November is here – already. Like the month of October, it brings many fun and interesting things. First of all, it brings Daylight Savings Time in parts of the South, so now I’m wide awake at four in the morning. Which means by 9 o’clock at night, I’m on my last leg. It takes me a good two months to get that worked out right.
However, even though I don’t like the time rearrangement, I do love the other things November brings. Like fall festivals, arts and crafts fairs, Veteran’s Day, and Thanksgiving. And this year, Election Day.
November also starts giving us a preview of the windy, cold, rainy days that await us in the months ahead. Yuk. But, with that said, there are chili cook-offs and bonfires to brighten that dreary thought!
Not only does November hold those events, it also has National Cooking Days, some of which I bet you don’t know about. I have no idea who came up with these “special” days, or why, so I can’t explain anything more about them. I’m just here to learn ya! So read on – I’m sure you’ll find your favorite food day on the list!
Nov. 1: National Bison Day
Nov. 1: National Deep Fried Clams Day
Nov. 1: National Vinegar Day
Nov. 2: National Deviled Egg Day
Nov. 3: National Sandwich Day
Nov. 4: National Candy Day
Nov. 5: National Doughnut Day
Nov. 6: National Nachos Day
Nov. 7: Bittersweet Chocolate with Almonds Day
Nov. 8: National Cappuccino Day
Nov. 8: National Harvey Wallbanger Day
Nov. 9: National Scrapple Day
Nov. 9: National Cook something Bold and Pungent Day
Nov. 10: National Vanilla Cupcake Day
Nov. 11: National Sundae Day
Nov. 12: National Pizza with Everything Day (Except Anchovies!)
Nov. 13: National Indian Pudding Day
Nov. 14: National Guacamole Day
Nov. 14: National Pickle Day
Nov. 15: National Raisin Bran Day
Nov. 16: National Fast Food Day
Nov. 17: National Homemade Bread Day
Nov. 17: National Baklava Day
Nov. 18: National Vichyssoise Day
Nov. 19: National Carbonated Beverage Day with Caffeine
Nov. 20: National Peanut Butter Fudge Day
Nov. 20: National Beaujolais Nouveau Day
Nov. 21: National Gingerbread Day
Nov. 22: National Cashew Day
Nov. 23: National Espresso Day
Nov. 23: National Eat a Cranberry Day
Nov. 24: National Sardines Day
Nov. 25: National Parfait Day
Nov. 26: National Cake Day
Nov. 27: National Bavarian Cream Pie Day
Nov. 28: National French Toast Day
Nov. 29: National Chocolates Day
Nov. 29: National Lemon Creme Pie Day
So, any luck? Did you find your favorite day to eat your favorite food? I found a few. Then there was one or two I had no idea what they were, and I had to look them up. I know I’m a cook, and head chef in my house, but still, I had no clue as to what Scrapple was. I knew it wasn’t spelled right for that favorite game my mom, grandmother, and I used to play, so I checked it out. Then I checked too far and decided I’ll probably never eat it. It sounds pretty – well, I’ll not comment. You may like it.
The ingredients for one Scrapple I found were: pork stock, pork livers, pork fat, pork snouts, corn meal, pork hearts, wheat flour, salt, and spices. (This is a much better sounding list than some of the others I found.) I’m not saying it’s bad; I’ve never tasted it. But seriously, it sounds like something my granny used to concoct when we lived out in the woods. She never wasted any part of the pig. Or any other animal for that matter.
How about that National Something Bold and Pungent Day? Maybe Scrapple on that day? It certainly would be bold, and with the list of ingredients, I can’t imagine how it wouldn’t be pungent!
I’m sure some of you are happy to see National Harvey Wallbanger Day! Just take notice of the name and go easy!
I think my favorite day is National Cappuccino Day. I love coffee.
Anyway, here’s a recipe I love, even though there’s no day for it. It’s one of my very favorites, and quick, easy, and hearty for a November night ...
Chicken and Dumplings Casserole
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/4 cup butter, cubed
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon dried basil
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
4 cups chicken broth
1 package (10 ounces) frozen green peas and carrots
4 cups cubed cooked chicken
Dumplings:
2 cups Bisquick (or similar) biscuit/baking mix
2 teaspoons dried basil
2/3 cup 2 percent milk
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large saucepan, sauté onion and celery in butter until tender. Add garlic; cook about one minute longer. Stir in flour, basil, salt, and pepper until blended. Gradually add broth; bring to a boil. Cook and stir one minute or until thickened; reduce heat. Add peas and cook five minutes, stirring constantly. Stir in chicken. Pour into a greased 13x9-in. baking dish.
For dumplings, in a small bowl, combine baking mix and basil. Stir in milk with a fork until moistened. Drop by tablespoons into 12 mounds over chicken mixture.
Bake, uncovered, 30 minutes. Cover and bake 10 minutes longer or until a toothpick inserted in a dumpling comes out clean.
Kay Bona is a staff writer for the Hamilton County Herald and an award-winning columnist and photographer. Contact her at kay@dailydata.com.