This week, I want to talk about food.
Dr. Christopher Wilkinson, a professor of Music History at West Virginia University, gave a guest lecture to the Sociology of Jazz honors seminar on the history of jazz in West Virginia. Someone asked him why musicians were so concerned with payment for music. He answered that all musicians have an addiction: food. (I have also heard that preachers love fried chicken, but that’s another bird for another nest.)
I find great enjoyment in BrownieLocks.com, a website that has a list of all the monthly, weekly and daily legitimate holidays. These are totally verified! Here is a list of food celebrations for February.
Avocado and Banana Month – I tried the whole avocado thing, and it didn’t do anything for me. I found it to be the most bland, disgusting thing in the world, especially compared to “delicious, delectable, DELIGHTFUL (Upside-Down Show)” bananas. I really couldn’t care less that Gwen Stefani taught people to spell “banana.” I just think the fruit is delicious and would like to eat one right about now.
Bake for Family Fun Month – This celebration is one I can jump into with no reservations. I love baking. I love family. Two things I love? Recipe for good memories and happy tummies!
Beans (Dried and Fruit) Month – “Beans, beans, the musical fruit. The more you eat the more you… [We all know this, right?]… Beans, beans, they’re good for your heart! The more you eat the more you… [Get the picture yet?]” Beans are really high in folic acid, which is great if you’re looking to get healthy hair and nails.
Exotic Vegetables and Star Fruit Month – Is anyone else trying to figure out what exotic vegetables are? I have never heard of any of these. Have you tried any of these exotic fruits? I’ve seen Star Fruit in the store, and I don’t think I’ve ever eaten them, but I bet they have a lot in New York City and Los Angeles.
Fabulous Florida Strawberries Month – FLORIDA HAS STRAWBERRIES? Where do they grow these things? I am still trying to figure out where we grow enough strawberries around Buckhannon to have our annual Strawberry Festival. Maybe I’ll ask somebody if I get the chance to go this year! By the way, check out The Pharos for an easy, residence-hall friendly recipe for Chocolate Covered Strawberries.
National Cherry Month – “If you can tie a cherry stem in a knot with your tongue, you’re a good kisser.” That’s what they say, and I’m betting that’s why February is also known as National Cherry Month. Darn you, crazy conspiracy / rumor thing.
National Hot Breakfast Month – Is this in reference to food or our campus cuties? Either way, I’ll celebrate that!
Sweet Potato Month – Red sweet potatoes, white sweet potatoes, it doesn’t matter because I love them all! If you wish to celebrate, there are many delicious recipes on Pinterest, including this baked sweet potato recipe that has been a favorite around my house this past week.
JELL-O Week – I never really got into eating Jell-O. I preferred playing with it and watching it jiggle. But that’s just me!
National Pancake Week – Who can’t jump on board with pancakes? Everyone loves pancakes. And they decided to devote an entire week to them!
National Date (fruit) Week – This brings a whole new meaning to going on a date….
Bubble Gum Day (1) – Am I the only person that turned gum into high school’s bad lunch days? I hope not.
Ice Cream for Breakfast Day (2) – Anyone have any questions? Didn’t think so. We’ll have a Sundae party next year, and, oh, how funny to have a sundae party on a SUNDAY! That’s rich…like chocolate syrup! I’ll just stop now before I get too weird.
World Nutella Day (5) – I hear so much about Nutella. It’s a hazelnut spread with a hint of cocoa, and it sounds awesome. No wonder people complain about eating too much of it in one sitting! Celebrate on!
Girl Scout Cookie Day (8) – Thin mints, yeah, I’ll take just a box, or ten. Samoas, yeah, I’ll take Samoa those. You get it! What is your favorite Girl Scout cookie?
Pancake Day/Fat Tuesday (12) – I don’t understand Fat Tuesday, but I could get fat on pancakes!
National Gum Drop Day (15) – Gum drops? I want to play Candy Land now.
Chocolate Mint Day (19) – There is nothing wrong with chocolate, mints or the glorious combination of the two. Did you know that Extra makes a Chocolate Mint Ice Cream flavored gum? Yeah. It’s a part of their “I Won’t Get Diabetes from Chewing a Piece of Gum That Tastes Like What I Really Want to be Eating” collection.
National Margarita Day (22) – And my first thought, “If you like Pina Coladas, and gettin’ caught in the rain…” and that’s all of the song I know, mostly from that crazy CD commercial from the early 2000s that came on all the time.
National Personal Chef’s Day (26) – I’m game for a personal chef. What about you guys? Especially for those guys who want Stepford Wives.
National Chili Day (28) – I will gladly celebrate Chili Day. It’s an excuse to eat chili. Isn’t that one of our basic rights as human beings – life, liberty and the pursuit of chili? If chili equals happiness, then yes.
After all of this, I’ll bet you’re hungry now. Did this work? Comment below and tell us which February holiday you’re awaiting!