April 1 ~ April Fools Day
See Aprils Fools Post (March 2010)
April 2 ~ International Children's Book Day
Since 1967, on or around Hans Christian Andersen's birthday, 2 April, International Children's Book Day (ICBD) is celebrated to inspire a love of reading and to call attention to children's books.
~ National Peanut Butter and Jelly Day
To honor and enjoy peanut butter and jelly everything! Let this month be the month you experiment with peanut butter and jelly. Everybody knows about the popular sandwich that everyone ate as a kid. When's the last time you ate one? Well on this day go ahead and do it! Make that sandwich and remember your childhood. Your whole mouth will tingle at the very first bite of peanut butter and jelly.
April 3 ~ National Chocolate Mouse Day
April 3 is always National Chocolate Mousse Day. Why? Who knows and Who cares!
Here's my favorite Chocolate Mouse Recipe:
Dark Chocolate Mousse
1 (12oz) bag of Semi-sweet chocolate chips
2 Large eggs
2 Tbsp brown sugar
1 Tbsp brandy or coffee-flavored liqueur (optional)
1 tsp vanilla
1 ½ cups half-and-half
Combine chocolate chips, eggs, brown sugar, (brandy), and vanilla in a blender. Whirl on high speed about 1 minute. In a 3 to 4 quart sauce pan over medium-high heat, heat the cream just to the boiling point. With the blender running, carefully pour hot cream into chocolate mixture and blend until chocolate is melted and mixture is smooth. Pour into a bowl and chill until set, at least 2 hours or up to 1 day.
April 4 ~ Chocolate Milk Powder Day
Coenraad Johannes Van Houten invented the process of making cocoa powder in 1828. His invention started the amazing development of the cocoa and chocolate industry all over the world into the tremendously important business as we know it nowadays.
HERSHEY'S "PERFECTLY CHOCOLATE" Chocolate Cake
2 cups sugar
1-3/4 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup HERSHEY'S Cocoa
1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1-1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 eggs
1 cup milk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup boiling water
1. Heat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 9-inch round baking pans.
2. Stir together sugar, flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and salt in large bowl. Add eggs, milk, oil and vanilla; beat on medium speed of mixer 2 minutes. Stir in boiling water (batter will be thin). Pour batter into prepared pans.
3. Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes; remove from pans to wire racks. Cool completely. Frost with "PERFECTLY CHOCOLATE" CHOCOLATE FROSTING. 10 to 12 servings.
Variations:
ONE-PAN CAKE: Grease and flour 13x9x2-inch baking pan. Heat oven to 350° F. Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake 35 to 40 minutes. Cool completely. Frost.
THREE LAYER CAKE: Grease and flour three 8-inch round baking pans. Heat oven to 350°F. Pour batter into prepared pans. Bake 30 to 35 minutes. Cool 10 minutes; remove from pans to wire racks. Cool completely. Frost.
BUNDT CAKE: Grease and flour 12-cup Bundt pan. Heat oven to 350°F. Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake 50 to 55 minutes. Cool 15 minutes; remove from pan to wire rack. Cool completely. Frost.
CUPCAKES: Line muffin cups (2-1/2 inches in diameter) with paper bake cups. Heat oven to 350°F. Fill cups 2/3 full with batter. Bake 22 to 25 minutes. Cool completely. Frost. About 30 cupcakes.
"PERFECTLY CHOCOLATE" CHOCOLATE FROSTING
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter or margarine
2/3 cup HERSHEY'S Cocoa
3 cups powdered sugar
1/3 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Melt butter. Stir in cocoa. Alternately add powdered sugar and milk, beating to spreading consistency. Add small amount additional milk, if needed. Stir in vanilla. About 2 cups frosting.
http://www.hersheys.com/recipes/recipes/detail.asp?id=184
April 5 ~Dandelion Day
Dandelions are important plants for bees. Not only is their flowering used as an indicator that the honey bee season is starting, but they are also an important source of nectar and pollen early in the season.
April 6 ~ Fresh Tomato Day
Tomatoes were grown by the Aztecs and Incas as early as 700 A.D. Seeds were taken back to Europe by explorers in the 1500's. They were called “Love Apples” in France, but were ignored in England as a food (they thought tomatoes were poisonous). Early colonists in the U.S. had the same idea. In 1812, Creoles in New Orleans started making tomato-based gumbos. By 1850, the tomato was being planted in home gardens all over America.
~ Jump Over things Day
Let's celebrate jump over things day today by finding different objects in and outside the house to jump over!! Use those gross motor skills!!!
April 7 ~ No House work Day
Is your chance to do anything, except housework. Better still, have someone else do the chores for a day. Housework is a daily, seemingly endless and repetitive groups of tasks. It often goes unrecognized and worst of all..... taken for granted. But, watch out! If the dishes aren't done, or there's no clean towels, somebody takes note.
There's two ways to celebrate this day:
If you normally do the housework around the house, cease and desist for this day. Instead, kick back and enjoy the day. Relax and do anything, except housework.
If you are a spouse or significant other, do the housework for your mate. It gives her (or him) a break from the housework. And, you just might get an appreciation of how much work it takes to keep up the house.
~ National Coffee Cake Day
Have you ever wondered how coffee cake came to be? After all, coffee cake doesn’t always have coffee in it and it’s excellent with or without coffee. How did all this deliciousness happen?
Coffee cake was not invented, rather it evolved from a variety of different types of cakes into the delicious dessert (or breakfast) we now know and love.
Coffee cake is loved by many and has long been associated with coffee and social interludes with friends. Next time you indulge, appreciate the company of those around you and reflect on the rich history you’re enjoying!
Check out this link for some recipes:
http://www.cooks.com/rec/search/0,1-0,the_best_coffee_cake,FF.html
April 8 ~ Zoo Lovers Day
It was about 1500 B.C. when Queen Hatshepsut of Egypt built the first zoo. Many private zoos were kept by rulers in Africa, India, and China between 1,000 and 400 B.C. - and a "school" zoo was built by the Greeks to study animal and plant life. But, modern zoos weren't developed until the 1400's when European explorers came to the New World. When they took strange animals back home with them, public display zoos were born.
To "observe" the holiday, plan a trip to a zoo in your area. This is a great time of year to take the kids to see all of the adorable baby animals. I
After your trip, swing by the library and check out a book or two about your favorite animal.
~ Draw a Picture of a Bird Day
Bird Watching: In order to draw birds it requires a bit of bird watching. Wikipedia says "The most active times of the year for birding in temperate zones are during the spring or fall migrations when the greatest variety of birds may be seen. On these occasions, large numbers of birds travel north or south to wintering or nesting locations. Early mornings are typically better as the birds are more active and vocal making them easier to spot."
Moms at home with young children: get coloring books about birds and let the kids color the pictures. Many coloring books have the dot-to-dot pages that help children draw birds as well. This not only teaches about drawing but helps children learn about the many different types of birds and their colors.
April 9 ~ Name Yourself Day
Is your chance to give yourself whatever name you'd like...for a day. If you like your name, then change your name for just today. If you don't like your name, use today to select a new name for life!
Participating in Name Yourself Day is simple and easy. Go ahead, give it a try. Change your first, or middle, or last name. Or, change them all. Give yourself a cool and catchy nickname. Once you've selected your name, you've gotta communicate it to all of your family and friends. This could prove to be the hard part. It will likely take time for your new name to catch on.
April 10 ~ National Sibling Day
A commemorative day to honor, appreciate and celebrate all brothers and sisters and memorialize those who are no longer with us. Recognizing the bond between siblings for the special gift it is. A day to hug, honor and enjoy your sibling.
~ Golfers Day
Is an opportunity to be thankful that someone invented this addicting, yet relaxing hobby.
Also referred to as "Golf Day", there is only one proper way to enjoy this day. And, that's out on the golf course.
When Golfer's Day falls on a week day, it is even more special. That means you now have an excuse to take a day off of work and go play a round ...or two. Regardless of your score today, you know that even a bad day on the greens, is better than a good day at work.
April 11 ~ School Librarians Day - Thank You School Librarian Day
Take a minute today, to appreciate all the hard work that a school librarian does daily, and the patience the librarian displays, as he or she aids our youth.
You may choose to show your appreciation to School Librarians in a variety of ways, including:
Give the librarian a big smile and a big "Thank You!"
Tell you librarian that she is doing a wonderful job.
Buy an age appropriate book or reference material, and donate it to the library
April 12 ~ Look Up at the Sky Day
On this day it's traditional for families to gather on blankets on the ground and look up at the sky and see what they can see. Families usually do this during the day and have fun watching the clouds move. It's a popular game to see what characters and shapes can be seen forming in the clouds.
~ National Licorice Day
There are lots of ways to reacquaint yourself with this beloved candy. Licorice is surprisingly simple to make at home, needing only eight ingredients and 30 minutes to prepare.
Or, perhaps you might try having a “licorice potluck” candy tasting party, and challenge everyone to bring a different flavor of licorice, open in a different way. With the dozens of flavors, colors, and shapes, the fun ways to showcase your pet flavor are endless. There are even recipes for “licorice sushi” made from cherry licorice inserted into marshmallows.
Here is a list of fun things to do with licorice.
Eat it - lots of it
Use it as a straw, root beer licorice being the number one choice
Jump rope with a long red vine
Make licorice art with the fruit flavored licorice
Lunch box treat
Hand out free licorice on the street corner
Serve it for desert
Dip it in chocolate
Dip it in caramel
April 13 ~ Blame Someone Else Day
What a great time you can have on this day. Imagine all the problems, errors, and mistakes you could heap on someone else today. On this day you don't have to take responsibility or blame for any faux pax on your part. On the downside, this day comes as a double edged sword. While you are busy putting the blame elsewhere, someone might just be putting the blame on you!
~ International Plant Appreciation Day
For some ideas on how to "observe" this holiday check out http://www.plantea.com/international-plant-appreciation.htm
~ Scrabble Day
It's very easy to celebrate Scrabble Day. Just get out the old board game, dust it off, and play a few rounds with family or friends. And for the little ones get Scrabble Junior!
April 14 ~National Pecan Day
Pecan Day is a rather nutty day. Its a day to celebrate and enjoy popular, tasty pecans.
1. Learn the history of pecans in the United States. Visit the "I Love Pecans" website.
2. Plant a pecan tree. Pecan trees are wonderful large shade trees for medium to large yards. The nuts will attract a variety of birds as well as squirrels.
3. Cook your favorite pecan recipes. Pecan pie is a common favorite, but more exotic recipes are out there to be tried, including Mexican Pecan Soup.
4. Throw a Pecan Day party. Pecans make terrific party snacks and can be found in many different styles. A favorite is praline flavored pecans.
5. Serve pecan brownies with a side of praline-pecan ice cream.
~ International Moments of Laughter Day
You can celebrate by:
• laughing out loud at the funny cards in a greeting card shop
• calling a friend to share a funny story
• buying a "laugh-box" in a joke shop and turning it on at work or at home
• showing your baby pictures to someone who's never seen them
• thinking up your own way to get someone else to laugh with you
• or just laughing for no apparent reason at all
http://www.izzyg.com/content/International_Moment_of_Laughter_April_14th/1002
April 15 ~ Take a Wild Guess Day
Every time someone asks you a question, just take a wild guess.
~ Husband Appreciation Day
Its the only day in a whole year, they don’t have to hear their wife nagging and complaining. It is also regarded as the Best day of the whole year by the husbands all around the world.
Today husbands would be expecting following things from their wives:
1. No Nagging and No Complaining.
2. Nice breakfast in the morning.
3. Romantic Gifts because men normally don’t get gifts compared to women.
4. Candle lit dinner cooked by wife (for a change)
5. Make him feel special by saying him love much you love him (lie if you have to) WINK WINK
6. Husband can ask wife for sex at any time of the day today, any number of times and any way he likes. Wife is not allowed to make headache excuse or any other excuses.
So if you’re married woman, don’t forget to do all these things to your husband and give him the best day of his life.
http://kyabore.com/?p=754
~ First Mc Donald's Opened
Easy one to celebrate! Head to the nearest McD's for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The kids will love it!!!!
April 16 ~ Wear your pajamas to work day
http://www.nationalwearyourpajamastoworkday.com/
~ National Eggs Benedict Day
Is a day to enjoy eggs with hollandaise sauce, Canadian bacon and English muffins.
April 17 ~National Cheeseball Day
National Cheeseball Day is a day to stuff yourself with cheese balls. But wait!!! What kind of cheeseball are we talking about? There's the light and airy, puffy cheeseball that you munch on for a snack by the dozens. There is also the cheeseball, often decorated with nuts, that sits on a party tray until spread on a cracker. Celebrate today with cheeseballs (both kinds).
~ Blah! Blah! Blah ! Day
Blah, Blah, Blah Day just might be the blah-est day of the year. The intent of this day is to do all of the projects and things that people have been nagging you to do. This may include quitting a habit, losing weight, or working on home projects. The "Honey Do" list or job jar is a top target for today.
April 18 ~ Pet Owner's Day
Check out http://familycrafts.about.com/library/spdays/blapr18th.htm
~ National Animal Cracker Day
Who doesn't love the crunch and sweetness of an animal cracker? These fun little crackers are usually in the shape of an animal from the circus such as lions, tigers, bears, and elephants.
During the late 1800's, crackers in the shape of animals were imported from England to the United States. The demand for these treats skyrocketed, so bakers began to produce them domestically. The first batch of animal crackers was produced by Stauffer's Biscuit Company in 1871 in York, Pennsylvania. Other local bakeries soon came together under the National Biscuit Company, or "Nabisco Brands." In 1902, the animal cracker's box officially became "Barnum's Animals" with the circus themed box.
Did you know that since their start in 1903, there have been 37 different animals featured in Barnum's Animal Crackers? Today more than 40 million packages of animal crackers are sold each year in 17 different countries. To celebrate National Animal Crackers Day, enjoy a box (or two) of some delicious Barnum's Animal Crackers!
http://www.mypunchbowl.com/holidays/national-animal-crackers-day
April 19 ~ Humorous Day
Here are some who/what/when/where/how conversation starters that could be used for one-to-ones, a group activity, or dining room banter:
Who is the funniest person you’ve ever met?
What is the funniest thing you’ve ever seen?
What is the funniest thing you’ve ever done?
What is one of the funniest movies you’ve ever seen?
How many jokes can you remember?
When was the last time you remember laughing?
When was one of the first times you remember laughing?
What is something you can laugh about right now?
http://www.thegoldenexperience.com/2009/04/humorous-day-conversation-starters.html
~ Garlic Day
Celebrate National Garlic Day by using it heavily in your meals and snacks today. Spend some time researching its medical benefits. You might find you are adding more garlic to your menu everyday.
For some recipes to help you celebrate check out http://www.garlicrecipes.org/
April 20 ~ National Pineapples Upside Down Cake Day
Fun Facts:
1. Jim Dole invented canned pineapple in 1903.
2. The term "cake" wasn't used much before 1870.
3. Pineapple upside-down cake was cooked in a cast iron skillet on top of the stove.
4. In 1925, the Hawaiian Pineapple Company (now called Dole) held a recipe contest. It drew 60,000 entries of which 2,500 were for pineapple upside-down cake.
5. No one knows who first came up with the pineapple upside-down cake; historian can only guess.
6. The classic pineapple upside-down cake recipe had maraschino cherries; however, they weren't around too much before the 1930's.
7. Pineapple is a tropical fruit native to Central and South America.
8. Caribbean Indians placed pineapples or pineapple crowns outside the entrances of their homes to symbolize friendship and hospitality.
9.The Spanish explorers thought pineapples looked like pinecones, so they called them "Pina." The English added "apple" to associate it with juicy delectable fruits.
10. Pineapple, "halakahiki" in Hawaiian, meaning foreign fruit, has been grown in Hawaii since the early 1800's.
http://thefoodtemptress.blogspot.com/2009/04/national-pineapple-upside-down-cake-day.html
Here's an easy recipe from Betty Crocker http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/easy-pineapple-upside-down-cake/c4d3321d-fad9-41cb-8f29-8d91a4279b07
April 21 ~ Kindergarten Day
Kindergarten Day The First Kindergarten was founded by Friedrich Froebel in Germany in 1837, Kindergarten Day is a day to recognize the importance of play, games, and creative activity in children's education.
~ Big Word Day
A day to use huge words on purpose just to impress.
April 22 ~ Jelly Bean Day
National Jelly Bean Day is a time to enjoy gobs and gobs of jelly beans. Anyone who loves jelly beans, knows they are not just for Easter. Sure, they are very popular at Easter. But, they are also enjoyed year round. The flavors are limited only by the imagination of candy makers. If you've never enjoyed the multitude of flavors in a box of gourmet jelly beans, the we suggest you head right out to the store and buy some.
Jelly beans date back to at least the 1860's. Advertisements promoted sending jelly beans to Union troops fighting in the Civil War. The original candy maker is unknown.
~ Earth Day
For more information go to http://www.earthday.org/
April 23 ~ International Nose Picking Day
You can celebrate this holiday by having a nose party! Play games and give Kleenex for prizes. Everybody has those funny glasses with the big nose and wearing them on International Nose Picking Day is just the thing!
The highlight of the party has to be when everyone sits down to tell the latest nose picking stories for the year- Oh yes we all have witnessed people picking their nose and it really makes for some great entertainment.
~ Shirley Temple's Birthday
Due to the popularity of Shirley Temple the actress, the drink created for her caught on, and children dining out with their parents were apt to order a Shirley Temple. Today children may order one without understanding the reference.
It’s very unusual to see a traditional Shirley Temple today. The original recipe called for two parts ginger ale, one part orange juice and about a teaspoon to tablespoon of grenadine. It was usually garnished with a cherry and possibly an orange slice. While the cherry remains, and is many children’s favorite part about the Shirley Temple, most modern versions of the drink don’t include orange juice.
A few companies attempted to bottle the Shirley Temple, leading to the first soft drink that actually contained a cherry. These bottled attempts gradually lost popularity, but you can still find cherry 7-Up, representing the modern Shirley Temple.
http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-a-shirley-temple.htm
~ Picnic Day
Picnics are so versatile! You can have sandwiches, wraps, pizza, cold meats, salads, quiche, cheese, fruit, cake, biscuits, even trifle! You are guaranteed to find something that appeals to everyone - all ages can enjoys picnics.
Take your picnic to the beach, the park, your favorite places - picnics are even fun in the garden or sitting room!
For more information visit http://www.recipezaar.com/bb/viewtopic.zsp?t=254943
April 24 ~Pigs-in-a-Blanket Day
Pig in a Blanket Day is a day to eat a sausage wrapped in a pancake. Why? Because that's what "Pig in a Blanket" is.
Somebody, somewhere decided that this was a very special treat to them. So, they created a special day to celebrate this culinary delight. Aren't you glad that they did?
How does one go about celebrating Pig in a Blanket Day? Cook up some sausage. Make some pancakes. Wrap the sausage inside of the pancake. Add maple syrup. Then, chow down.
~ National Day of Puppetry
For some fun puppet activities check out http://www.crayola.com/calendar/detail.cfm?event_id=147&year=2010
April 25 ~ National Teach Your Children to Save Day
Teach Children to Save Day to spotlight the importance of teaching our nation's youth about saving money.
For Products to help teach children to save visit http://www.msgen.com/assembled/products_kids.html
~ National Crayola Day
To celebrate grab your favorite Crayola crayons and a coloring book and COLOR!
~ National Zucchini Bread Day
National Zucchini Bread Day is a day to enjoy Zucchini bread. In researching this day, we first asked ourselves "why hold this day in the spring, when this prolific garden squash in not in great supply?" The answer quickly dawned on us....they hold this at a time when you are not sick of all that zucchini.
For 4 easy Zucchini Bread recipes click http://www.creativehomemaking.com/cooking/zucchini-bread-recipes.shtml
April 26 ~ Hug a Friend Day
It’s a day to take a moment and let your friends know how important they are to you.
~ National Pretzel day
How do you like your pretzel? Thick or thin? Straight or twisted? Crisp and crunchy, or soft? Salted, unsalted, mustard flavored, perhaps? There's no shortage of types of pretzels. If you are having trouble deciding which ones, we suggest you mix a bunch of different types of pretzels in a big bowl, and grab a handful, or two, or three, or.....
Did you know? Pretzels are believed to be the world's oldest snack. Pretzels date back to 610AD in Southern France. Monks baked thin strips of dough into the shape of a child's arms folded in prayer. Add a little salt, and Voila! ...the pretzel industry was born.
April 27 ~ Tell a story Day
Tell a Story Day celebrates story-telling of all kinds. It doesn't matter if its fiction or non-fiction, a tall tale, or folk lore. Today is a day to tell 'em all. Stories can be from a book, other written material, or from memory.
Make Tell a Story Day an important and pleasure-filled experience. To enhance the enjoyment of the story, try setting the atmosphere. If it's an eerie or spooky story, turn down the lights. Bring decorations and memorabilia that speak to the theme. If its about a person, display a picture of the individual.
April 28 ~ Kiss your mate day
Is a perfect chance to smooch with your partner. As if you need an opportunity to share a kiss or two with the one you love. With spring in the air, April is an appropriate time for Kiss Your Mate Day.
Some people may ask "why you need a holiday to kiss your mate?" Others say "every day should be Kiss Your Mate Day." Unfortunately, researchers tell us that kissing, an important part of romance and intimacy, is the first thing to go in a relationship. If you don't currently kiss your mate everyday, use today to re-establish kissing in your life.
Here are some Kiss Your Mate Day tips and rules:
• There is no upper limit to the number of times you can kiss your mate today.
• There is no upper limit to the number of kisses you can share today.
• It is highly recommended that you limit your kisses to just one mate.
• If you don't have a mate, it's alright to kiss someone who is not formally your mate.... Hey, you never know. This day may be a beginning.......
• You can kiss your mate wherever you want (location/place).
• You can kiss your mate wherever you want (anatomically speaking)
• Giving candy or flowers is not required. But, we suggest that those who do, will receive more kisses.
~ Poetry Reading Day
Celebrate today in any or all of the following ways:
• Read poetry
• Hold a poetry reading hour or party
• Listen to poetry
• Write your own poetry....someday it may be looked upon as great!
April 29 ~ National Shrimp Scampi Day
Try this recipe for a fun dinner; add some Parmesan cheese if you'd like for a cheesy finish. Serve over whole wheat pasta or rice.
Shrimp Scampi
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 large cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lb large shrimp (shelled and deveined)
• 1/3 shallot minced (about 2)
• 1/3 cup dry white wine
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (if you have it)
• Salt and Pepper
Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat, add garlic and shallots for about 2 minutes. Add shrimp, wine, lemon juice and cook until shrimp is done about 3-4 minutes. Stir in parsley, salt and pepper.
April 30 ~ Arbor Day
Arbor Day is a nationally-celebrated observance that encourages tree planting and care.
Check out www.arborday.org for more information
~ National Oatmeal cookie day
Here's a link for a whole bunch of Oatmeal Cookie recipes to try:
http://www.cdkitchen.com/recipes/articles/view/582/1/National-Oatmeal-Cookie-Day.html
~ Mr. Potato Head Day
This is an easy one to celebrate! Find a Mr. or Mrs. Potato head and play with it!!! For dinner make Baked Potatoes and use assorted veggies to make faces on them!!!
~National Honesty Day
Today is a day all about being honest. No lies, no small fibs, just pure honesty. National Honesty Day is celebrated on April 30th to encourage people to be more honest, and to also be more accepting of honesty. So be careful what you ask people today – you may not like their answer!
