NATIONAL FRIED CHICKEN DAY | JULY 6
In the United States, July 6th chicken lovers across the country recognize National Fried Chicken Day by feasting at a nearby restaurant, home, or an outdoor picnic.
#NationalFriedChickenDay
Scottish immigrants brought their tradition of deep-frying chicken in fat to the southern United States. After its introduction to the American South, fried chicken soon became a staple. Over time, cooks added seasonings and spices to enrich the flavor of the chicken.
“The best comfort food will always be greens, cornbread and fried chicken.” ~ Poet, Maya Angelou
Fried chicken is a dish consisting of chicken pieces floured or battered, then pan-fried, deep-fried or pressure-fried. The breading adds a crisp coating to the exterior of the chicken. Knowing how to get a good crisp on the chicken may seem elusive to some. However, some of the best cooks will tell you the keys to achieving the crispiest fried chicken involves seasoning well and early in the process, adding starch to your flour and frying your chicken at the right temperature. The oil should be 300°F. Finally, let the chicken rest before serving to allow the juices to be absorbed back into the meat. Just like beef and pork, the chicken will be more tender when we allow it to rest.
Traditionally the chicken is fried in lard. However, corn oil, peanut oil, canola oil, or vegetable oil are also frequently used.
HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL FRIED CHICKEN DAY
Use this batter mix as you try this fried chicken recipe. Serve it with your favorite side dishes, too. Potato salad, cornbread, greens, or watermelon. And be sure to share! Invite some friends over, make some fried chicken, and share photos on social media using #NationalFriedChickenDay.
“Fried chicken just tend to make you feel better about life.” ~ Minnie Jackson from the film The Help
NATIONAL FRIED CHICKEN DAY HISTORY
National Day Calendar continues researching the origins of this food holiday.
July 6th Celebrated History
1885
Louis Pasteur successfully inoculated Joseph Meister with a rabies vaccine. Meister had been bitten by a rabid dog.
1933
The American League wins the first All-Star game 4-2 in Chicago.
1942
Anne Frank and her family are forced into hiding.
1945
President Harry S. Truman signs an executive order to honor civilian service during World War II. Called the Medal of Freedom, Secretary of War Robert P. Paterson presented one of the first awards to Anna Rosenberg of Manhattan for her welfare work in Europe. Other recipients included Nathaniel P. Davis of Princeton, New Jersey, Ha Kun-Cheong originally from Kwenchung, China, Walter W. Crebaugh of Grants Pass, Oregon, Llewellyn E. Thompson of Los Animas, Colorado and Marshall Truax of Deadwood, South Dakota.
President Dwight D. Eisenhower also issued an executive order for a Medal of Freedom and in 1963, President John F. Kennedy established the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest honor a civilian can receive.
July 6th Celebrated Birthdays
Frida Kahlo – 1907
The Mexican portrait artist gain prominence in the early 21st century. Her work was sometimes controversial as Kahlo was both a feminist and a communist.
Nancy Davis Reagan – 1921
From 1981 to 1989, the 42nd First Lady stood in the spotlight of the Nation’s stage during the last act of the Cold War. The First Lady cast herself in the role of advocate and reformer, supporting veterans and creating programs to stop drug and alcohol abuse.
Lhamo Thondup – 1935
The 14th Dalai Lama is the current and highest spiritual leader of Tibet. He is believed to be the reincarnation of the previous 13 Dalai Lamas and was discovered in 1937. On April 16, 1991, the 14th Dalai Lama met with a sitting U.S. President, George H.W. Bush, for the first time in Washington, D.C. as well as several other U.S. representatives.
Sylvester Stallone – 1946
Best known for his roles as Rocky Balboa and John Rambo, Stallone also writes, directs and produces films.
Della Reese – 1931
From a talented jazz and gospel performer in the late 1960s to her own talk show and acting roles in television and film, Della Reese found success across seven decades.
George W. Bush – 1946
As the 43rd President of the United States, George W. Bush served from 2001 to 2009. As the son of the 41st President, Bush 43 had some family history with the White House.
While in office, an era of change took place during his first term. On September 11, 2001, the attacks on the U.S. would set the tone for the duration of the term. Heading into his second term, Hurricane Katrina would do the same.