November is undoubtedly the best Fall month. You may ask why November and not October is known for all of its Fall festivities. Many leaves start falling by November, the air gets a more definite chill, and the pumpkins are thinning out. However, we are in the twilight of Fall. The sun is lower on the horizon, casting a beautiful kaleidoscope of colors—yes, it is still November.
November Cool and Chill
There is no doubt that November steps up to the plate when it comes to a chill in the air, but many wonderful activities also make November the best Fall month. It is time to snuggle up by a fire and break out the comfort food and everything you find at Tall Pines Inn. Thanksgiving is known for its plethora of delicious dishes, so it’s no surprise that November is full of food-related holidays. However, there is much more comfort to be had during the month aside from the Turkey Dinner. Check out these little-known celebrated foods during November. They are as yummy as they are delicious and comforting.
National Calzone Day
That’s right November 1 is National Calzone Day! Did you know the Italian word “calzone” translates to “trouser legs” in English? That’s a fun way to think about it, especially since a calzone is like a pizza pocket! While eating one on the go might be tricky, that’s part of the adventure. These tasty treats are bursting with a wonderful mix of cheeses, meats, vegetables, and sauces that create an amazing flavor experience. The dough is typically made of Italian spices and lightly lifted with garlic and butter. Homemade tomato or garlic sauces seasoned with Italian herbs and spices bring life and old-world charm to your meal.
Imagine the tantalizing aroma as mozzarella, provolone, or parmesan melts together with delicious fillings like sausage or spinach. It’s no wonder your mouth waters at the thought of a calzone! This translation may explain the purpose of calzone, which is essentially a pizza hand pie. However, carrying out the task of eating a calzone while walking on two legs is improbable. They overflow with cheeses, meat, vegetables, and sauces, each contributing to a rich and exciting flavor profile! Calzone dough is infused with garlic and butter to add flavor. Sauces made from scratch with Italian herbs and spices lend that old-world flair to every calzone recipe. When the mozzarella, provolone, or parmesan melts into the sausage, spinach, or whatever choice of ingredients, aromas fill the air. No wonder our mouths begin watering, and just another reason for making November the best Fall month.
National Sandwich Day
A fun one, November 3rd is National Sandwich Day! John Montagu, 4th Earl of Sandwich, is honored as the sandwich’s inventor. He proclaimed himself the inventor; however, no matter the creator, the sandwich remains extraordinarily popular and celebrated every day.
Today’s sandwich, often credited to John Montagu, the 4th Earl of Sandwich, has an interesting albeit disputed origin. According to a contemporary travel book titled “Tour to London” by Pierre Jean Grosley, a popular myth brings to light that Lord Sandwich’s gambling habit spurred on his need to come up with a speedy light meal. The story goes that the passionate gambler, Lord Sandwich, often skipped a full meal during his long hours at the card table. When hunger struck, he would instruct his servants to bring him two slices of bread with various types of meat between the bread. This habit soon became known in gambling circles as the sandwich and led to the creation of the sandwich as we know it today.
National Nachos Day
Nation Nachos Day is celebrated every year on November 6th. It seems odd to elect Nachos as a food that makes November the best Fall month, but why not? The history of Nacho Day tells the story of Ignacio “Nacho” Anaya, who created the original nachos in 1943.
According to his son, Nacho, the maître d’ at the El Moderno Restaurant in Piedras Negras, a group of U.S. Army wives stationed at Fort Duncan in Eagle Pass visited the restaurant one evening after the kitchen staff had left and hungry for a snack after a long day of shopping they were willing to accept what the kitchen could offer. Anaya prepared some simple tostadas cut into triangles. Feeling adventurous, he topped them with cheese and jalapeno pepper, then warmed the dish in the oven. An instant sensation, the Army wives immediately named their new luncheon delight “Nacho’s Special” before he could even make another batch.
Word of the new creation quickly traveled, and people from all corners tried them and instantly loved them. Over time, the name was altered to be suitable for the dish. Eventually, without a doubt, the popularity of the Nacho dish moved swiftly throughout Texas and the Southwest. It has gained millions of fans across America.
Nachos Today
Today, we love our nachos so much that we top them with any ingredient that strikes our fancy. Our nachos may have an abundance of toppings, and we call them loaded nachos, super nachos, or nachos supreme. This luscious dish has become more than a snack or appetizer; it is served with extra ingredients and has become a full meal. The ingredients have expanded to include beef, chicken, and seafood, including all the seasoning that makes it sumptuous. This snack turned meal will satisfy any appetite. Whether you’re a vegan, full-on carnivore, or somewhere between, there’s a nachos recipe for you.
National Gingerbread Cookie Day
National Gingerbread Cookie Day is November 21st, and it beckons us to the kitchen, where the early merriments of Christmas begin. It’s time to dig out the rolling pin and those little gingerbread cookie cutters. Now is the time to enjoy the kitchen toasty warm and filled with the delightful smell of Christmas spices. Time to grab the “Colors of Christmas” frosting and those little sprinkly things and create a new season of memories!
Do you need a few suggestions on celebrating National Gingerbread Cookie Day? No celebration is complete without friends, so call the loved ones and get the hot cocoa out. Children always bring enjoyment to decorating and are our way of passing along our family traditions. Once those cookies show off their confectionery, it’s time to read. Make the story of the gingerbread man part of your family tradition.
Remember, Gingerbread and the holidays go hand in glove. If cookies aren’t your thing, you can always gather the family around the table and create a grand Gingerbread house. Remember to photograph your work! Chances are year to year, your cookie mansion will look different every year – that’s the magic.
National Cranberry Relish Day
A Thanksgiving table not adorned with this holiday staple would not be appropriately dressed. It may seem odd to have a national day giving a nod to something so inconspicuous, but like this beautiful little dish or not, it is the grace of National Cranberry Relish Day each year on November 22nd. Be mindful that you do not have to grab a can opener, scoop out the cheapest tasteless mound of red mush, and throw it in a bowl, even if it is leaded crystal. If you wish to wow your guests into loving cranberry relish, there are tasty recipes to play and fall in love with!
Each Thanksgiving, Susan Stamberg, an NPR radio announcer, shares her mother-in-law’s cranberry relish. What makes this sauce unusual is the horseradish, which is known as Mama Stamberg’s Cranberry Relish. The recipe that originally hit the airwaves in 1959, is available for you to give a whirl today. Cranberry is one of those ingredients that graciously accepts a variety of other components and will still taste amazing.
Check out the creative recipes that can be transformed by the addition of this yummy relish.