Food Holidays for the week of 29 December

As we transition from 2014  to 2015 this week; the food holidays reflect this move as well as a few sweet and savory holidays:

December 29: Pepper Pot Day

December 30: National Bicarbonate of Soda Day

December 31: National Champagne Day

January 1: Bloody Mary Day

January 1: Apple Gifting Day

January 2: National Cream Puff Day

January 3: Chocolate-Filled Cherry Day

January 4: National Spaghetti Day

I was surprised to see Bicarbonate of Soda, a/k/a Baking Soda on the list of  food holidays. I know baking soda as a multiple purpose product for whitening teeth, keeping refrigerators clean smelling, settling an upset stomach,  and an enhancer to cleaning products (e.g. washing powder).  I've used baking soda as called for in recipes, but thought I should learn more about this product. According to the Joy of cooking, Bicarbonate of Soda  when used aloe has no leavening properties. When used in combination with some acid ingredients such as sour milk or molasses it gives one of the tenderest crumbs. Just in case you run our of baking powder , mix for each teaspoon of baking powder called for in the recipe- 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar, 1/3 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda, and 1/8 teaspoon salt.  Don't try to keep this mixture as it is reported to have poor keeping qualities.  I suppose that's more than enough reasons  to celebrate Bicarbonate of Soda.

Many thanks to  Food Stories for cataloging the food holidays.

Which holidays will you celebrate? Which holidays are a surprise to you? Share your comments below. Have a great week!

Be well,

Technicolor girl

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