NATIONAL MUFFIN DAY
On February 20th, National Muffin Day serves up a delicious celebration packed with flavor and options, too!
#NationalMuffinDay
Bakeries offer these single-serving quick breads in several sizes. From mini bite-sized muffins and jumbo ones to the favored muffin tops, they also offer a varied nutritional value. Depending on the ingredients, a muffin can be high in fat and calories. However, substituting whole grains, changing a few other ingredients, and limiting the serving size can increase the nutritional quality of a muffin.
Baking with fresh fruits and berries brings a brightness to muffins. It also keeps them from becoming dry as they bake. One of America’s favorite muffins is the blueberry muffin. Another way to add flavor and texture is by mixing in nuts and oats. Bakers often have bits of chocolate and bananas that need to be used. Mixing them into the muffin batter will keep your muffin eaters happy in the morning, too!
HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL MUFFIN DAY
- Bake up a batch of your favorite muffins.
- Share your favorite muffin recipes.
- Try a new muffin recipe like one of these:
- Running short on time? Stop by your favorite bakery and pick up a half dozen to share.
- Be sure to give a shout-out to the baker to let them know how much you appreciate their service.
- And use #NationalMuffinDay to post on social media.
NATIONAL MUFFIN DAY HISTORY
We will continue to research this delicious national food holiday. Until then, we’ll put another batch in the oven and see what cooks up!
Muffin FAQ
Q. Why are my muffins tough?
A. Tough muffins are sometimes the result of an over-mixed batter. You want to mix the batter until the ingredients are just incorporated. It may be slightly lumpy, but that’s ok.
Q. Why are my muffins flat?
A. One important part of muffin making – baking actually – is how you mix your ingredients. Mix the dry ingredients together first. This evenly distributes the dry ingredients, especially seasonings and leavening agents (the ingredients that make the muffin rise). Mix your wet ingredients and then combine the two mixes together. Another reason your muffins are flat may be due to an expired leavening agent. Whether you use baking soda, baking powder, or yeast, they can lose their potency and fail to rise to the occasion.
Q. Does it matter what kind of muffin I make for the holiday?
A. No. It doesn’t matter what kind of muffin you make. In fact, the staff at National Day Calendar will eat just about any muffin you bring by! We’re great taste-testers!
February 20th Celebrated History
1792
President George Washington signs the Postal Service Act formally creating the United States Postal Service. Before the 1792 act, temporary measures created by the Continental Congress established a postal service and postmaster general to oversee the system. The first person appointed to the role in 1775 was Benjamin Franklin.
1872
The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City opened to the public. Founded by Eastman Johnson, John Taylor Johnston, Howard Potter, and George Palmer Putnam, the museum is the largest art museum in the United States.
1943
Chicago Cubs owner, Philip Wrigley, his attorney Paul V. Harper and Brooklyn Dodgers owner Branch Rickey established the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League. The Racine Belles, South Bend Blue Sox, Kenosha Comets, and Rockford Peaches competed during the 1943 season.
1962
Aboard the Friendship7, John Glenn becomes the first American to orbit the Earth
February 20th Celebrated Birthdays
Enzo Ferrari – 1898
In 1929, Ferrari founded the Scuderia Ferrari, racing division. He would also be known for the Ferrari automobile marque.
Ansel Adams – 1902
The American landscape photographer and environmentalist became immensely influential in the preservation of the western American wilderness. He also made extensive contributions to the world of landscape photography that are still felt today.
Ruthe Deskin – 1916
The one-time president of the Las Vegas Press Club, Ruthe Deskin’s journalism career included radio and print. She also founded local youth programs.
Carl Stotz – 1920
In 1939, Stotz established Little League Baseball and invited the community of Williamsport, PA, to support the organization with managers, uniforms, and places for the young players to compete.
Robert Altman – 1925
The award-winning director, screenwriter, and producer is best-known for films such as M*A*S*H, Gosford Park, Popeye, and Prairie Home Companion.
Sidney Poitier – 1927
In 1964, Poitier won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role as Homer Smith in Lilies of the Field, becoming the first African American to win the award. The dramatic actor is also known for the films A Raisin in the Sun, In the Heat of the Night, and To Sir, With Love, just to name a few.
Buffy Sainte Marie – 1941
In 1983, the singer-songwriter and activist won the Academy Award for Best Original Song for “Up Where We Belong” from the film An Officer and a Gentleman.
Charles Barkley – 1963
During his 16 years in the National Basketball Association, the power forward played for the Philadelphia 76ers, Phoenix Suns and the Houston Rockets. Following his athletic career, Sir Charles became an NBA analyst.
Notable Mentions
Benjamin T. Epps – 1888
Karl Albrecht – 1920
Patty Hearst Shaw – 1954
Cindy Crawford – 1966