Obscure Food Holidays

The weather this weekend is just too gorgeous for words so I'm about to run out and fly my Smurf kite before sitting down to a nice homemade dinner of Chicken Korma with Basmati rice and Na'an bread (we felt like going Indian tonight:)! As I'm preparing inventory for events in the Portland/Augusta area in May and June, there's nothing new to report. However, next week I should have some pictures and details about my new Creme Brulee and Chocolate Cream Pie candles oh, and possibly an unusual but pleasant surprise.

So have a great week, and tell every man you know to check this blog this time next week:) And of course don't forget to check my other blog, Egg Drop Soup, for a chance to enter a new giveaway!

Obscure Food Holidays for the Month of April

2 National Peanut Butter and Jelly Day – Don’t just settle for a boring ole’ sandwich today, make a Peanut Butter and Jelly swirl Bundt cake!

7 Caramel Popcorn Day - Buy me some peanuts and cracker jack... or you could settle for this cute little notebook made from a recycled Cracker Jack box!

14 National Pecan Day - Find out anything and everything you ever wanted to know about the Pecan, courtesy of the National Pecan Shellers Association.

16 National Eggs Benedict Day - Do you have too many (well, what's too many?) Cadbury Creme Eggs leftover from Easter? This recipe takes my favorite egg dish celebrated on this day and gives it a nice chocolatey twist that I think you'll like:-D

17 National Cheeseball Day - Even the lactose intolerant can celebrate this day with some erm uh, cheezy art! Buy your favorite cheese fan some cheeseball cufflinks or mull over "Cheese Balls and Storm Trooper". Not sure what one has to do with the other but I guess that's what makes good cheese;)

19 National Garlic Day - Not just for keeping vampires out of the kitchen, apparently catfish like it too!

22 National Jelly Bean Day - Put the kids to bed early and call your friends over for some Jelly Bean Shooters!

23 National Zucchini Bread Day - This lady has some great zucchini bread recipes with pictured step by step instructions.

24 Pig in a Blanket Day - We be stylin' with these adorable handmade earrings:)

26 National Pretzel Day - No one makes pretzels like the good people of New York City and you haven't experienced pretzel heaven until you've chomped down on a nice Pretzel Roll! Check out this link to find out where to get some good ones in the city.

27 National Prime Rib Day - This site claims to have the key to making the perfect Prime Rib and has lots of information from choosing the perfect cut to what to serve it with to complete the meal; and for the Prime Rib enthusiast who has everything, this is just too cute for words!

29 National Shrimp Scampi Day - This site claims to have THE best recipe for Shrimp Scampi and it appears that at least 100 people agree with them!

The Incredible Edible Egg

Spring has sprung at last! Well, for most of us anyway, condolences to those who found themselves buried in snow this weekend. Anyway, whenever there's a change in season talk turns to the ole egg standing on end trick. While there seems to be some debate as to whether you can stand an egg on end strictly during the Spring Equinox or any time during the year, I decided to look into some interesting facts about eggs.

• How do you know if an egg is raw or hardboiled? Spin it, if it wobbles, it’s raw, if it doesn't, it’s not!
• If you drop an egg on the floor, drown it in salt for easy clean up!
• Eggs are #2 on the The Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network's list of foods that cause the most allergic reactions.
• An egg's color is based on the color of the chicken (white for white, red for brown) not her diet.
• Brown eggs and white eggs both have the same nutritional value.
• The fresher the egg when boiled, the more difficult it is to peel! This is because as an egg ages the albumen (white stuff) dries up forming an air bubble between it and the shell.
• The smallest egg in the world is laid by the hummingbird.
• The largest egg in the world is laid by the ostrich.
• 1474 - Basel, Switzerland - a rooster is accused, tried and convicted of being a sorcerer and burned at the stake together with his egg. (and no, roosters cannot lay eggs)

Looking for an unusual egg recipe? How about Bacon and Egg Ice Cream? Sounds strange yes, but apparently it's pretty awesome so if you like making ice cream, give this a whirl! My favorite type of egg to eat, EVER, has to be Scotch Eggs! There just are no words to describe the joy in scarfing down this fried, breaded, meaty, fattening, artery hardening, heart clogging treat but if you ever get the chance to have one, by all means enjoy! Hey, everything in moderation right?

Now to business, I've listed a few new items in my Etsy shop this week. If you liked my Pina Colada candle you'll love my Large Margarita candle complete with salt and smells so real you'll have to stop yourself from taking a sip! You can also find my sweet scented Strawberry Pie, tart and delicious scented Lemon Meringue Pie, and if you were a fan of my Apple and Pumpkin Pie candles last year you'll fall head over heels over my new Blueberry Pie. It looks and smells so real your mouth will water for the real thing! Finally, if you like my mini Hot Fudge Sundae you'll love my new mini Old Fashioned Strawberry Shake candle complete with whipped cream dollop. If candles just aren't your thing or you're looking to expand your foodie decor, check out my new line of funky Java Cats, perfect for the coffee enthusiast. Check out my Etsy widget just to your left for pictures of my latest creations or visit culinarychiqconcepts.etsy.com.

I've also decided to implement my recycling program in a continued attempt to reduce my carbon footprint on this great planet of ours. Now when you buy a beverage, ice cream or mini candle, return the glass in good condition when the candle burns out and get 30% off your next purchase!

Until next week, chow for now!