National Mousse Day

Happy National Mousse Day! Now, that’s mOUsse:

(Image found at http://blog.gourmandia.com)

 not mOOse! 

(image found at: jennygreger.blogspot.ca)

Mousse is “a prepared food that incorporates air bubbles to give it a light and airy texture. It can range from light and fluffy to creamy and thick, depending on preparation techniques.” There are many flavours of mousse, all of which I’m sure are tasty. Although many of the recipes call for cream or milk of some form, I have taken a liking to one made with coconut milk! 

Unfortunately there isn’t much more to share about mousse. So, how about you go vote on the Daily Poll?

National Square Dance Day

*Warning: The following is the result of much sleep deprivation. An overtired state will be evident throughout.

Woohooo! It’s National Square Dance Day! This means, there better be a lot of excitement for this one, because days like this only happen once a year! 

Square dancing is “a dance for four couples (eight dancers) arranged in a square, with one couple on each side, facing the middle of the square.” 

This dancing phenomenon first dates back to the 1800s in England, although it caught on in other areas throughout Europe. When the Europeans brought this dancing craze over to North America, that’s when things started to get real! Apparently, when this took place, square dancing underwent “considerable development there,” and – wait for it – as a result of “preservation and repetition, square dances have attained the status of a folk dance!” 

So, ladies and gentlemen, grab your partner and your dancing shoes, and get yer square dance on! And, why not dance on over to the Daily Poll! You can vote by clicking here.

National French Toast Day

Well, if it isn’t National French Toast Day! Yum! 

(Image found at: http://www.chicagotribune.com/features/food/sns-food-recipes-breakfast-french-toast,0,4124713.story)

French toast is “a dish of bread soaked in beaten eggs and then fried.” In other words, one of my favourite breakfasts! French toast is also known as eggy bread or gypsy toast. The first reports of French toast originate somewhere around the 4^th and 5^th centuries. There are more concrete reports of recipes stemming from Germany and the Scandinavian countries in the 1500s. 

There are now many variations of French toast, with my personal favourite one being the classic recipe, with the added bonus of oatmeal and cinnamon coating the outer layer. While there isn’t a whole lot more than that to share on French toast, I would encourage each of you to scarf back a piece or two. Why not search the web for a new recipe? Or even better - vote on the Daily Poll!

National Flossing Day

Oh boy, I’m failing today no matter what – it’s National Flossing Day! So since I do fail at flossing, I thought I’d hand it over to the experts. And, by experts, I mean the Internet. Starting with a little history:

(Image found at http://www.waterpik.com/oral-health/)

Some fun facts and a little more history?

(Image found at: http://smilecareshop.com/blogs/learningcentre)

How about a little technique?

(Image found at: http://www.carlagoldenwellness.com)

Perhaps a few flossing mistakes?

(Image found at: http://www.completelyyou.com)

My work here is done. Now, don’t forget to vote on the Daily Poll!

National Parfait Day

Today is National Parfait Day! A parfait is a “French word literally meaning "perfect" commonly employed to describe a kind of frozen dessert.” Apparently these desserts began to surface around 1894! 

There are many variations of parfait, and in some cases it depends on where you are. For example, in France, they consist of “a base of sugar syrup, egg, and cream,” and in some cases they contain alcohol. These are a homemade treat that require minimal household tools to create. However, our American friends have a slightly different way of what “perfect” looks like. While the traditional French method can certainly be found in the US, the more popular version is actually “made by layering parfait cream, ice cream, and/or flavored gelatins in a tall, clear glass, and topping the creation with whipped cream, fresh or canned fruit, and/or liqueurs.” 

I know for me personally, I identify most with this American style. As a child, we used to get a Peanut Buster Parfait from Dairy Queen as a treat every once in a while… except, I think I usually had caramel sauce instead of the chocolate. 

(Image found at: http://www.dairyqueen.com)

To be honest, I’m not sure I’ve ever had the traditional Parfait. What about you? Vote on the Daily Poll by clicking here!