National Food Holidays for July

When I saw all the national holidays for food in one of my emails this morning, I couldn't stop laughing. Who comes up with this stuff? Is there an official "national holiday naming entity"? How much does it pay? I want that job . . . what would the title be? Director of National Holidays? :) Where do I apply?

After I stopped laughing, I thought it would be an awesome idea to take each "national food holiday" and honor that particular food holiday with recipes. Everyday is a food holiday for foodies like me :)

UPCOMING FOOD HOLIDAYS:


July is:

National Ice Cream Month
National Picnic Month
National Baked Bean Month
National Hot Dog Month
National Pickle Month


July 1: National Gingersnap Day
July 2: Celebrate National Hot Dog Month
July 3: Eat Beans Day
July 4: National Cesar Salad Day
July 5: National Apple Turnover Day
July 6: National Fried Chicken Day
July 7: National Strawberry Sundae Day
July 8: National Chocolate with Almonds Day
July 9: National Sugar Cookie Day
July 10:National Pina Colada Day
July 11: National Blueberry Muffin Day
July 12: National Pecan Pie Day
July 13: National French Fries Day
July 14: National Macaroni Day
July 15: National Tapioca Pudding Day
July 16: National Corn Fritters Day
July 17: National Peach Ice Cream Day
July 18: National Caviar Day
July 19: Celebrate Ice Cream Month
July 20: National Lollipop Day
July 21: National Junk Food Day
July 22: National Penuche Fudge Day
July 23: National Vanilla Ice Cream Day
July 24: Celebrate National Baked Bean Month
July 25: National Hot Fudge Sundae Day
July 26: Celebrate National Hotdog Month
July 27: National Creme Brule Day
July 28: National Milk Chocolate Day
July 29: Cheese Sacrifice Purchase Day
July 30: National Cheese Cake Day
July 31: Jump For Jelly Beans Day

Spanish Rice

Serves 6

2 Tbs vegetable oil
1 cup uncooked regular long grain rice
1 medium onion, chopped (1 cup)
2 1/2 cups water
1 1/2 tsp salt
3/4 tsp chili powder
1/8-tsp garlic powder
1 small green pepper, chopped (1/2 cup)
1 8-ounce can tomato sauce (not pasta sauce)

Heat oil in 10-inch skillet over medium heat.

Cook rice and onion in oil about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until rice is golden brown and onion is tender.

Stir in remaining ingredients. Heat to boiling; reduce heat to low.

Cover and simmer about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until rice is tender.

Chicken Enchiladas

Serves 6

1 (16 oz) can tomatoes
1 (4 oz) can green chile peppers, rinsed and drained
1/2 tsp coriander seed
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup dairy sour cream
2 cups finely chopped cooked chicken or turkey


1 (3 oz) package cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
3/4 tsp salt
2 Tbs cooking oil
12 6-inch corn tortillas
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (4 oz)

Place undrained tomatoes, chile peppers, coriander seed, and the 1/2 tsp salt in blender container. Cover; blend till mixture is smooth. Add sour cream; cover and blend just till combined. Set aside.

Combine chicken or turkey, cream cheese, onion and 3/4 tsp salt.

In skillet heat cooking oil. Dip tortillas, one at a time, into hot oil for 10 seconds or just till limp. Drain on paper towels.

Spoon chicken mixture on tortillas; roll up. Place seam side down in 12 by 7 1/2 by 2 inch baking dish. Pour tomato mixture atop. Cover with foil; bake in 350°F oven about 30 minutes or until heated through. Remove foil; sprinkle with shredded cheese. Return to oven till cheese melts.

Gingersnap Cookies

Today is National Gingersnap Day . . .



3 c. flour
2 tsp. baking soda
2 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. cloves
2 tsp. ginger
1 1/2 cup butter
2 c. white sugar
2 eggs
1/2 c. molasses

Cream butter until fluffy. Gradually add sugar. Add eggs and molasses, add flour mixed with spices and soda.

Drop by teaspoon onto an ungreased baking sheet. Allow for spreading.

Bake 10 to 12 minutes at 350 degrees. Cool a minute or two before removing from baking sheet.