Category: Traditions and Holidays

March is Women’s History Month

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10 ways to celebrate Women’s History Month

Women’s History Month is a time to recognize and celebrate the countless contributions that women have made throughout history. In addition, intentionally commemorating this month provides an opportunity to reflect on the progress that has been made in advancing gender equality and acknowledge the ongoing challenges women face.

By highlighting the contributions of women from diverse backgrounds and experiences, we can broaden our understanding of historical achievements and promote greater inclusivity in our cultural heritage. Also, bringing attention to issues like pay equity and access to education and healthcare helps us work toward a more just and equitable world for everyone.

Here are 10 creative ways that everyone can participate in Women’s History Month with intention.

Take in tours and exhibitions

In-person and virtual tours and exhibits that showcase strong and inspiring women can help you learn more about the accomplishments of celebrated and lesser-known female figures throughout history. Additionally, you can explore how women have influenced culture, art, science, technology and other aspects of life that often go unrecognized.

Host a book club

Host an in-person virtual book club featuring works written by women or about women’s experiences. Choose a book that can expand your understanding of how women have contributed to our shared culture and society and inspire you to take action. Make sure to select books written by diverse female authors to get a full range of perspectives and discussions. Invite friends who also share your interest in exploring women’s history and open up conversations about the issues faced and successes celebrated by female figures throughout the ages.

Create social media content

Creating content that recognizes women’s successes and accomplishments can help spread awareness, foster conversations and inspire others. Design graphics highlighting influential women throughout history. Share stories of inspiring women in your life on social media. Reminisce on the stories of inspiring female role models in your life or promote events honoring Women’s History Month in your community.

Click the link below to view all 10 ideas.

Article by Tricia Goss for: How To Celebrate Women’s History Month – Simplemost

30 Easy Irish Desserts to Bring to Any St. Patrick’s Day Party

St. Patrick’s Day is known as more of a, shall we say, adult holiday—what with all the booze and strong flavors (hello, corned beef and cabbage)—but we’re here to tell you: It can also be totally family-friendly. We think one of the best ways to do that is to add some light-hearted, fun desserts to your holiday spread in the form of Irish-inspired or Pinterest-worthy themed desserts. These St. Patty’s Day desserts are sure to be beloved by all, kids and adults alike.

When it comes to conventional Irish desserts, we’ve got to admit we’re taking some liberties. Our fave on this list, Irish soda bread, doesn’t usually contain any add-ins, much less the chocolate chips we’ve included (but they’re delicious!). What’s more standard is our Irish apple cake—we love fruit desserts because they feel slightly lighter, so we’ve included scones, apple crumble, and apple crisp too. They’re great for a little something sweet after a hearty Irish-themed dinner.

Speaking of dinner, while the green in our main meals often comes from spinach and kale this time of year, for dessert we’re turning to green food dye. If you’re like us, you’ve got some kicking around just waiting to be put to good use (maybe from making some green beer last year?). Lucky for you, it pairs perfectly with minty desserts. In turn, mint and chocolate are also a classic combo (not just for Christmas anymore). We’re using it here in everything from our mint chocolate chip pie to our mint chip “lasagna” (where chocolate pudding + Oreos replace ricotta and noodles 😍).

And don’t worry, we’ve snuck in plenty of alcoholic desserts in here too. Baileys Irish Cream and Guinness are the classics this time of year–try them in our skillet fudgy brownie pudding, our Baileys cheesecake, our chocolate Guinness cake, or our Baileys truffles, then get creative. A little booze can add depth of flavor to almost any dessert you can imagine.

Looking for something over-the-top cute for your celebration? Everyone will love our shamrock cookies, our leprechaun bait, our pot o’ gold cups, or our Irish potato candy (coconut truffles that just look like potatoes). Kids will flip over them, and even miserly adults who don’t care for adorable can enjoy—they count as something green, so there’s no fear of getting pinched!

©PARKER FEIERBACH

St. Patrick’s Day Cookies

Is there any cuter way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day than with shamrock-shaped cookies? Our easy sugar cookie recipe always keeps its shape while baking so you can relax knowing all of your leaves will come out perfectly round and defined. We love decorating with royal icing, but you could use a simple buttercream frosting if you prefer.

Get the St. Patrick’s Day Cookies recipe.

It wouldn’t be blarney to tell you that there’s just too many recipes to copy and paste. So please click the link to discover everything Irish for St. Patrick’s Day goodies.

30 Easy Irish Desserts To Bring To Any St. Patrick’s Day Party (msn.com)

If Yesterday was Fat Tuesday, Today must be Ash Wednesday

So, What Is Ash Wednesday, Anyway?

© Photo: berni0004 (Shutterstock)

Today (sic), I’m sure you’ll notice people walking around with crosses smudged on their foreheads. Maybe you’ll think, “Oh, right. Ash Wednesday, which is…some kind of religious day.” And you’d be right—it is some kind of religious day, and if you want to know more, here are the what’s, whys, and wherefores of the Christian tradition of smearing ashes on your forehead.

What is Ash Wednesday?

Ash Wednesday has been around since at least the 11th century. It marks the beginning of the Lenten season in many Christian denominations and takes place 46 days before Easter. The concept behind Ash Wednesday is penance. It is a day to confess sins, ask forgiveness from God, and ponder the transitory nature of our physical bodies.

Ash Wednesday isn’t mentioned specifically in the Bible, but back in the early days of Christianity, egregious sinners were expected to spend the weeks preceding Easter in sackcloth and ashes, doing serious repenting so they’d be pure enough to take Easter communion. At some point, someone seems to have realized that we are all sinners, and everyone started getting ashes sprinkled or daubed on their heads.

How does Ash Wednesday work?

The specifics vary from church to church, but if you go to a Catholic mass on Ash Wednesday, the priest will usually give a sermon related to the theme of repentance, or Lent in general. Then you’ll line up to have ashes applied to your forehead. The priest will most likely say something like, “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return,” before applying ash, typically in a cross shape, to your forehead. The ashes usually come from burned palm leaves left over from last year’s Palm Sunday observance.

Who celebrates Ash Wednesday?

Ash Wednesday is observed in all kinds of Christian denomination: Anglicans, Presbyterians, Lutherans, Methodists, Moravians, Nazarenes, and many more take part. It’s a popular day to go to mass—some priests report Ash Wednesday is the most heavily attended mass of the year, drawing more people than even Christmas or Easter.

As for why it’s so popular, your guess is as good as anyone’s. It’s not particularly vital as a religious holiday, but people like the ritual. “There’s something of a wonder about it because you’re marking yourself with the cross,” Father Anthony Arinello, a chaplain at Colorado School of Mine, opines. “Maybe it’s the humility of it; not just receiving the ashes, but receiving the little prayer we do as people receive ashes.”

Fasting on Ash Wednesday

Ash Wednesday is also one of two days when Catholics are expected to fast for Lent. It’s not a hardcore fast, though: You can’t eat meat (fish is OK) but you are permitted to eat one full meal, as well as two smaller meals that “together are not equal to a full meal.” 

Ash Wednesday also marks the beginning of the Lenten season, where you are expected to abstain from some small pleasure or indulgence until Easter. What you sacrifice is up to you, but it’s not fair to give up something you don’t enjoy.

Article by Stephen Johnson for Lifehacker©

Source: What Even Is Ash Wednesday, Anyway? (msn.com)

Happy Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday, February 21)

Why is it called Fat Tuesday?

The name “Fat Tuesday” refers to the practice of consuming all of the food forbidden while fasting during Lent, which begins on Ash Wednesday. Why do we celebrate Fat Tuesday? It’s called Fat Tuesday because it’s the last day that many people eat meat and fatty foods before Lent begins.

stayhappening.com

Perhaps your familiar with its’ French derivation, Mardi Gras.

While not observed nationally throughout the United States, a number of traditionally ethnic French cities and regions in the country have notable celebrations. Mardi Gras arrived in North America as a French Catholic tradition with the Le Moyne brothers, Pierre Le Moyne d’Iberville and Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne de Bienville, in the late 17th century.

The festival season varies from city to city, as some traditions, such as the one in New Orleans, Louisiana, consider Mardi Gras to stretch the entire period from Twelfth Night (the last night of Christmas which begins Epiphany) to Ash Wednesday. Others treat the final three-day period before Ash Wednesday as the Mardi Gras.

Sources: bing.com and en.wikipedia.org

On Fat Tuesday it’s eat drink and be merry for the next day we fast! (If Catholic).

Holidays and Observances to Celebrate in February

February 13

  • Clean Out Your Computer Day (second Monday in February)
  • Desperation Day
  • Dream Your Sweet Day
  • Employee Legal Awareness Day
  • Galentine’s Day
  • International Epilepsy Day (second Monday in February)
  • International Natural Day
  • Kiss Day
  • National Break Up With Your Carrier Day
  • National Cheddar Day
  • National Football Hangover Day (day after Super Bowl)
  • National Internet Friends Day
  • National Tortellini Day
  • National Wingman’s Day
  • Oatmeal Monday (second Monday in February)
  • Self-Love Day
  • World Radio Day

February 14

  • Extraterrestrial Visitor Day
  • Frederick Douglass Day
  • International Book Giving Day
  • League of Women Voters Day
  • Library Lovers Day
  • National Call in Single Day
  • National Condom Awareness Day
  • National Creme-Filled Chocolates Day
  • National Donor Day
  • National Ferris Wheel Day
  • National Have a Heart Day
  • National Women’s Heart Day
  • Pet Theft Awareness Day
  • Read to Your Child Day
  • Safer Internet Day (second Tuesday in February)
  • Singles Awareness Day/Singles Appreciation Day
  • Valentine’s Day
  • World Cholangiocarcinoma Day
  • World Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Day
  • World Sound Healing Day

February 15

  • International Angelman Day
  • International Childhood Cancer Awareness Day
  • Love Reset Day
  • National Gumdrop Day
  • National Hippo Day
  • National I Want Butterscotch Day
  • Remember the U.S.S. Maine Day
  • Susan B. Anthony Day

February 16

  • Do a Grouch a Favor Day
  • Fat Thursday
  • Innovation Day
  • National Almond Day

February 17

  • National Cabbage Day
  • National Cafe Au Lait Day
  • National Caregivers Day (third Friday in February)
  • National Indian Pudding Day
  • National PTA Founders Day
  • Random Acts of Kindness Day
  • Who Shall I Be Day
  • World Human Spirit Day

February 18

  • Drink Wine Day
  • National Battery Day
  • Pluto Day
  • Thumb Appreciation Day
  • World Whale Day (third Saturday in February)

February 19

  • Coast Guard Reserves Birthday
  • International Tug-of-War Day
  • Iwo Jima Day
  • National Chocolate Mint Day
  • National Lashes Day
  • Prevent Plagiarism Day
  • Vet Girls RISE Day

Source: https://parade.com/living/february-holidays-observances

65 Super Bowl Snacks for the Ultimate Football Party

These game day snacks are guaranteed to be fan favorites.

Some people get really into the Super Bowl, especially if their team is playing. Some people are just there to watch the ads, while others are most excited about the snacks they’ll get to eat during the Super Bowl party. If you fall into that last group, you’ve probably done some thinking about what Super Bowl snacks you’ll be preparing this year. These are some of the best Super Bowl recipes that will make game day a win this year, regardless of which team actually takes home the trophy.

There’s something in here for everyone, whether you’re serving a crowd of meat lovers, vegetarians, picky eaters, chocoholics, kids, or even all of the above. Win or lose, these Super Bowl snacks are sure to please any crowd when it’s time to gather around for the game.

super bowl snacks ham and brie quesadilla

Ham and Brie Quesadilla

Quesadillas are a Super Bowl staple, but this version takes them to the next level with ham, brie, and Dijon mustard.

Get the Ham and Brie Quesadilla recipe.

super bowl snacks deviled eggs

Spicy Deviled Eggs

Add a special twist to deviled eggs on game day with hot sauce and leftover ham. There won’t be any of these left by halftime.

Get the Spicy Deviled Eggs recipe.

super bowl snacks pulled pork sliders romaine slaw

Pulled Pork Sliders with Romaine Slaw

These pulled pork sliders get a sweet-and-sour upgrade thanks to the orange marmalade and cider vinegar in this recipe. Most of it comes together in a slow cooker, leaving your oven and stovetop free for other game day goodies.

Get the Pulled Pork Sliders with Romaine Slaw recipe.

super bowl snacks warm pimiento cheese dip

Warm Pimiento Cheese Dip

Pair your favorite crunchy snack with this cheesy, peppery dip for a snack your guests won’t be able to stay away from.

Get the Warm Pimiento Cheese Dip recipe.

super bowl snacks eggplant parmesan meatballs

Eggplant Parmesan Meatballs

This vegetarian take on the classic party snack will make even the biggest meat-lovers want seconds.

Get the Eggplant Parmesan Meatballs recipe.

super bowl snacks chocolate chip cookie

Best Ever Chocolate Chip Cookies

For a sweeter Super Bowl snack, you can’t go wrong with this classic recipe for crisp, chewy chocolate chip cookies.

Get the Best Ever Chocolate Chip Cookies recipe.

Article by Christy Pina, Katina Beniaris and Jamie Ballard for Woman’s Day

Click the link below for more recipe’s

Source: 65 Super Bowl Snack Recipes – Football Party Food Ideas 2022 (womansday.com)

This is The Best Chocolate Cake Recipe for Valentine’s Day

Red Wine Pear Cake with Chocolate Ganache

Whether you’re spending Valentine’s Day with your sweetie, your gal pals, or your fam, there’s no question that a fancy dessert helps set the tone for a cozy and love-filled night in. We personally love a good pasta dinner followed by a succulent dessert, but the menu options for Love Day run the gamut from seafood to international cuisine. One thing that’s not optional is chocolate — known to promote feelings similar to being in love or spending time with those closest to you, chocolate is one of the best flavors for Valentine’s Day desserts. Combined with red wine and seasonal pear, it makes for a simply decadent treat — hence, this Red Wine Pear Cake. Trust us: This is going to be the best chocolate cake recipe you’ve ever tried.

Ingredients:

Pears

  • 3-4 firm Bosc pears
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 1/2 cups red wine
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 3-4 whole cloves or 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

Cake

  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 full-fat coconut milk
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
  • 11 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 1/2 cups coconut sugar
  • 1/2 cup red wine
  • 1/2 teaspoon pink salt
  • 1/2 cup 85% dark chocolate chips or bar broken into small pieces
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup cocoa powder
  • 1 cup gluten-free or regular all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda

Ganache

  • 2/3 cup dark chocolate chips
  • 1/3 cup full-fat coconut milk or heavy whipping cream
  • 2 tablespoons reserved spiced wine (see recipe notes)

Directions:

  1. Peel the skin off the pears and remove the stems, seeds, and core. Slice in half. Add water, red wine, cinnamon, and cloves into a saucepan and place the pears in the liquid. Bring the wine mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Let simmer for 20 minutes, until the pears are tender. Remove the pears from red wine and let cool. Continue simmering until sauce is reduced, and reserve 2 tablespoons for the chocolate ganache.
  2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
  3. Grease two 9-inch springform cake pans with butter or oil and set aside.
  4. Whisk two eggs in a separate bowl and set aside.
  5. In a small bowl, add the coconut milk and apple cider vinegar and whisk thoroughly. Let sit for at least 5 minutes.
  6. In a separate saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Whisk in the coconut sugar then remove from heat and add in the red wine and salt until well mixed. Quickly add in the dark chocolate pieces and stir constantly until the chocolate is melted. Pour the vanilla extract in and whisk again.
  7. Add about one third of the chocolate mixture to the whisked eggs. Mix thoroughly and then pour back into a mixing bowl with the rest of the chocolate mixture.
  8. Add in coconut milk mixture, cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, and baking soda, and mix until well combined.
  9. Pour the cake batter into two greased cake pans.
  10. Slice wine-poached pear halves in quarters and place in your desired design on top of the cake batter in the cake pans.
  11. Bake the cakes for 20-30 minutes.
  12. While cakes are baking, add the dark chocolate and coconut milk or heavy cream to a small saucepan. Heat on low until the chocolate is melted, whisking so that it is well mixed. Add in the reserved wine sauce and whisk again. Remove from heat and set aside.
  13. Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool completely before removing them from the springform pans. Place one cake on a cake platter or stand, and drizzle some chocolate ganache on top. Then place the second cake on top of the first and pour the remaining chocolate ganache over the top

Article by Maggie McCracken. Reposted for your cake addition!

Source: Best Chocolate Cake Recipe For Valentine’s Day — Brit + Co – Brit + Co

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