plan on celebrated today (at like 10pm, but that’s neither here nor there).

[eattheyear2015]

August 7 - National Raspberries and Cream Day

"I wondered when you'd be over," said Leo, my elderly neighbor. He reminded me of my own late grandfather, kindness radiating from every pore and quick to laugh right from the depths of his soul. I walked across his yard to where he was sitting comfortably in a lawn chair. "It's National Raspberries and Cream Day! So can I please have some berries?" I asked, pretending to beg.

"Of course! They're all yours! Do you know where they are? Of course you know where they are. Let me show you where they are," he pushed himself out of his chair and slowly, very slowly, walked me to the back edge of his property where the raspberries were flourishing. "Oh my, just look at them all. You can have as many as you want!"

I tossed one of the plentiful ripe berries into my mouth and was delighted to find that they were sweet this year, not at all tart. "You like them, hun?" he asked.

"It is not well for a man to pray cream; and live skim milk." --- Henry Ward Beecher, Life Thoughts

"I do. You grow some of the best." I alternated between picking and eating. "And berries are good for you --- filled with antioxidants, fiber, and all sorts of healthy things. I mean, just look at you! You're the strongest fella on the block!" He put his hand to his chest and wheezed with laughter. "I don't know who you've been talking to, but I think they got it wrong."

After just a few moments, my bowl was already full. "That's it?" he asked me playfully.

"For today," I smiled.

It's the small moments like these that make this crazy project to eat the year so sweet.

[eattheyear2015]

August 6 - National Root Beer Float Day

The root beer float --- like many food and beverages --- has a foggy origin. But it's generally credited to Frank J. Wisner of Colorado. Food legend states that in the late 19th century he had a total revelation. He realized the snow-covered Cow Mountain looked like ice cream in soda. The next morning he put a scoop of vanilla ice cream in a glass of root beer and --- voila! --- the "black cow" was created, history was made, and Steely Dan had something to sing about.

"...the egg creams of Avenue A in New York and the root beer float...are among the high points of American gastronomic inventiveness." --- Mark Kutlansky, Choice Cuts

There was a 1950s-style drive-in diner near my house when I was a little kid. We went there often throughout the summer because the prices were cheap, it was easy entertainment (when you're a kid, the idea of going to a restaurant to just sit in your car and eat while girls in poodle skirts passed you food through your window was just wild --- absolutely wild!), and they made some of the best root beer in the whole state. It came in over-sized frosted mugs and was delicious, refreshing, and made us feel super cool and adult-like when we were drinking it.

Not gonna lie. Even now when I drink root beer out of bottle I feel the same way.

The other amazing thing about root beer floats? It doesn’t matter how gigantic the meal you just had was, because if someone comes out and is like, “who wants a root beer float?,” you know you’re doing to raise your hand. I know i sure did today!