I'm posting this a bit early as I have to go to sleep quite early tonight - taking our boys team and 1 girl qualifier to the FL state championship meet tomorrow - in Tallahassee. Have to get up at 3 to meet my ride, so I won't be able to do it tomorrow.
There are actually 3 food related national days tomorrow.
NATIONAL PIZZA WITH EVERYTHING EXCEPT ANCHOVIES.
This National Day says to hold the fishes! Anchovy lovers move over on November 12th. All the other pizza lovers get their due and pile on their toppings. This annual pizza holiday gets the spotlight with olives, pepperoni, sausage, peppers, and onions. How about mushrooms, bacon, or pineapple? Approved! Just no fishy business on this national day, or no pizza for you!
Classified as an oily fish, Anchovies are a family of small, common salt-water forage fish. There are 144 species found in the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans. Anchovies are small, green fish. They have blue reflections caused by the silver longitudinal stripe, which begins at the base of the caudal fin.
Traditionally, anchovies are processed in a salt brine and then packed in oil or salt, resulting in a strong, characteristic flavor. Optionally they may be pickled in vinegar, giving the anchovies a milder taste.
Pizza History (sans anchovies)
- In ancient Greece, the Greeks covered their bread with oils, herbs, and cheese. Some believe this practice is the beginning of the pizza.
- In Byzantine Greek, the word was spelled “πίτα,” pita, meaning pie.
- The Romans developed a sheet of dough topped with cheese and honey. They then flavored it with bay leaves.
- The modern pizza began in Italy as the Neapolitan flatbread.
- The original pizza used only mozzarella cheese and was produced in Naples using the highest quality buffalo mozzarella variant.
- In 1997, the United States produced an estimated 2 billion pounds of pizza cheese annually.
- The first United States pizza establishment opened in 1905 was in New York’s Little Italy.
- Americans love pizza. So much so, it’s one of our favorite meals.
Use in a sentence: My favorite pizza with everything except anchovies is not Marco’s.
NATIONAL CHICKEN SOUP FOR THE SOUL DAY
National Chicken Soup for the Soul Day celebrates who you are and how you get there. Take time to nurture your soul on November 12th.
A little chicken soup does a lot of good. It’s warm and hearty. As we cup our hands around the bowl, the heat radiates into our bodies. The steam hits our face with a comforting aroma. Similar to what chicken soup does for our bodies, the regular nurturing of our souls benefits our health. Whether you pick up a book, meditate or go for a long walk, reflect on who you are and your achievements.
Use in a sentence: It seldom gets cold enough in FL to want a cup of chicken soup for my soul.
NATIONAL FRENCH DIP DAY
On November 12th, warm up some au jus and celebrate National French Dip Day!
Served up hot, tender slices of beef or pork on a French roll make up a delicious sandwich. Sometimes cheese is added. However, the key ingredients are the au jus and spicy mustard. The combination of tender beef swimming in a flavor bath of pan drippings absorbed into the crusty roll makes the French dip a decadent, multi-napkin experience everyone needs to have. And if you’ve never had one before, follow the instructions below and find one.
When your order arrives, apply a generous helping of mustard. Next, dunk your sandwich into the au jus for 2-3 seconds. Permit the bread to soak up the delicious, au jus. Be prepared for a flavor experience when you take your first bite of a French dip!
Use in a sentence: I love a French Dip much better than a dip of Skoal.
