International Beer Day

For many of you, this is a big day – Happy International Beer Day! First let’s get up to speed…what is beer anyway? Beer is “an alcoholic beverage made by brewing and fermentation from cereals, usually malted barley, and flavored with hops and the like for a slightly bitter taste.” It is “the world's most widely consumed alcoholic beverage” and “is thought by some to be the oldest fermented beverage.” The process of making beer is called brewing. Here is a lovely image to describe how this process works…

(Image found at: http://www.crabtreebrewing.com/pages/brewingProcess.html)

There are many different types of beer and of course, many origins.

(Image found at: http://lionco.com/sociability-and-wellbeing/beer-spirits-wine/beer-basics/)

As stated above, the beer industry is pretty huge. Everyone has their favourite, and usually they aren’t afraid to share with you why they have come to love a particular brand or blend. North American and European beers generally take the cake!

To the many of you happy to celebrate this occasion, I say, bottoms up! Taste the flavours of the beer world. They have samplers, right? But – be safe. Don’t over do it! And most importantly – DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE!

Vote on today’s daily poll.

National Mustard Day

Happy National Mustard Day! Now, I’m assuming we’re talking about the condiment here, so let’s see what we can dig up on it!

Mustard is “a condiment made from the seeds of a mustard plant” in which “the whole, ground, cracked, or bruised mustard seeds are mixed with water, salt, lemon juice, or other liquids, and sometimes other flavorings and spices, to create a paste or sauce ranging in color from bright yellow to dark brown.” Mustard has many uses, from sandwich spread to the tanginess of nice salad dressing. It is one of the most popular spices used throughout the world!

(Image found at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mustard_(condiment))

Time for a little history… It is thought that the Romans were the first to use the seeds of the mustard plant as a condiment. Unfermented grape juice, mixed with the ground seeds was their recipe of choice. It is uncertain when exactly the Romans began using mustard. However, sometime within the 10^th century, the use of mustard began to spread, beginning first with Paris and then throughout many other parts of Europe in the centuries to follow. However, France in particular took to perfecting and experimenting with mustard more so than anywhere else in the world. In wasn’t until 1904 that the bright yellow “hot dog mustard” we know and love (to hate) was introduced by the R.T. French Company.

Fun Mustard Fact: In the 13^th century the town of Dijon, France became a mustard making sensation! Hence, where “Dijon Mustard” came from!

So much to know about mustard! Who would have thought? Now that you’re thinking all things mustard, before you head to the kitchen to make that sandwich, fill out the daily poll! To do so, click here! 

National Watermelon Day

Yay! It’s National Watermelon Day! Watermelon is not actually a melon, but is closely related to them, so the melon-name is acceptable! They generally have a green exterior with dark green stripes, while the inside can be red, pink, white, yellow or orange! There are over 1200 different varieties.

It is believed that watermelon originate from Africa, where it is known to grow in the wild. China began cultivating it sometime in the 10^th century and by the 13^th century it was being grown in parts of Europe. Watermelons made their North American debut in the 16^th century.

Fun Watermelon Fact: They contain 6% sugar and 91% water.

And, since it’s the summer time, it’s the perfect snack to cool down with on a hot sunny day! You know what else is cool? The daily poll. Click here to participate in today’s!

National Ice Cream Sandwich Day

Happy National Ice Cream Sandwich Day – the best sandwich of all! For those of you unfortunate enough not to be in the know of this delectable creation, an ice cream sandwich is “a frozen confection composed of a layer of ice cream sandwiched between two biscuits/cookies or slices of cake.”

There doesn’t seen to be a whole lot of historical information available as to the origins of the ice cream sandwich, but one can only imagine the epic moment when someone brought those two chocolaty cookies together in an effort of holding their ice cream in place until it reached their mouth! And, while that may not actually be how it happened, I think it makes for a pretty good account! Just imagine that in slow motion, epic orchestral music in the background! Come on! Who doesn’t love that?!

It’s time to vote on the daily poll! You can do so by clicking here!

International Friendship Day

It’s International Friendship Day! 

Wikipedia defines friendship as “a relationship of mutual affection between two or more people.” Friendships can vary from person to person. They are also developed at various stages of life (childhood, adulthood, old age, etc). Many would argue that friendships are important to one’s happiness and overall quality of life. But, let’s get real for a second. I have some terrific friends in my life. The last few months have really proven that and I’m super thankful for their support and wonderfulness. However, there are always the “other” friends who create drama and stress in one’s life. We all have them. Why? I don’t know. Maybe we have fun from time to time, but is that really worth the rest of the foolishness having their friendship? Maybe it is, maybe it isn’t. That’s for you to decide when evaluating these relationships. Today is not about those friendships. Today we celebrate the amazing people who everyday make our lives a little brighter, a little bit happier, a little bit better! Take a moment, heck take two, and think of who those friends are. Do they know how much you value their friendship? Have you ever told them what makes them so special in your life? Tell them today. A phone call, a letter, and email, whatever – make the effort to say, “Thanks for being my friend!” Its INTERNATIONAL Friendship Day, so regardless of where they are in the world, make this happen!

Prove your friendship to Daily Tasty Nugget! Be sure to vote on today’s daily poll!          

Finally, I’d like to wish my Mom and her “Honey” a would-be 18-year anniversary. She may no longer be here to celebrate, but we’ll celebrate for you! Love you, The Mujjie. This is friendship:

The Muj and her Honey at her 50th Surprise Birthday Party!