June 16 is National Fudge Day

The month of June is National Candy Month and Fudge is the perfect candy to celebrate. Therefore, June 16th has been set aside as National Fudge Day! 

Fudge Candy

Chocolate fudge candy is an American original, thought to have first been introduced in the late 1800s.  The story of the recipe was found in a letter written by Emelyn Battersby Hartridge, a Vassar College student, who wrote about a candy recipe she received from a schoolmate's cousin in Baltimore. Emerlyn, along with a group of Vassar girls, used the recipe to make the fudge to sell at the  Vassar College Senior Auction. It was popular there for many years.  

Later, shopkeepers on Mackinac Island in Michigan made their version of fudge for summer visitors and it is still produced in some of the original shops on Mackinac Island to this day.

What is Fudge?

Fudge is a soft candy.  Most fudge is prepared with sugar, butter, milk and your favorite flavor (such as chocolate... yum). Some recipes use water instead of milk or cream and some types of fudge are made using white corn syrup.

My Favorite Fudge Recipe

 

Scanned page from my Candy Cookbook

My favorite fudge recipe is called Fudge Drops Supreme.  It comes from a 1958 publication by the editors of Good Housekeeping Magazine.  As a young cook, I collected the series of cook 'booklets' that were published then, each on a different food group. From the 'Candy Booklet' came the fudge recipe I've used exclusively for my fudge-making, as I love it best of all fudge I've had. I ALWAYS make this recipe at Christmastime and often use it for gifts to friends and family who (also) love fudge best of all candies. I think it's the 'cocoa' and 'butter' that makes it taste so good!  Since it is hard to read the recipe in the small image of the scanned cookbook, I have written the recipe out below:

Fudge Drops Supreme Recipe

(Makes 3-1/2 dozen)

Ingredients:

• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 6 tablespoons cocoa
• 3/4 cup cold water
• 1/2 cup butter (or margarine, but I think butter tastes best)
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup chopped toasted almonds (or nut of your choice - I like walnuts best in my fudge)

Instructions:

In 2-qt. saucepan, combine the sugar, cocoa and water.  Over low heat, bring mixture to boil, stirring constantly, until sugar is dissolved.  If using candy thermometer, set in place.  Add the butter; cook to 234 degrees F, or until a little mixture in cold water forms soft ball.  Remove from heat; cool to 130 degrees F, or until outside of saucepan feels lukewarm to hand.  Add vanilla extract and nuts.  Beat until creamy.  Drop by teaspoonfuls onto waxed paper.  

*Author Note:  Actually, I don't make this fudge recipe into 'drops'. Instead, I pour the finished fudge into a square 8 x 8 inch pan and cut it up as most fudge recipes are done.  Takes less time than the 'drop' method .... and tastes just as good! But the 'drops' are fun for kids to help with.

 

Kinds of Fudge

 

Chocolate fudge has become a favorite, but there are other types too, depending upon what flavoring you add to the recipe.  There's chocolate chip fudge, marshmallow fluff fudge, fudge with fruit such as cranberries or orange, nutty fudge, peppermint fudge, butterscotch fudge,  chocolate nut, peanut butter, maple and maple nut, and many, many more. You could add just about any flavoring you desire to a basic fudge recipe.

Cynthia Sylvestermouse shares her mom's favorite fudge recipe - Peanut Butter Fudge.

 

More Fudge Candy Days

 

There are several other Fudge Days, such as Nutty Fudge Day on May 12 and Peanut Butter Fudge Day on November 20. There are also many chocolate candy and other candy days throughout the year.  Read a fun list of candy days you can celebrate at June is National Candy Month.

 

Fudge Day

Celebrate Fudge Day on June 16 - and anytime you wish all year long - with a piece (or a pound) of this delicious confectionery, a popular favorite among candy lovers.

(c) Wednesday Elf - June 2016

Valley Fudge Chocolate Walnut Fudge Half PoundCheck PriceValley Fudge, Maple Walnut FudgeCheck PriceAssorted Fudge, 1 PoundCheck PriceValley Fudge, Rocky Road Chocolate FudgeCheck Price

 

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.”

National Fish & Chips Day

"Fish & Chips" Day is celebrated each year on the first Friday in June. 

The history of this holiday comes from Great Britain.  In the late 1800s, trawl fishing became a major part of the industry in the North Sea, making fresh fish available all over, including inland and within the cities. It became known as a meal of the working class, because being 'easily available' meant 'cheaper'.  And being a high caloric meal meant it was filling for the  workers who held physically demanding jobs.

Today fish & chips is popular all over, including in Canada where it is frequently sold from ‘Chip Wagons’, and throughout the USA.

Fish & Chips …. without Chips?

 

Source: Pixabay

I recently went out to lunch with a friend. I ordered fish & chips and the waitress rattled off a long list of 'sides' of which I heard almost none (she talked too fast and not understandably so). Therefore, I just said 'coleslaw', which was the only word I actually heard and a dish I enjoy with fish.

When my order came, the plate had fish and coleslaw and NO French fries (chips). I said 'where's the 'chips' and she said, well that was included in your choice of a 'side' and you said 'coleslaw'.  What?! Wouldn't you assume that if you ordered a menu item that stated 'fish & chips', you'd get the French fries with it and the coleslaw or other choice would be the side?

The waitress ended up bringing me a plate of 'free' French fries for the misunderstanding, but I think she entirely missed the point. One doesn't order 'fish & chips' and get only 'fish'. Huh! :-)

Celebrate Fish and Chip Day

So, as you can see, a good way to celebrate this day is naturally by having a platter of fish & chips - order some up from your favorite restaurant (or 'Chipper' in England) or make it yourself at home. Serve with some tarter sauce (popular in America) or with a bit of mayonnaise (in Canada). 


Fish N Chips-MovieCheck Price
After enjoying your dinner, finish up your evening with your children by viewing  this cute animated movie called (what else) Fish & Chips!  An adventure of a young fish named "fish" and his nemesis "Chips" a cat. The two tear across land and sea and face off for the love of the same catfish and bones of fish's ancestor.  Their hilarious adventures are sure to have both children and adults laughing. 

 (c) Wednesday Elf

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.”

June is National Candy Month

A Collection of Candies and 'Candy Days'

 

Sweet-tasting treats we call Candy have been around for thousands of years. Early man first discovered how great sweets tasted when he began digging honey out of bee hives.

Various types of actual 'candy' were found in the recorded history of the Egyptians 3500 years ago. In the 17th century, boiled candies became popular. 

Homemade hard candies, like peppermints and lemon drops became a favorite in America in the 1800s, as sugar-beet juice and the advancement of mechanical appliances made sweet-making into an industry! And we haven't even started on how much chocolate and gum makes us candy-lovers happy. :)

Origin of National Candy Month

After doing a long search through many types and sources of Candy, all we know for sure is that JUNE is National Candy Month. No one appears to have given a reason for either the national celebration or why June was chosen as 'candy' month, so we will simply 'enjoy' and 'indulge our sweet tooth' throughout June. :)

Candies Associated with Holidays

 

1960s Holiday Retro Candy Gift Box

These 'sweet snacks' called Candy are especially popular around certain special events throughout the year and have become integrated in celebrations and holidays.

Halloween, Christmas, Easter and Valentine's Day are the biggest candy selling days . . in that order.

We Love Candy!

We all know certain candies are associated with particular holidays, but, did you know that there are many, many other days throughout the year that celebrate the sweetness we call candy in one form or another, with ‘chocolate’ being the #1 term used? Let’s check out a few of those chocolate ones.

 

 Chocolate Candy Holiday Celebrations

Chocolate Poster by CarriesCamera
 

• January 3rd - National Chocolate Covered Cherry Day
• February 19 - Chocolate Mint Day
• The 3rd Week of March is 'American Chocolate Week'.
• March 19 - National Chocolate Caramel Day
• March 24 - National Chocolate-Covered Raisin Day
• April 21 - National Chocolate-Covered Cashews Day
• May 12 - National Nutty Fudge Day
• June 16 - FUDGE Day!
• July 7 - CHOCOLATE DAY!
• July 28 - National Milk Chocolate Day
• September 13 - International Chocolate Day
• September 22 - National White Chocolate Day

For 'whatever' reason, there appears to be several 'Days' devoted to the celebration of CHOCOLATE (and, why not... :). National Chocolate Day is on a Candy Holidays list for October 28th, December 28th and December 29th. Perhaps these days are set aside to finish up those chocolate treats from Halloween and Christmas! :-)

• November 7 - National Bittersweet Chocolate with Almonds Day
• And (Finally... and rightly so).... December 16 - National Chocolate-Covered Anything Day!

Candy Man

 

Listen to 'The Candyman... While you Check out these Candy Holidays

A Collection of Candies and 'Candy Days'

The various types of candy are too numerous to list in one article. They include everything from Candy Bars to Lollipops to candies associated with particular holidays. I've included just a few here, but they all taste delicious! And...as you can see... your 'candy' days don't have to be limited just to June!

• February 14 - Valentine's Day
• April 22 - Jelly Bean Day
• May 23 - National Taffy Day
• July 20 - National Lollipop Day

• October is National Caramel Month

• October 30 - Candy Corn Day
• October 31 - Candy Apple Day
• December 26 - Candy Cane Day

A Bit of Trivia for National Candy Month

  

Candy is easily made by melting sugar in water. The candy type depends on the temperature at which it is heated. Hot temperatures result in hard candy; medium temperatures make soft candy and low temperature result in chewy candy.  Fun to remember this when making (or eating) your next batch of fudge or peanut brittle or chocolate bon-bons. 

© 2012 Wednesday-Elf  (originally written on another site). Updated on 7/7/2023

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.”

National Taffy Day

National Taffy Day, always  held on May 23, has no known origin and is considered an 'unofficial' (though tasty) holiday. 

 

Salt Water Taffy

 

Salt Water Taffy on Amazon

Salt water taffy was “invented” in Atlantic City in 1883. It has become a beach-side tradition since it first appeared, quickly becoming a favorite tourist souvenir.  Taffy has also become popular in the Midwest at county fairs and at some theme parks.  

Taffy is a variation of soft toffee*  At first, it was unflavored, then later molasses and vanilla were added as flavorings.  Today's taffy can be found in flavors from banana to chocolate and coffee, and lemon and mint to hot chile.  When the fancy flavors were added, the taffy was also colored to match the flavor.  The three most popular flavors are  peppermint, cinnamon and chocolate.

Salt water taffy is made with sugar, cornstarch, corn syrup, glycerine, water, butter, salt, flavoring and food color.  Taffy actually contains NO salt water (seawater). However, it does contain both salt and water.   In modern recipes, corn syrup may be added to prevent crystallization. 

The taffy is stretched or pulled for 20 minutes or so and rolled into ropes, then, cut into pieces no longer than two inches and wrapped in wax paper to keep it soft.


*Toffee is a candy that originated in the United Kingdom and is made by caramelizing sugar or molasses)

Grandma's Taffy Recipe*

 

"A quick and easy recipe for any flavor of taffy"

Prep:  5 m ~ Cook:  15 m ~ Ready In: 20 m - Makes 40 servings (63 cal)

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Ingredients

• 2 cups sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup corn syrup
• 1-1/2 cups water
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• tablespoon orange, or other flavored extract
• 8 drops any color food coloring 

Directions

In a large saucepan, stir together the sugar and cornstarch. Add the butter, salt, corn syrup and water; mix well. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring to mix in butter. Heat to 275 degrees F (134 degrees C), or until a small amount of syrup dropped from a spoon forms hard but pliable threads.

Remove from heat, and stir in the vanilla, flavored extract and food coloring. Pour into a greased 8x8 inch baking dish. When cooled enough to handle, remove candy from the pan, and pull until it loses its shine and becomes stiff. Pull into ropes, and use scissors to cut into 1 inch pieces. Wrap each piece in waxed paper.

*Grandma's Taffy Recipe can be found on AllRecipes.com 

Laffy Taffy

 

Source: Amazon

In the 1970s,  a brand of taffy called Laffy Taffy was manufactured.  Made by Nestlé, it's sold under the Willy Wonka Candy Company brand.

Laffy Taffy is a type of taffy that comes in many fruit flavors. Laffy Taffy also comes with jokes, sent in by kids, written on the wrapper.

National Taffy Day

So, on May 23, come celebrate this day with a Taffy Treat. And for a list of more 'candy days' throughout the year, visit June is National Candy Month.




(c) Article by Wednesday Elf







Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.”

National Police Week

Honoring Our Police During National Police Week

 

Police Badge - (Source: CC 2.0 Scott Davidson on Flickr)

I grew up with a strong sense of pride in and admiration for the work law enforcement officers do to protect us and our communities. My uncle was a New York State Policeman and my father was the Chief Store Detective for a large department store. Living an honest life and appreciating the dedication & commitment police men and women bring to their job to keep us safe has always been a part of who I am.

This came full circle in 2003 when our son attended the Police Academy while staying with us. Learning first hand each night over dinner what goes into the training of a police officer and the values set forth by the police department made me prouder than ever, not just of my son, but of all law enforcement officers everywhere.

This page is dedicated to our police officers in all branches of Law Enforcement, and recognizes them particularly during National Police Week each May.

National Police Week in 2020

May 10-16, 2020

The Week includes Peace Officer Memorial Day (May 15th).

Origin of National Police Week - And Peace Officer Memorial Day

 

Police Week Greeting Card 3 by mannybell
Design unique personalized note cards from zazzle.com.

President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation in 1962 which designated May 15th as 'Peace Officers Memorial Day' and the week in which that date falls as National Police Week.

The Police Patrol in Various Ways. . .

 

TRAFFIC COP

 

Source: James Russo-Flickr

BY POLICE CAR

 

Source: Wikimedia Commons

 ON HORSEBACK

Source: Alan Kotok-Flickr

MOTORCYCLE OFFICER

 

Source: C. Kelly Roberts-Flickr

Note: Photographer C.K. Roberts states: "To get this shot, I laid on the ground and asked the officer to drive by me. He drove by me faster and faster, closer and closer, until I got this photograph."

POLICE ON BICYCLES

Source: Elvert Barnes-Flickr

National Law Enforcement Memorial

A Candlelight Vigil is traditionally held on May 13th, regardless of the day of the week on which it falls. National Peace Officers Memorial Day Service, hosted by the Fraternal Order of Police and the Fraternal Order of Police Auxiliary is always held on May 15th in honor of our Fallen Officers.



Get involved with the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund by hosting an event to raise funds for the Memorial Fund and the National Law Enforcement Museum.

It is a simple way to help promote the work of the Memorial and Museum and provide funding for either Memorial programs or the Museum capital campaign, "A Matter of Honor."

National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund

The Memorial Fund conducts a variety of programs and events each year to honor those law enforcement officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice and to increase public support for the law enforcement profession.

Events to raise funds for the Memorial Fund and the National Law Enforcement Museum often include:

•     Walks or Runs
•     Bike Race
•     Golf Tournament
•     Local Raffle
•     Concert

They also team up with numerous sporting events, such as Major League Baseball games, to hold 'Appreciation Events' to raise awareness and honor America's Law Enforcement Officers.

The Law Enforcement Appreciation Events for 2020 

The crisis that our nation and the world is currently facing has resulted in the cancellation of public gatherings in Washington, DC, during National Police Week 2020, but the National Law Enforcement Memorial and Museum wants you to know that National Police Week continues to be the dedicated time on the calendar to honor, remember, and celebrate American Law Enforcement. 

*Here in my community this week in 2020 there are signs at City Hall and other places celebrating our local law enforcement personnel. We are grateful for their presence every day, but especially so during this health crisis. Thank you to all our First Responders. 

Badge of Honor - Police Badge

 

Source: Wikipedia

 

A police badge is a symbol of authority granted by taking an oath and it contains the insignia of the organization it represents.

In the United States, police badges are usually made of metal in various colors and finishes and are worn above the left chest pocket on the uniform shirt or jacket.

Blue Mass - National Police Week

 

Honoring those who have given their lives in the line of duty.

Source: Flickr

National Police Wives Association

This is a charitable organization dedicated to supporting law enforcement spouses Created with the goal of helping police spouses and family members face the daily struggles of being in a law enforcement relationship.

• Click here to learn more about the National Police Wives Association 

 

A Police Officer and his Family

 

Police Academy Graduation - Swearing in Ceremony (personal photo)

It was a proud moment when our son completed the Police Academy and was sworn in as a police officer.

Proud Parents of a brand new police officer

Our Dad is now a Police Officer!

Policeman Dad (our son with his sons after graduating from the Police Academy in Savannah, Georgia.



Article originally written on another site. © 2012 Wednesday-Elf

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.”

Hugs to Australians ... It's Their Day!

April 26th is 'Hug an Australian Day'

 

Source: Pixabay

I just discovered that April 26th is "Hug an Australian Day". Since we almost immigrated to Australia in the 1970s and had some Australian friends who were helping us prepare, 'Hug an Australian Day' is the perfect time for me to say thank you to them and all the Australians we've met over the years.

Origin of "Hug An Australian Day"

 

Map Of Australia Postcard by teyes143

 
An Annual Holiday for our Aussie Friends

'Hug an Australian Day' is an annual holiday created by Thomas & Ruth Roy, under the name of Wellcat Holidays & Herbs. Their origin stems from a desire to 'show our great appreciation for all the love and support the Aussies have given us over the years.' It's a great opportunity for us to do our part in improving international relations. And hugs benefit the receiver as well as the giver.

So, on April 26th (or anytime the opportunity presents itself) HUG an Australian!

Definition of 'HUG'

Hug means to clasp tightly in the arms, especially with affection; embrace. On April 26th, let's all 'embrace' our Australian friends!

Australia Travel Guide

Lonely Planet Discover Australia

While traveling around Australia looking for Australians to 'hug', you will find this full color country travel guide very handy. An easy way to keep all the essentials to get to the heart of Australia right at your fingertips ... the places to eat, sights, cultural information, maps, transport tips (and at least a few Aussies to hug) all together.

Australian Animals

Kangaroo

Kangaroo & Joey Poster Print

The kangaroo, native to Australia, has become the (unofficial) national symbol of Australia. It's likeness is used on the Australian Coat of Arms and on some of their coins. It also represents Qantas Airlines and the Royal Australian Air Force.

The kangaroo has become Australia's national image and is the one we all associate with this country.

 

The Koala

Koala Phascolarctos cinereus Queensland . Postcard by prophoto

This cute & cuddly looking Australian animal has been called a koala bear, but it is not a bear; it is a marsupial. It lives in the coastal regions of Australia and their main diet is leaves from the Eucalyptus tree.

Koalas sleep about 20 hours a day, due mainly to receiving very little energy from their diet. Their life span is between 13 and 18 years and they have very few predators.

The koala is very popular at Australian zoos and wildlife parks as it is at the top of the list of 'animals to see' when visiting Australia. It is also popular as souvenirs. It's appeal seems to come from its childlike body and teddy bear-like face and makes one wish to 'hug' this animal.

Australian Gifts

• The Koala and Kangaroo Gift Guide

Australian animals, the Koala and the Kangaroo, are very popular as gifts in many forms. 

 

My Crocheted Interpretation... of the Little Blue Fairy Penguin

 

Little Blue Fairy Penguin on Etsy

An extra-special hug to my online Aussie friend, Samantha Seegreen, for giving me such a great idea for an addition to my Etsy line of crocheted penguins with her story about the Little Blue Fairy Penguin. 

My crocheted interpretation of the Blue Penguin (native to Australia) can be found in my Etsy Shop "Coastal Crochet Crafts".

The Platypus

 

Duck Billed Platypus on Amazon

The platypus, found only in Eastern Australia and in Tasmania, is the animal emblem of New South Wales. The platypus is a very strange-looking animal with a bill like a duck, a tail like a beaver and feet like the otter. It is sometimes called a duck-billed platypus.

 

 

Happy 'Australia Day'

 

Source: Pixabay

January 26 is Australia Day, the official National Day of Australia celebrating the first settlement established in 1788. It's Australia's public holiday, filled with a multitude of activities. 

Australia Day is also another perfect time to 'hug' your favorite Australian and wish them well.

April 26 - Hug an Australian Day

 
Australia has so much to offer - from endless beaches to sophisticated cities to Outback adventures, along with the wonderful people in this fantastic country! No wonder they have a "Hug an Australian Day".

Available on Amazon

Images of Australia...

Hugs to Photographer Jeff Drewitz of New South Wales. Jeff is an established landscape and wildlife photographer who presents Australia's natural beauty in all its stunning diversity in this collection of color images.

© 2012 Wednesday-Elf.  Updated 4/26/2021




Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.”