Category: September 21

  • NATIONAL CHAI DAY – September 21

    NATIONAL CHAI DAY | SEPTEMBER 21

    On September 21st, the aroma filling the room comes from ancient spices, perfectly steeped into a cup of delicious tea. National Chai Day celebrates the strong, satisfying tea that is ordered at cafes across the country.

    While the Indian beverage dates back nearly 5,000 years, the chai served in homes and coffee shops today comes in many forms. For traditional chai, steep it with black tea leaves. Add whole milk for the richest flavor. Some even prefer almond or coconut milk. The most common spice in chai is cardamom. Though blends will vary from place to place, other spices include cinnamon, nutmeg, pepper, and fennel. Finally, sweeten the tea with pure sugar.

    When is National Tea Day?

    This time of year, we can’t resist the creamy, sweet combination, either! So, wrap your hands around a warm cup and let the aromatic steam permeate your senses. One sip will tell you how enjoyable National Chai Day is going to be!

    HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL CHAI DAY

    Visit a local tea shop or cafe and order a cup of chai. Choose from a variety of blends. While chai is customarily steeped with black tea, green chai is available, too. Try both! Introduce a friend to the love of chai, too! When you do, give a shout out to your favorite cafe. Take a selfie as you enjoy and use #NationalChaiDay to share on social media.

    SomruS LogoNATIONAL CHAI DAY HISTORY

    SomruS founded National Chai Day on September 21, 2018, to celebrate the flavorful drink spreading its leaves across the country by the cupful.

    In 2018, the Registrar at National Day Calendar proclaimed National Chai Day to be observed on September 21st annually.

    ABOUT SOMRUS

    SomruS is the World’s First Line of Indian Liqueurs. Our flagship product, SomruS Original, is an artisanal Chai liqueur made with cardamom and other eastern spices, nuts, real Wisconsin dairy and Caribbean Rum. Created by an Indian American couple in their kitchen in Burr Ridge, IL just 4 years ago, SomruS Original Indian Cream Liqueur is now the most awarded cream liqueur on the planet (www.proof66.com). SomruS is the first liqueur that can be used to create authentic chai adult beverages from a Chaitini to a Hard Chai to a Hot Chai Latte. Our liqueur is next generation in terms of quality and is low ABV and gluten-free with no preservatives or artificial flavors.

    Chai FAQ

    Q. What spices are in chai tea?
    A. The warm and nutty spices that make a cozy chai tea are cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, nutmeg and cloves. Other spices found in chai include pepper, coriander and fennel. Fennel will give it just a hint of licorice flavor.

    Q. How long should I steep chai tea?
    A. Steep chai tea for 3-5 minutes in just-boiled water.

     

     

    September 21st Celebrated History

    1893

    Brothers Charles and Frank Duryea road-test the first American-made gasoline-powered automobile. The brothers went on to establish the Duryea Motor Wagon Company, the first American automobile manufacturer in the United States.

    1897 

    The John Deere trademark is registered by Deere and Co. That same year, the New York Sun published a reply to 6-year-old Virginia O’Hanlon answering her question, “Is there a Santa Claus?”

    1937 

    George Allen and Unwin publish J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit. The novel introduces the world to Bilbo Baggins and his mystical world.

    1970 

    Monday Night Football premieres on ABC with the Cleveland Browns taking home the win over the New York Jets.

    1985 

    Larry Holmes defends his heavyweight title for the 49th time against Michael Spinks. In a 15 round bout, Spinks came out on top in a split decision.

    2003 

    NASA’s Galileo space probe completed its mission to Jupiter when the probe burned up in Jupiter’s atmosphere. The purposeful destruction of the probe was to prevent any inadvertent contamination to Jupiter’s moons.

    September 21st Celebrated Birthdays

    H.G. Wells – 1866

    The prolific author is best known for his science fiction stories such as War of the Worlds and The Time Machine.

    Allen Lane – 1902

    The British publisher joined with his brothers Richard and John to found Penguin Books.

    Charles “Chuck” Jones – 1912

    The animator worked on Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies films bringing Bugs Bunny and Elmer Fudd to life.

    Helen Foster Snow – 1907 

    The American journalist gain prominence in China for her work reporting on Revolutionary China in the 1930s.

    Gloria Cordes – 1931

    The right-handed pitcher played five seasons with the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League. During her tenure, Cordes recorded exceptional skills and was named to the All-Star in both 1952 and 1954.

    Stephen King – 1947

    Since 1967, the novelist has been keeping readers awake with his suspenseful horror stories. Books like Carrie and Salems Lot found their way to the big screen. The writer also produces original screenplays. The demand for King’s work has created a demand so powerful that 2019 and 2020 alone over 30 adaptations, original screenplays, series, or film shorts have been completed, announced, or launched production.

    Anne Burrell – 1969

    The spunky chef and television personality co-hosts the Food Network series Worst Cooks in America. She has also written several cookbooks.

  • NATIONAL NEW YORK DAY – September 21

    NATIONAL NEW YORK DAY | SEPTEMBER 21

    As we continue our tour of the states, September 21st brings us to National New York Day, honoring the Empire State.

    #NationalNewYorkDay

    People & Places

    The Lenape people populated the land now known as New York. They’re also known as the Delaware Indians. Their settlements also spread across New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and parts of Delaware and Connecticut. However, the Dutch were the first Europeans to settle the area and named it New Netherland.

    Settlements and trading posts developed up and down the Hudson River. Albany, the state capital, was once called Beverwijck and the center of the fur trade. In 1624, the Dutch established a settlement on Nutten Island named New Amsterdam. Two years later, they would move to Manhattan Island, and the colony flourished.

    Over time, the settlement exchanged hands between the Dutch and British several times, each without bloodshed. The first exchange, in 1664, would name it New York.

    Independence & Influence

    After declaring independence, the colonies later created the Articles of Confederation. Soon they discovered a stronger governing document was needed.

    While New York sent three delegates to the Constitutional Convention in 1787, only Alexander Hamilton remained to sign the final document. A Federalist, Hamilton held strong opinions that could potentially influence the framing of the young nation’s new governing document. For one, Hamilton supported a life term of service for the President.

    From the timeless halls of Ellis Island to the epic beauty of Niagara Falls and breathtaking Adirondacks, New York is infused with grand vistas and endless historical paths to retrace. With New York City as the epitome of a melting pot long before the term was coined, the state is full of inspiration for artists, sparks intelligent debate and philosophical discussion.

    HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL NEW YORK DAY

    Join National Day Calendar as we celebrate National New York Day and the state’s impressive spaces, historic places, and iconic personalities. Explore all New York has to offer! Use #NationalNewYorkDay to share on social media.

    New York Flavor

    NEW YORK FLAVOR

    Nailing down New York food is like trying to see all the important sites in one long weekend. It’s just not possible. So, we’ll just name a few and you’ll just have to graze your way through the state tasting the rest.

    Wings

    Now we all enjoy a good buffalo wing at a tailgate or any party for that matter. But authentic buffalo wings come from Buffalo, New York.

    Peppermint Pig

    Out of Saratoga Springs, the Saratoga Sweets Candy Company makes a holiday favorite called the Peppermint Pig. The pink confection brings with it 100 plus years of tradition at Christmastime.

    Tomato Pie

    A slice of tomato pie hits the spot when hunger hits with the right amount of cheese, sauce and crust. But according to some, you can’t get a good tomato pie in any state but New York.

    Waldorf Salad

    For a fresh crisp twist, Waldorf Salad with apples and walnuts has been around for more than a century. Created at the Waldorf-Astoria hotel, this salad has several versions today but is a classic!

    Etc…

    One other historic New York City restaurant’s chefs are responsible for some pretty famous household recipes – Eggs Benedict, Lobster Newburgh and Baked Alaska – Delmonico’s.

    From here, you’re on your own. Taste your way through the flavors of New York with pleasure!

    Bannerman’s Castle – BeaconBannerman’s Castle – Beacon
    Old Dutch Church at Sleepy Hollow – Sleepy Hollow
    Buffalo Central Terminal – Buffalo
    Abandoned Girl Scout Camp – Sodus

    New York Presidents

    New York Presidents

    As the founder of the Democratic Party, Martin Van Buren was the 8th President of the United States. He served one term and was the first President born in the U.S. free from British rule.
    A member of the Whig Party and the last to be elected to the White House, Millard Fillmore was the 13th President of the United States. He served from 1850 to 1853, after the death of President Taylor.

    The Nobel Peace Prize-winning Theodore Roosevelt served as the 26th and youngest President in United States history. He served from 1901 to 1909. Roosevelt assumed President McKinley’s term after his assassination in 1901. As a veteran of the Spanish American War in the Rough Rider Regiment and his experiences on the frontier in the Dakota Territory matched his exciting persona.
    As the 32nd President of the United States, Franklin Delano Roosevelt served four terms, more than any other U.S. President. He established sweeping social programs and led the country through World War II during his presidency.

    Serving his first term as President of the United States in 2017, Donald Trump is the 45th Commander in Chief.

    Notable People

    Often given credit for the poem A Visit from St. Nicolas, Clement Clarke Moore was a poet, author and professor at General Theological Seminary of the Protestant Episcopal Church. Generations of families know the Christmastime poem A Visit from St. Nicolas by heart.

    Norman Rockwell’s art was known for depicting the life of the American Dream. The Saturday Evening Post often featured his paintings and illustrations.

    The transcendentalist and prolific poet, Walt Whitman began his career as a printer and journalist. Author of Leaves of Grass, he published the volume of poems himself.

    Before Rosa Parks, there was Elizabeth Jennings Graham. Born free in New York City, Graham led a life of activism and education. In 1854, Graham boarded a streetcar that did not allow African Americans. The trolly conductor allowed her to ride as long others didn’t complain. Later, she refused to leave the streetcar and was forcibly removed. At the time, no laws governed segregation in New York. When her father brought a case on her behalf against the Third Avenue Railway Company, the court found in Elizabeth Jennings Graham’s favor.

    Eleanor Roosevelt exercised her role as First Lady unlike none before her. She was outspoken and active in politics, focusing on women’s issues. After FDR’s death, she served at the United Nations.

    The talented artist, Louis Bouché, was born to a French designer.  Commissioned for numerous murals, his work can be seen at Eisenhower Presidential Museum, Robert F. Kennedy Department of Justice and Ellenville, New York Post Office to name a few.

    Noted head coach of the Green Bay Packers, Vince Lombardi lead the team to five championships. In 1971, the NFL renamed the championship trophy in his honor to the “Vince Lombardi Super Bowl Trophy.”

  • NATIONAL PECAN COOKIE DAY – September 21

    NATIONAL PECAN COOKIE DAY | SEPTEMBER 21

    Each year on September 21st, people across the United States celebrate National Pecan Cookie Day.

    #NationalPecanCookieDay

    This delicious cookie can be eaten and enjoyed morning, noon and night. If you’re a pecan snacker, another pecan related celebration is National Pecan Day on April 14.

    Pecan is an Algonquian word, meaning “a nut requiring a stone to crack.” A member of the hickory family, the pecan is native to central and southern United States.

    One of the best ways to enjoy the celebration is by having freshly baked pecan cookies straight from the oven. Add a cold glass of milk to wash it down, and you’ll have found near perfection. Joining a friend while savoring the buttery goodness is even better. The variety of recipes for soft or firm cookies astounds most bakers. The toasted nuts and sugary sweetness melts in your mouth, keeping you coming back for more.  They delight, and when stored properly, they stay fresh, too.  But pecan cookies won’t last long when they’re baked right.

    Gather up the ingredients for your favorite recipe. Whether soft and chewy or the dunking kind, bake up a batch for Pecan Cookie Day.

    HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL PECAN COOKIE DAY

    Don’t have Pecan Cookie recipe? Try one of these:

    Doris’ Pecan Powdered Sugar Drops
    Butter Pecan Cookies
    Raisin Pecan Oatmeal Cookies

    Use #NationalPecanCookieDay to post on social media.

    NATIONAL PECAN COOKIE DAY HISTORY

    National Day Calendar continues seeking the history to this food holiday.

    Do you need more cookie days to celebrate? Check out these!

    Spicy Hermit Cookie Day
    Gingerbread Cookie Day
    Lacy Oatmeal Cookie Day
    Oatmeal Cookie Day
    Peanut Butter Cookie Day
    Sugar Cookie Day
    Chocolate Chip Cookie Day
    Pecan Cookie Day