Tag: sweets

Celebrating Harry Potter’s Birthday

I am a full believer in celebrating life. Small celebrations bring lasting memories. Every day our daily schedules and commitments keep us busy. Enjoying little moments is a necessity. For fans of the Harry Potter series, myself included, today, July 31st represents the fictional character, Harry Potter’s birthday. Along with Harry, J.K. Rowling celebrates her birthday today too.

In the book, Rubeus Hagrid provides Harry with a birthday cake on his 11th birthday. The simple scene from the Keeper of the Keys immediately ushers us into the magical world of Harry Potter. Why not incorporate his birthday into a family fun night? Or invite your friends for some magical fun.

  • Consider making a quick birthday cake as a special dessert treat.
  • Gather the family or friends around to watch the first movie, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.
  • Make wands.
  • Eat chocolate frogs.
  • Create your own owl, cat, or toad.
  • Have special snacks or cook an entire meal based on the Wizarding World’s cuisine.
  • Make magical themed crafts.

    Melt pony beads on old pizza pans to create large Harry Potter inspired sun catchers.
  • Need a quieter activity, reread the Harry Potter series or listen to the audio versions.

In a couple weeks, school, homework, sports and enforced bedtime routines will be part of your already full schedule. Take a moment to enjoy the little things and celebrate “The Boy Who Lived”.

Reference:

Rowling, J. K., Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. London: Bloomsbury Children’s, 1997.

Ice Cream Soda Day

Today, June 20, 2017, is Ice Cream Soda Day. Celebrating small unofficial holidays is a chance to enjoy every single day with a special twist. Let’s face it, the start of summer is always a fun and exciting time. Unfortunately, after being out of school for as little as a week, you may already hear those words, “I’m bored.” Taking advantage of the various unofficial holidays helps in chasing away the summer boredom and creates lasting memories.

Ice cream floats is a wholesome party idea. Consider hosting an impromptu ice cream soda party with friends and family. Or simply make ice cream sodas as a special treat for a warm evening. Regardless of the reason, enjoy the day.

Ice Cream Soda Ideas

The beauty of ice cream sodas is the endless mixtures. Providing a variety of flavors is a perfect way to host a successful ice cream soda party. Using cans of soda is ideal for eliminating wastes and saving money. Picking up different flavors enables your guests to mix with no limits. Larger bottles are great for bigger parties.

Consider these combinations to help create the perfect ice cream soda party.

  • Root Beer Float: Vanilla ice cream and root beer
  • Orange Dream: Vanilla ice cream and orange soda
  • Cherry Vanilla Fun: Cherry ice cream and crème soda
  • Chocolate Vanilla: Chocolate ice cream and crème soda

Along with ice cream, you may want to offer sherbet as an option to replace the ice cream. Some people may not be able to eat ice cream. Finding alternatives allows everyone to have fun.

In addition to ice cream and soda, offer toppings for extra fun.

  • Sprinkles
  • Mini chocolate chips
  • Whip cream topping
  • Cherries

Adding toppings is half of the fun in building the perfect ice cream soda. Have fun creating.

Apple Pie Day

Today, May 13, 2017, is Apple Pie Day. Sounds like the perfect type of unofficial holiday for me. Actually, apple pie is one my father’s favorite desserts, coming in second only to pumpkin pie. Years ago, I use to work in a bakery. From traditional the traditional apple pie to the extra sweet caramel apple pie, the variety of apple pies were always a hit.

The history of apple pie may surprise you. Apple pies actually date back to the time of Chaucer in the 14th century. The pie had unique ingredients including, good apples, spices, figs, raisins and pears, cofryn as a crust type layer with saffron to add coloring to the mixture.

Today’s apple pies are completely different with Dutch Apple, Dutch Apple Pie Cheesecake, Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie, and more. Personally, I like the traditional apple pie especially when the piece of pie is still warm. Add vanilla ice cream as a topping, I am completely satisfied.

Regardless of the type, the main ingredient remains the same: good apples. Depending on the availability, I usually use Granny Smith or Honey Crisp.  But I know other people prefer to use Empires.

So tell me what type of apple pie do you prefer?

 

Happy Apple Pie Day!

Until next time….peace

 

Reference:

Apple Pie. (2017). Retrieved from: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apple_pie

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