Tuesday, December 15, 2020

December 15 - National Cupcake Day

 

Happy National Cupcake Day! Each year, December 15 also recognizes this petite pastry. 

The cupcake was originally known as the 1-2-3-4 cake because the recipe called for 1 cup of butter, 2 cups of sugar, 3 cups of flour, 4 eggs, and also 1 cup of milk, and 1 spoonful of baking soda. 


Even the word "cupcake" sounds like a miniature celebration. They’ve been known by other phrases that make us put our hands together in glee as well!  


For example:

 

  • • Fairy Cakes 

    • Patty Cakes 
  • • Cup Cakes (different from Cupcakes (one-word) 

Someone must have wanted to surprise a loved one with a sweet, single-serving treat when they invented the cupcake. One of the first recipes for a cupcake can be traced back to 1796! 


A recipe notation for a cake to be baked in small cups was written in American Cookery by American writer Amelia Simmons. (Don’t you ever wonder if she made them for her children or grandchildren?). 


The earliest known documentation of the term cupcake shows up in 1828 in Seventy-five Receipts for Pastry, Cakes, and Sweetmeats. The cookbook was by American author Eliza Leslie. (Maybe she just liked individual servings).  


Bakers originally baked cupcakes in heavy pottery cups. Today, some bakers still use individual ramekins, small coffee mugs, larger teacups, or other small ovenproof pottery-type dishes for baking their cupcakes. They do make a beautiful presentation for these miniature cakes.  


Today, cupcakes are an artform. Bakers create elaborate decorations and displays utilizing a variety of ingredients. 


Whether they’re the centerpiece of a wedding, birthday, or anniversary cupcakes satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth. 


Colorful and fun, these single-serving delights offer a pleasing option when planning any celebration. The single-serve cake makes it convenient for serving and sharing. 


Today there are a variety of recipes and just as many flavors to choose from. 


HOW TO OBSERVE 


When it comes to celebrating National Cupcake Day, you are only limited by your imagination. 


For the bakers out there, it is time to make a batch of your favorite cupcakes. Some other bakers may want to step out of their routine and bake something new. 


Have you been hankering to spice up your cupcakes a bit? Sometimes we need an explosion of flavor or a little extra sparkle in our baking.  


Since cupcakes are such a simple recipe, it is also an excellent time to invite the kids into the kitchen. They will love mixing and decorating their individual cakes. That’s what’s so special about a cupcake.  


Another great way to celebrate National Cupcake Day is sending a shout out to your local bakery. They will be baking up batches of colorful and flavorful cupcakes!  


Be sure to stop in and pick up a dozen to share. Let them know how much you appreciate them, too. 


While you’re baking or shopping, be sure to share your favorite cupcake flavors. There are just so many to choose from!  


If you’re looking for recipes, we have a couple of delicious ones for you to try, too. 


Don’t forget to take a picture and share it on social media as well! 



Use #NationalCupcakeDay to post on social media. 


HISTORY 


National Day Calendar® continues researching the origins of this deliciously tasty food holiday. 
 

What is your favorite flavor of cupcake? 


#NationalCupcakeDay 

@cupcakesandcashmere 

@SallysBakeBlog 

@nichecinema 

December 15 - National Wear Your Pearls Day

 

Happy National Wear Your Pearls Day! On December 15, this day reminds us that when life throws dirt our way, we all have value in the end. 


The beautiful result of nature’s design, one irritating grain of sand can cause an iridescent pearl to form.   


Just as pearls come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, so do people and the kinds of trials thrown into their lives.  


We create our own beauty from the tragedies of our lives but often do not see it.  We devalue ourselves and as a result, lose motivation to be a part of life.  


Like pearls, we develop a process to protect ourselves from further damage, layer by layer becoming stronger and more resourceful. Recognizing the collective value of our strengths is like wearing our pearls. 


HOW TO OBSERVE 


When life throws dirt your way, put on your pearls as a reminder that you have value regardless of your current circumstances.  


Use #NationalWearYourPearlsDay to share on social media and on December 15 wear your pearls. 


HISTORY 

Best-selling African-American author and motivational speaker, DeAnna Bookert, MBA, founded National Wear Your Pearls Day. 

This was because she felt that pearls represented the story of her life and how she struggled with depression. “I wear pearls as a reminder that I have purpose and value.”   

 
In 2015, the Registrar at National Day Calendar® approved the observance. Its inaugural year is December 2016. 


If you are a woman, how can you wear your pearls today? 


#NationalWearYourPearlsDay 

@TheBookertAgency 

@nichecinema