Apr 6 2024 National Teflon Day 🍳

[ZandraJoi]

"National Tartan Day on April 6th honors the Scottish heritage flowing through the United States.
From its early beginnings, Americans with Scottish ancestry endeavored for freedom as much as any American. It was in their blood.
It was 400 years before the Scots declared, “For we fight not for glory, nor riches, nor honours, but for freedom alone which no good man give sup except for his life.” – from the Declaration of Arbroath
Surprisingly, of the 13 governors in the newly established United States, nine were Scots. There are 56 signatures on the Declaration of Independence. Some scholars suggest nearly a third of those signers were of Scottish descent.
Not only can we point to the country’s founding fathers, but of the 43 Presidents who have taken office, 33 have been of Scottish descent.
Those with Tartan blood were and are independent and resourceful. They are prolific inventors and writers. They are talented musicians and artists, experienced leaders, and scholars. In the United States today, over 11 million Americans claim Scottish or Scotch-Irish roots. That makes them the 8th largest ethnic group in the United States."

My notes: Nice to learn about other history out there.

[ZandraJoi]

"Each year on April 6th, National Caramel Popcorn Day conjures up memories of fairs, sporting events, and fun snacking.
In January, we celebrated National Popcorn Day. Now, we add delicious caramel popcorn to the calendar, one of America’s favorite snacks. For many people, this chewy or crunchy caramel popcorn treat is an all-time favorite.
Combining popcorn and molasses began in the early 1800s. However, caramel was prevalent as well, and with the production of Cracker Jack, the popularity was ever-increasing. Invented by Frederick Rueckheim, the popcorn merchant dabbled with creating a new snack. An immigrant from Germany to Chicago, he enlisted his brother, Louis, to help. After adding molasses and nuts, their snack was ready for an introduction to the masses.

Like many famous foods, Cracker Jack gained popularity on the stage at the 1893 World’s Fair. Other foods to grab the public’s attention at similar expositions include cotton candy and the ice cream cone. While they weren’t invented there, nor did they make their debut, they sure did capture the imagination and make a lasting impression there.
However, in 1908, something happened to connect Cracker Jack and baseball permanently in the American psyche, while also launching the business into high gear. A young entertainer by the name of Jack Norworth penned a catchy tune referencing Cracker Jack and the American pastime. The song “Take Me Out To The Ballgame” not only caused sales of the snack food to soar but the fans of the game continue to sing the song at every game.
There are many commercial brands and forms of caramel corn available in grocery stores, cinemas, and convenience stores. There are also specialty brands available in stores, gift catalogs, and online."

My notes: Do you like caramel popcorn? Do you remember getting Cracker Jack & the "surprise inside"?

[lainee]

As a kid, loved Cracker Jack, but the 'surprise inside' was never that great

Nowadays, I eat G.H Cretor's Cheese & Caramel popcorn...it's yummy AND organic!

[Bob]

I love popcorn! Can eat it all day.

[ZandraJoi]

"National Burrito Day on the first Thursday in April celebrates the tasty and versatile Mexican dish wrapped in a tortilla.
A burrito is a heavy tortilla wrapped around meat, cheese, tomato, rice, beans, vegetables, and sauces. Like many other tortilla dishes, the burrito is flexible. The cook chooses the meat fillings from ground beef, shredded chicken, shredded beef or shredded pork. The same applies to the bean choices, often ranging from black, red, whole or refried beans. Once again, the flexibility of choice applies to the vegetables allowing the cook to grill the vegetables or keep them fresh. Spices such as cumin, chili powder, and oregano give the burritos an authentic Mexican flavor. For added crunch, chimichangas are burritos that have been deep-fried."

My notes: Do you like burritos? Do you make it yourself? Do you have a restaurant you get it from? We don't make them too often; I prefer hard shell tortilla chips; less messy.

[Steve]

Burritos, burritos ... I love burritos!

I like store bought, Taco Bell bought, restaurant bought, you name it!

[ZandraJoi]

"National Teflon Day on April 6th each year honors the accidental invention of Teflon on April 6, 1938, by Dr. Roy Plunkett.
While working in the E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company lab that April day, Plunkett and his assistant accidentally discovered polytetrafluoroethylene. Chemours registered the Teflon trademark in 1945. In 1985, the Inventors' Hall of Fame inducted Dr. Plunkett into its numbers."

My notes: Teflon started out as a good idea but it can have toxic qualties. Don't overheat the pan. & don't use scratched pans. Problem is, I see many people use the scratched ones.