What makes October outrageous?
October is...time for ghosts and goblins, all things
Halloween! Of course, that does not come 'til the end of the month so let's see what is being celebrated all month long. You may have thought September was loaded but wait until you check out October! There are some outrageous,
Bizarre and Unique Holidays designated for this month, along with umpteen
food celebrations. Here are but a few to mark on your calendar. Visit the two prior links for more.
National Apple Month
Apple Pies Baked in Apples
Just when you thought the apple celebrations were over you are about to learn September was only the beginning. With October being National Apple Month, that means the apples are a daily celebration all month long, instead of just a few special days thrown in for good measure. For a unique history lesson, visit the Legend of the Apple, which was featured on September 25 along with a plethora of 'apple links'. Apples are one of the most popular fruits in the United
States (US). Thirty-six states grow apples commercially. National Apple Month is the
only national, generic apple promotion in the US. Originally founded in 1904 as
National Apple Week, it has been expanded to the entire month of October. Some
sources designate September through November as months to celebrate the apple,
all shades of red, green and yellow, even bi-color.
Not time to leave the apple without taking a peak at America's applejack season for...
National Applejack Month
October has us rethinking fall cocktails. Tiny umbrellas and slices of watermelon are no longer in the picture. Autumn brings in beverages that evoke the changing of the seasons...an apple brandy fireside eagerly awaiting that first sip to warm chilled bones. National Applejack Month honors Applejack, which is brandy distilled from apples once recognized as our nation's most popular booze, especially during Colonial times. How the apple orchards spread was featured on Johnny Appleseed Day. What was not mentioned on that day is that Johnny Appleseed sewed his apple seeds throughout colonial Ohio and Indiana primarily for the
purpose of providing rural farmers with hard cider and applejack, the most
popular intoxicating beverages for country folk back then! Along with the October season and abundant apple harvest is the traditional ushering in of apple cider and applejack, the latter being a concentrated and higher proof version of hard cider.
Cookies an all-time favorite? Then, have a different cookie every day for...
National Cookie Month
This is not the first celebration at Awakenings for the cookie with many more possibly not having been mentioned. A Bit of Cookie History took us all the way back to 7th century Persia. Massachusetts boasted the Birth of a Cookie, not just any cookie, but THE ultimate cookie! Callin' All Cookie Lovers begged the attention of all who crave that ultimate cookie...in case you are unsure, that is the chocolate chip cookie. Cookies, anyone? enticed lovers of not only the cookie but a nutty one...the Pecan Cookie. Of course, one cannot go without being asked What is your favorite cookie?, especially when referring to Girl Scout cookies. Then, there was that one cookie which always takes us back to the kitchen bringing on the childhood memories of Sugar! Sugar! Coming up December 4th will be National Cookie Day, which is a great celebration all its own but October is even better since it is National Cookie MONTH!
Pizza! Pizza! Pizza! Try a different kind all month long for...
The love of pizza! It is a wonder it has not been designated as its own food group since this food has become an all-American favorite. Did you know there is even a Pizza Party Day? Pizza parties are awesome but certainly occur more times than once a year. Cheese pizza is a first choice for many who get to celebrate Pizza! Pizza!...Cheese Pizza Pizza! Here again, it is for certain this is not the only day to indulge in a pizza loaded with cheese. Would you believe Bacon Me Crazy! even featured Pizza with Crispy Kale, Butternut Squash, Bacon & Smoked Mozzarella and Apple Time! hosted BBQ Chicken Apple Flatbread Pizza? People
don't really need a special month for pizza in a country where there are an
estimated 63,000 pizzerias and 94% of Americans eat pizza at least once a
month. The figures equal the consumption of about 45 slices of pizza per person
in the U.S. each year and show that Americans definitely love their pizza as
evidenced by devouring 100 acres of pizza per day, or 350 slices per
second.
Go to a movie...enjoy some popcorn! Watch a ballgame...pop the corn! Stock up the pantry for...
National Popcorn Poppin' Month
National Popcorn Poppin’ Month, a time to honor
one of America’s favorite treats. You seldom need an excuse to grab a handful of these
simple kernels of goodness. Plain or
pumped up, you’ll join your fellow Americans in consuming some 16 billion
quarts this year. October is chosen
because it marks the triumphant end to the labor of the spring and summer
months. As farmers head into the fields to gather the crops, families and
friends gather to celebrate this beloved snack food. Popcorn also is a whole
grain, which makes it a good-for-you food. As a whole grain, popcorn provides
carbohydrates and fiber to the diet and is naturally low in fat and calories.
That’s good news for your waistline. It’s an ideal in-between meals snack because
it satisfies, but doesn’t spoil your appetite.
Have you ever wondered Did Pilgrims Eat Popcorn?
Ah-h-h-h! Indulge in those outrageously delicious ocean delights for...
National Seafood Month
Seafood...delicacies of the ocean, highlights of Water! Water! Water! Where would we be without water? Void. Nill. Nada. What a shame it would be to not be able to enjoy the food from the sea! Take time this month to highlight smart seafood choices, sustainable fisheries, and the health benefits of maintaining a diet rich in seafood. Make October a 'shrimptacular' month of celebration and don't forget the Maine lobster! The United States continues to be the third-ranked country
for seafood and shellfish consumption, behind China and Japan. Last year's
seafood consumption per capita in the U.S. declined slightly to 15.8 pounds
from 16 pounds in 2008 and 2009. So, all you seafood lovers, why not take advantage of
this nationally coined month and enjoy eating seafood! This is also a great time to enjoy a Friday night fish fry with the family.
With so many food celebrations, one might
think that is all being celebrated this month. Not at all! Most importantly keep in mind, October is also...
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which is an
annual campaign to increase awareness of the disease. While most people
are aware of breast cancer, many forget to take the steps to have a plan
to detect the disease in its early stages and encourage others to do
the same. We have made a lot of progress but still have a long way to go
and need your help!
Source: about BREAST CANCER
Breast Cancer Awareness Month (BCAM) is also referred to in America as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (NBCAM). It is an annual international health campaign organized by major breast cancer charities every October to increase awareness of the disease and to raise funds
for research into its cause, prevention, diagnosis, treatment and cure.
The campaign also offers information and support to those affected by
breast cancer.
