Hot Takes & Food Dates

Celebrated: January 9 A French Classic Worth the Wait Cassoulet is the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug on a cold winter day. Rich in flavor and steeped in tradition, this hearty French casserole is made with white beans, slow-cooked meats (like duck confit, sausage, and pork), and aromatic herbs. It’s comforting, filling, and a true example of rustic French cuisine. The name “cassoulet” comes from the cassole, a deep earthenware pot in which the dish is traditionally cooked. Its root

Celebrated: January 1 Why This Day Exists National Hangover Day lands on January 1—unsurprisingly, the morning after New Year’s Eve. While it’s not federally recognized, this unofficial holiday was made “official” in 2015 when Keegan Calligar and Marlo Anderson (of the National Day Calendar) proposed it as a nod to how many Americans feel the day after ringing in the New Year. It also saw a boost in popularity thanks to the DVD release of The Hangover movie in 2009. Fun Facts About National

Celebrated: January 5 A Fluffy Favorite with a Rich History Whipped cream has been elevating desserts and drinks for centuries. While we now enjoy it from cans, cartons, or mixing bowls, this sweet, cloud-like topping has humble (and hands-on) origins. Earliest recipes appear in Italy in the mid-1500s, where it was dubbed “neve di latte” (milk snow). The term “whipped cream” emerged in 17th-century England, when people beat heavy cream with bundles of willow branches—no stand mixers in sight

Celebrated: January 3 Sweet Origins of a Classic Combo Chocolate-covered cherries have been delighting taste buds for over a century. They first gained popularity in Europe, but it was in the early 1900s that American candy makers—like Cella’s and Queen Anne—perfected the modern version. These confections typically contain whole cherries surrounded by a sweet liqueur or syrup, enrobed in milk or dark chocolate. The day celebrates the harmony of fruit and chocolate, reminding us that some pai

Celebrated: January 2 A Brief History of the Buffet The concept of the buffet traces back to 16th-century Sweden with the brännvinsbord, a table offering small bites alongside schnapps before the main meal. This evolved into the smörgåsbord, which gained international attention at the 1939 New York World's Fair. The idea captivated American diners, leading to the proliferation of all-you-can-eat buffets across the country, especially in places like Las Vegas. Fun Facts About Buffets * Var