• FEBRUARY 7, 2023 | NATIONAL PERIODIC TABLE DAY | NATIONAL SEND A CARD TO A FRIEND DAY | NATIONAL FETTUCCINE ALFREDO DAY

    FEBRUARY 7, 2023 | NATIONAL PERIODIC TABLE DAY | NATIONAL SEND A CARD TO A FRIEND DAY | NATIONAL FETTUCCINE ALFREDO DAY

    National Periodic Table Day | February 7
    National Periodic Table Day | February 7

    NATIONAL PERIODIC TABLE DAY

    On February 7th, National Periodic Table Day recognizes the publication of the first table of elements. We also look at how the periodic table has changed through the years. Read more…

    Send A Card To A Friend Day | February 7
    Send A Card To A Friend Day | February 7

    NATIONAL SEND A CARD TO A FRIEND DAY

    National Send A Card To A Friend Day on February 7th reminds us to send friendly cheer through the mail. We do that by sending a note or message on a card to the friends we hold dear. Throughout the year, we often think about our friends. We wonder how they are, miss them, and remember fond memories of times shared. Read more…

    National Fettuccine Alfredo Day | February 7
    National Fettuccine Alfredo Day | February 7

    NATIONAL FETTUCCINE ALFREDO DAY

    On February 7th, National Fettuccine Alfredo Day celebrates one of the world’s favorite ways to enjoy a plate of fettuccine.  Read more…

    On Deck for February 8, 2023

    National Days
    NATIONAL KITE FLYING DAY
    NATIONAL IOWA DAY
    NATIONAL BOY SCOUTS DAY

    Recipe of the Day

    Veggie Lasagna 810 x 810

    Veggie Lasagna
    Prep: 10 minutes
    Cook: 1 hour
    Total: 1 hour 10 minutes
    Serves: 4

    Ingredients

    3 cups marinara sauce
    3-4 medium zucchinis
    16 ricotta cheese
    1 egg, beaten
    2 cloves garlic, minced
    16 ounces shredded mozzarella
    1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
    3 cups fresh spinach leaves
    1/2 yellow onion, diced

    Instructions

    Heat oven to 375F.

    Prepare a 9×13 baking dish with vegetable oil.

    Trim ends from the zucchinis. Slice zucchinis into one-inch thick slices lengthwise. Place on paper towels and sprinkle with salt to absorb moisture. Rest for 10 minutes.

    In a small bowl, mix ricotta, beaten egg, and half of the garlic.

    In a large skillet, saute’ onion over medium heat until translucent. Add remaining garlic and cook until fragrant. Stir in spinach leaves and cook until wilted. Remove from heat.

    Pat zucchini slices dry. Place one overlapping layer of slices in the prepared pan. Spread a thin layer of the ricotta mixture over the zucchini. Add 1/3 of the spinach mixture and spread evenly. Spread a layer of marinara. Top with mozzarella and parmesan. Repeat.

    Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes.

    February 7th Celebrated History

    1817

    Baltimore, Maryland becomes the first American city to become lit with gaslight. Market and Lemon Streets (now known as North Holliday Street and East Baltimore Street today) were the first public lighting in the city.

    1964

    The Beatles arrive in (or invade) the United States. Beatlemania begins.

    1971

    Swiss women were granted the right to vote. Since 1868, Swiss women had been demanding the right to vote and every time it was denied. Nearly every two decades women’s suffrage would be brought before the various committees, councils, and Parliament, and the motions were ignored or passed on. The European Convention on Human Rights brought the issue to the table once again and finally, in 1971, Swiss women had a voice. However, there were still many regions in Switzerland that did not allow women the vote at certain levels of Swiss elections. It wouldn’t be until 1991 that women could vote at all levels of Swiss elections.

    1976

    Speedskater Sheila Young becomes the first American to win three Winter Olympic medals. During the Innsbruck Winter Olympics in 1976, Young brought home medals in the following events:

    • Gold in 500 meter speed skating
    • Silver in 1500 meter speed skating
    • Bronze in 1000 meter speed skating
    1984

    The space shuttle Challenger astronauts Bruce McCandless II and Robert L. Stewart complete the first untethered spacewalk during their STS-41B mission.

    2021

    Sarah Thomas becomes the first woman to referee a Super Bowl championship game. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 31-9.

    February 7th Celebrated Birthdays

    John Deere – 1804

    In 1837, the blacksmith and manufacturer launched the Deere & Company in Moline, Illinois after developing a steel plow precisely designed to cut through the prairie clay soils.

    Charles Dickens – 1812

    The British author created some of the world’s most memorable characters. His classic tales of Nicholas Nickleby, Oliver Twist, and David Copperfield are only a few of his beloved titles. Others include A Christmas Carol, Great Expectations, The Pickwick Papers, and The Cricket on the Hearth.

    Laura Ingalls Wilder – 1867

    The American author wrote about her experiences growing up as a pioneer in Midwest. Her Little House books depicted frontier life, the first set in Wisconsin.

    Emma Rochelle Wheeler – 1882

    In 1915, Drs. Emma Rochelle Wheeler and Joseph N. Wheeler opened Walden Hospital, the first hospital to be owned, operated and staffed by African Americans in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

    Sinclair Lewis – 1885

    In 1930, the American writer received the first Nobel Prize in Literature. The author is known for his novels Babbitt, Mainstreet, and Arrowsmith.

    Marth Holmes – 1923

    Life magazine hired the 20-year-old photographer in 1944. Holmes’ pioneering work led her to take photographs of notable public figures.

    Garth Brooks – 1962

    The American country music singer and songwriter earned numerous awards. His self-named debut album included hits such as “Much Too Young (To Feel This Damn Old)” and the Dance.

    Chris Rock – 1966

    Rock began his career as a stand-up comedian in the mid-1980s. In 1990, his star took off when he joined the cast of Saturday Night Live. His acting career includes hits on both the big and small screens.

    About National Day Calendar

    National Day Calendar is the original and authoritative source for fun, unusual and unique National Days! Since our humble beginnings on National Popcorn Day in 2013, we have been tracking the National Days, National Weeks, National Months, and International Days. We became the first calendar of its kind to curate the days all in one place and tell their stories, too! Here at National Day Calendar, we are on a mission to Celebrate Every Day with you! And by you, we mean families, businesses, educators, and strangers we meet on the street. There’s more than one day for everyone.

    At National Day Calendar, we discovered the National Days have a way of inspiring us. We’re honored to tell the stories behind the days and provide you with informational ways to incorporate the National Days into your business, family, schools, and home!

  • NATIONAL FETTUCCINE ALFREDO DAY – February 7

    NATIONAL FETTUCCINE ALFREDO DAY

    On February 7th, National Fettuccine Alfredo Day celebrates one of the world’s favorite ways to enjoy a plate of fettuccine. 

    #FettuccineAlfredoDay

    Fettuccine alfredo enjoys a history as rich as its flavor. Created in 1908, fettuccine was made out of love and concern by an Italian restauranteur. Alfredo di Lelio’s concern for his pregnant wife’s lack of appetite caused him to put his talents to work. The birth of their first son depended on it. His recipe of noodles, cheese, and butter not only encouraged her to eat but she also inspired him to put it on the menu, too. Since then, the century-old dish has been satisfying pasta lovers around the world ever since. 

    Not only that but fettuccine alfredo lovers experiment with the dish in several ways. Add shrimp, mushrooms or spinach. The meal also pairs well with other vegetables and proteins, too. Cut the richness with a white wine and finish with a fruit dessert. 

    HOW TO OBSERVE FETTUCCINE ALFREDO DAY

    Celebrate with a big dish of fettuccine Alfredo! Invite friends and family to join you, too. As you know, it’s not a celebration if you don’t. Make it yourself (we provide a recipe). Or, go to your favorite Italian restaurant. When you do, be sure to give them a shout out.

    While you’re celebrating, share your photos, recipes, and more using #FettuccineAlfredoDay to post on social media.

    NATIONAL FETTUCCINE ALFREDO DAY HISTORY

    The earliest printed record of the observance we’ve found is a January 26, 2005, Akron Beacon Journal article listing upcoming February food holidays. Several newspapers across the nation follow suit, including the list in their food pages. But, none of them included their source or how long the day has been celebrated. However, the grandson of Alfredo Di Lelio contacted National Day Calendar in 2015 to provide the history behind the delicious pasta dish. We provide his letter below.

    From Ines Di Lelio, grandson of Alfredo di Lelio

    The following is the History of Alfredo di Lelio, who created in 1908 “Fettuccine All ‘Alfredo” (Fettuccine Alfredo). It’s now served by his nephew Ines Di Lelio, at the restaurant “Il Vero Alfredo” – “Alfredo Di Roma” in Rome, Piazza Augusto Imperatore 30.

    “With reference of your article (for which I thank you), I have the pleasure to tell you the history of my grandfather Alfredo Di Lelio, who is the creator of ‘Fettuccine all’Alfredo’ (‘Fettuccine Alfredo’) in 1908 in the ‘trattoria’ run by his mother Angelina in Rome, Piazza Rosa (Piazza disappeared in 1910 following the construction of the Galleria Colonna / Sordi).

    This ‘trattoria’ of Piazza Rosa has become the ‘birthplace of fettuccine all’Alfredo’. More specifically, as is well known to many people who love the ‘fettuccine all’Alfredo’, this famous dish in the world was invented by Alfredo Di Lelio concerned about the lack of appetite of his wife Ines, who was pregnant with my father Armando (born February 26, 1908). Alfredo di Lelio opened his restaurant “Alfredo” in 1914 in Rome and in 1943, during the war, he sold the restaurant to others outside his family.”

    Staying in the Family

    “In 1950 Alfredo Di Lelio decided to reopen with his son Armando his restaurant in Piazza Augusto Imperatore n.30 ‘Il Vero Alfredo’ (‘Alfredo di Roma’), whose fame in the world has been strengthened by his nephew Alfredo and that now managed by me, with the famous “gold cutlery” (fork and spoon gold) donated in 1927 by two well-known American actors Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks (in gratitude for the hospitality). See also the website of ‘Il Vero Alfredo’.(with news also about franchising).

    I celebrate every year (as this year) in my restaurant (founded by my grandfather Alfredo Di Lelio) the USA Holiday of. fettuccine all’Alfredo (February 7). I must clarify that other restaurants “Alfredo” in Rome do not belong to the family tradition of ‘Il Vero Alfredo – Alfredo di Roma’ and I inform you that the restaurant ‘Il Vero Alfredo –Alfredo di Roma’ is in the registry of ‘Historic Shops of Excellence’ of the City of Rome Capitale.

    Best regards Ines Di Lelio”

    Fettuccine FAQ

    Q. How many calories are in a serving of fettuccine?
    A. A 2 ounce serving of dry fettuccine contains 211 calories.

    Q. Besides alfredo, what other kinds of sauces go well with fettuccini?
    A. While alfredo tastes delicious on fettuccini there are several other sauces that go well will fettuccini. Try these the next time you make fettuccini:

    • Pesto – Cooks make this herby, pinenut, and garlic sauce ahead. It also adds delicious flavor to chicken and seafood.
    • Marinara – This go-to tomato-based sauce is fresh and light. 
    • Bolognese – Also a tomato-based sauce, Bolognese is easy to prepare. It also adds the heartiness of ground beef with a subtle creaminess.
    • Carbonara – Similar to alfredo, this cream-based sauce is enhanced by the addition of bacon or pancetta.
  • FEBRUARY 6, 2023 | NATIONAL LAME DUCK DAY | NATIONAL FROZEN YOGURT DAY | NATIONAL CHOPSTICKS DAY

    FEBRUARY 6, 2023 | NATIONAL LAME DUCK DAY | NATIONAL FROZEN YOGURT DAY | NATIONAL CHOPSTICKS DAY

    National Lame Duck Day | February 6
    National Lame Duck Day | February 6

    NATIONAL LAME DUCK DAY

    On February 6th, National Lame Duck Day recognizes the ratification of the 20th Amendment to the United States Constitution or the Lame Duck Amendment. Read more…

    National Frozen Yogurt Day | February 6
    National Frozen Yogurt Day | February 6

    NATIONAL FROZEN YOGURT DAY

    National Frozen Yogurt Day on February 6th recognizes a sweet frozen dessert that has gone from fad status to staple freezer item in a few decades. Read more…

    National Chopsticks Day | February 6
    National Chopsticks Day | February 6

    NATIONAL CHOPSTICKS DAY

    Each year on National Chopsticks Day, people worldwide celebrate the humble and ancient utensils on February 6th. Read more…

    On Deck for February 7, 2023

    National Days
    NATIONAL FETTUCCINE ALFREDO DAY
    NATIONAL PERIODIC TABLE DAY
    NATIONAL SEND A CARD TO A FRIEND DAY

    Recipe of the Day

    Nutty Coffee

    Nutty Coffee
    Prep: 5 minutes
    Cook: 7 minutes
    Total Prep: 12 minutes
    Servings: 2

    Ingredients:

    3 cups brewed coffee
    2 Tbsp sweetened condensed milk
    2 Tbsp hazelnut spread (Nutella)
    Whipped cream
    Cocoa powder for dusting

    Instructions:

    Combine coffee, sweetened condensed milk, and hazelnut spread into a medium saucepan. Heat over medium heat while stirring until all ingredients are combined and thoroughly heated. Do not boil.

    Pour into cups. Top with whipped cream and dust with cocoa powder.

    Recipe credit:

    Michele S.

    February 6th Celebrated History

    1917

    The California Associated Raisin Company trademarked the Sun-Maid name. Just two years before, advertising executive E.A. Berg created an advertising campaign inspired by the very raisins dried by the sun. In an interesting twist of fate, Sun-Maid executive Leroy Payne spotted a young Lorraine Collett in a red bonnet and asked her to pose for a painting that would later become the Sun-Maid logo.

    1937

    Covici Friede publishes John Steinbeck’s novella Of Mice and Men. Set during the Great Depression, the story follows two migrant ranch workers, George and Lennie, who dream of owning their own ranch someday. Steinbeck adapted the book into a three-act play.

    1935

    Parker Brothers sold its first Monopoly game. Originally called “The Landlord’s Game,” it was created in 1903 by Lizzie Magie.

    1971

    Alan Shepard delivers airmail like he’s never seen before when he hits two golf balls on the Moon. During his third mission to the Moon, the Apollo 14 astronaut took three swings with his specialized club to hit the two golf balls, making the first golf drives in space.

    February 6th Celebrated History

    Babe Ruth – 1895

    With some of baseball’s most colorful nicknames, including the Sultan of Swat, Babe Ruth captivated baseball for 22 seasons. During his career, he spent most of his time with the New York Yankees but he left a curse with the Boston Red Sox and also spent time with the Atlanta Braves.

    Ronald Reagan – 1911

    The 40th President of the United States served two consecutive terms in the Oval Office. Before being elected to any office, Reagan was an actor in Hollywood and president of the Screen Actors Guild. Just two months into his administration, an assassination attempt would be made on his life. He would recover to see to the end of the Cold War and an era of peace and general prosperity.

    Mary Leakey – 1913

    The British paleoanthropologist made many discoveries during her career but one of the most important came in 1948 when she discovered the first fossilized skull of Proconsul africanus. This early ancestor of both apes and humans lived about 25 million years ago.

    Thurl Ravenscroft – 1914

    The voice actor is best known as the original voice of Tony the Tiger for Kellogg’s Frosted Flakes. “They’re Grrrreat!”

    Tom Brokaw – 1940

    The noted television journalist anchored the NBC Nightly News for 22 years. He is also the author of The Greatest Generation.

    Bob Marley – 1945

    The pioneering Jamaican musician brought reggae to the masses with the band The Wailers. Some of their most popular songs include “No Woman, No Cry,” “Three Little Birds,” and “Stir it Up.”

    Natalie Cole – 1950

    The Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter earned a legendary reputation in her own right for her jazz and soul music. Known for her albums including Inseparable, Everlasting, and Take a Look, but she also recorded Unforgettable, an album of cover songs previously performed by her father, Nat King Cole.

    Honorable Mention

    Mary Rudge – 1842
    Anne Bethel Spencer – 1882

    About National Day Calendar

    National Day Calendar is the original and authoritative source for fun, unusual and unique National Days! Since our humble beginnings on National Popcorn Day in 2013, we have been tracking the National Days, National Weeks, National Months, and International Days. We became the first calendar of its kind to curate the days all in one place and tell their stories, too! Here at National Day Calendar, we are on a mission to Celebrate Every Day with you! And by you, we mean families, businesses, educators, and strangers we meet on the street. There’s more than one day for everyone.

    At National Day Calendar, we discovered the National Days have a way of inspiring us. We’re honored to tell the stories behind the days and provide you with informational ways to incorporate the National Days into your business, family, schools, and home!

  • NATIONAL PASTA DAY – October 17

    NATIONAL PASTA DAY | OCTOBER 17

    October is National Pasta Month, and October 17th recognizes National Pasta Day.  Pasta lovers celebrate!

    #NationalPastaDay

    While we find noodles all over the world, pasta is a type of noodle of traditional Italian cuisine. The first reference dates to 1154 in Sicily and was first attested to in English in 1874. Typically, it is made from an unleavened dough of durum wheat flour. The flour is mixed with water or eggs and formed into sheets or various shapes. It can then be served fresh or dried to be stored for later use.  
    Types of Pasta
    Look for pasta in pasta in both savory and dessert dishes. Since it’s so versatile, pasta lends itself to sweet and every other dish on the table. Cooks feature pasta as a main dish, but they also serve up delicious hot and cold side dishes as well. And then, of course, those special desserts we can’t resist making our mouths water. 
    Cooks originally made fresh pasta by hand. However, today, many varieties of fresh pasta are made commercially. Large-scale machines bring choices to our grocers daily. Smaller pasta machines on the market make having the freshest pasta at home even easier. 
    • Dried and fresh pasta come in several shapes and varieties.
    • There are so many kinds of pasta! According to the Encyclopedia of Pasta by Oretta Zanini De Vita, 310 specific kinds of pasta identified by over 1300 names have been documented.
    • In Italy, names of specific pasta shapes or types vary with locale.
    • Example: Cavatelli is known by 28 different names depending on the region and town.

    The size and shape of pasta may determine the best sauce to pair with it, too. For example, serve linguine with lighter, thinner sauces to avoid breaking the noodles. A similarly shaped noodle, fettuccine, is less delicate. That’s why it carries heavier sauces like alfredo.

    Learn more about pasta from the National Pasta Association.

    HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL PASTA DAY

    Explore the world of pasta. Whether you’re cooking up a salad, main dish, or dessert, recipes abound. We offer several on our recipe page, too! If you don’t feel like cooking, take the family out to an Italian restaurant. No matter what you are planning, invite friends to join you. It’s the best way to Celebrate Every Day®!  #NationalPastaDay to post on social media.

    NATIONAL PASTA DAY HISTORY

    National Day Calendar® continues researching the origins of this delicious food holiday. 

    Pasta FAQ

    Q. How do I prevent sticky pasta?
    A. Sticky noodles ruin a dish. Use these tips to make perfect pasta every time:

    • Season the water with salt before adding the pasta. While it won’t keep the pasta from sticking, it is the best time to add flavor to your pasta.
    • Always bring the water to a boil before adding the pasta. Also, make sure you have plenty of water in the pot – too little and you’ll need to add more.
    • Stir the pasta a few times while it’s cooking.
    • Reserve some of the liquid before draining the pasta. Then run water over the pasta to help prevent sticking. You can even do this if you’re eating it right away, especially if you’re adding a sauce. If your sauce seems a little thick, add the reserved pasta liquid to thin the sauce and add more flavor.

    Q. Can I freeze cooked pasta?
    A. Yes. But don’t overcook it. Al dente pasta will become mushy so you want to cook it until it is not quite al dente. You can also mix in most sauces before freezing. Avoid freezing cream sauces, like Alfredo, because they will separate and become grainy.

    Q. What other pasta days are on the calendar?
    A. Pasta is one of those foods that nearly everyone loves to celebrate. Check out this shortlist of pasta days we celebrate: