#strawberry shortbread

National Strawberries and Cream Day

Add the perfect mix of sweet and creamy to your celebrations this National Strawberries and Cream Day, which is held each year on May 21. Fresh strawberries and cream is a great treat to indulge in on a hot day. Plus, as these lovely red berries are in season in May, it is also National Strawberry Month.

History of National Strawberries and Cream Day

Strawberries have been traced back to the Roman Empire. Ancient Romans believed this fruit alleviated symptoms of melancholy, fainting, inflammation, fevers, throat infections, kidney stones, bad breath, attacks of gout, as well as diseases of the blood, liver, and spleen. However, food historians think the Greeks knew about strawberries even before this.

The fruit was also a symbol of wealth and luxury in Victorian England. As they were a perishable food, strawberries were only available in season, increasing their demand. After evolving into a luxury, they began to be served during afternoon tea among the wealthy.

History also tells the tale of how this fruit’s harvest and availability coincided with the Wimbledon tournaments, which is as much about strawberries and cream as it is about tennis. While we still don’t know exactly how this dessert became such an integral part of Wimbledon, some sources credit King George V as the one who introduced this delicious treat to the tennis tournament. Some believe the seasonality and popularity of these red berries played a part in it becoming Wimbledon’s snack of choice.

As for how this quintessentially British dish came to be, stories of its origin say Cardinal Thomas Wolsey, a close confidant to King Henry VIII, was the brains behind it. King Henry VIII’s court fed approximately 600 hungry lords and ladies twice a day. The chef there came up with the idea to pair sweet strawberries and clotted cream together in a dessert that did not require cooking, and voila, a delicious treat was born! Another version of this story says Cardinal Wolsey mixed these two ingredients at a royal banquet, and whatever the royals ate instantly became fashionable. It was even customary for newlyweds to eat strawberries and cream for their wedding breakfast!

National Strawberries and Cream Day timeline

1509 The First Time this Dish was Served

According to rumor, strawberries and cream are first served together by Cardinal Thomas Wolsey at a banquet during Henry VIII's reign.

1550 Its Popularity is Going Strong

Tudor traveler Andrew Boorde publishes an ode to this dish, saying, “Rawe crayme undecocted, eaten with strawberyes or hurtes (whortleberry, bilberry) is a rurall mannes blanket. I have knowen such blankettes hath put men in jeoperdy of theyr lyves.”

Late 18th century First Cultivated Garden Strawberry

What we now call the 'garden strawberry' is first cultivated in this period, in Brittany, France.

1877 Offered at the First Wimbledon Tournament

200 spectators at Wimbledon court are offered strawberries and cream.

2012 Tesco Launches a New Sandwich

British retail company Tesco launches a strawberry and clotted cream sandwich, made of slices of berries between two cream-layered pieces of white poppy seed bread, with a dollop of strawberry jam — this is no longer on the market.

National Strawberries and Cream Day FAQs

Is there a National Strawberry Day?

Each year, on February 27, America celebrates National Strawberry Day.

What months are strawberries in season?

As it is grown in varied locations around the world, strawberries are said to be in season from January to November.

Are strawberries hybrid?

A strawberry is actually a multiple fruit that is many tiny individual fruits embedded into one. Cultivated strawberries, which are hybrids of two parent species, can adapt to different weather and growth conditions.

What is National Strawberry Ice Cream Day?

National Strawberry Ice Cream Day is celebrated on January 15, to pay tribute to one of the choicest flavors of ice cream.

How To Celebrate National Strawberries and Cream Day

Make it, of course!

Read up on the history

Learn the different ways strawberries can be used

Cook a special strawberry and cream dessert your way. Eat it for breakfast, lunch, or even tea. If you want to mix things up further, you can add a little granola for texture, drizzle some chocolate sauce on top, flavor your whipped cream with amaretto liqueur, or even sprinkle some brown sugar on top. You can even channel your inner chef and create a trifle with alternating layers of strawberry, cream, and sweet pastry.

This day gives us a great chance to learn more about the strawberry and how this tempting treat came to be. Reading about the stories that (maybe) led to the creation of this dish, we see how cuisines from around the world can eliminate boundaries and borders.

Preserves! Jams! And much more … this one fruit can be turned into many versatile dishes to satisfy every sweet craving you ever had. Save some for celebrating National Strawberries and Cream Day, while the rest can be used in multiple different ways, as per your needs (or the demands of your taste buds).

5 Fun Facts About Strawberries

The only fruit with seeds on the outside

They herald the spring

They give your workout a little boost

They help your teeth look good too!

They are all over the world

A single strawberry has around 200 seeds, and each one has the genetic potential to become a new variety — that’s why breeders can develop so many varieties.

Strawberries ring in the spring season — in a way, they are the first fruit to ripen during this season.

Strawberries are rich in nitrates, and a study shows people who ate such foods before exercising burned 100 more calories than those who did not.

The fruity acids in these berries help remove stains, which can help whiten your teeth.

These berries are grown around the world and boast more than 600 variants.

Why We Love National Strawberries and Cream Day

Ode to the versatile fruit

This day promotes in-season eating

It makes us happy

We use this day as another excuse to worship this summer fruit. Refreshingly sweet (and sometimes a teeny bit tart), strawberries mixed with clotted and sour cream are a match made in heaven. We would happily celebrate every day as Strawberries and Cream Day if we could. Not only do they tickle our taste buds, but strawberries also bring us so many health benefits. From boosting immunity to increasing HDL (good cholesterol) and lowering blood pressure, strawberries provide us with an array of health benefits.

This day is celebrated in a month when these berries are in season, promoting sustainability and better consumer habits. Not only is in-season produce better for your health — a strawberry grown in May tastes much richer than one artificially ripened in another season — it also helps fulfill your body's needs as per the season's requirements. Plus, buying local is great for the environment, too. Think of how much fuel emissions you are reducing when you buy food that did not have to travel very far to get to you!

Popping these sweet and sometimes tart red fruits into our mouths is tantamount to a taste of happiness. Really! Strawberries are very rich in vitamin C, which is responsible for the production of endorphins in our brain, the hormone that makes you feel happy.

National Shortbread Day

Delicious buttery biscuits, perfect for any occasion, with a crumbly texture that melts in your mouth and a hint of sweetness.

There are very few foods in the world that can make a person think of Scotland quite so strongly as shortbread does. The only other close contender would be haggis–and that food tends to evoke rather mixed sentiments when mentioned to anyone outside of Scotland! Yeah, there are Scotch eggs too, but it seems an important reminder that while they are decidedly British in invention, it is somewhat harder to pin them particularly on Scotland.

Scotch whiskey is a beverage, after all, so it doesn’t really count when it comes to Scottish foods. While no Robert Burns Night observance would be complete without some shortbread, it seems that having a day dedicated to the making and eating of shortbread can’t really be a bad thing on its own.

After all, who doesn’t like shortbread? So now there are two different days where it is delightful (if not compulsory!) to enjoy shortbread. This is true, even though everyone knows that shortbread is good year round and no one really needs an excuse to make and enjoy shortbread on any day of the year!

Now it’s time to celebrate National Shortbread Day!

History of National Shortbread Day

For those who might be wondering about the history of shortbread itself, now is the time to learn a bit about it. As it turns out, shortbread has medieval origins and supposedly Mary, Queen of Scotland, invented modern shortbread in the 16th century by adding sugar to an existing recipe. Rumor has it that these were originally flavored with caraway seeds, but Queen Mary decided to sweeten it up a bit.

Of course, it can’t be verified whether or not that story is true, but it’s a fun idea to go along with. Honestly, that story sounds a bit like one of those popular myths such as George Washington’s cherry tree but, for all anyone knows, it could actually be based in fact.

What is known to be true is that Scotland has been inseparable from shortbread since the 18th century. After all, the first printed recipe for shortbread was published by one Mrs. McLintock back in 1736 and the association has stuck ever since.

While the mid-18th century was a critical period in Scottish history, even something as mundane as a recipe became a marker of national identity. Therefore, it is important to say that shortbread is delicious and is worthy of such an honor.

How to Celebrate National Shortbread Day

Celebrating National Shortbread Day is a delightful pursuit that brings with it thoughts of Scottish Highlands and plaid kilts. For ideas on how to celebrate the day, here are some ways to get started:

Eat Scottish Shortbread

Many people would probably say that the best way to celebrate National Shortbread Day would have to involve shortbread in some form or another! For some, that might mean going out to get those cute little boxes of imported Scottish shortbread in some specialty shops.

This sweet, crumbly, delicate treat is especially delightful when enjoyed with a cup of tea. Either keep it simple by having tea alone or with a friend, or go big and invite over a group of friends and family to celebrate by making and eating far too much shortbread!

Embrace Scottish Culture

Part of celebrating National Shortbread Day involves embracing a variety of cultural traditions and activities that are native to Scotland. This could be something small, like wearing a kilt to work for the day, or something large like taking a trip to Scotland. This would be a great day to spell everything in the British style by adding the ‘u’ (i.e., flavour, favour, labour and humour).

Learn Fun Facts About Shortbread

Made more for special occasions than everyday occurrences, shortbread comes with its own set of Scottish traditions. Learn about some of these bits of trivia and impress friends or coworkers by sharing them on National Shortbread Day:

Shortbread has been typically eaten for weddings, Christmas, New Year, and Burns’ Night, which is the celebration of Scottish poet Robert Burns.

For weddings, sometimes a decorated shortbread cake would be broken over the head of a new bride at the threshold of her new home.

Early on, Scottish bakers worked hard to defend their precious shortbread from being categorized as a ‘biscuit’ in order to keep it from incurring the special biscuit tax imposed by the government.

Shortbread is made in many shapes, including rounds, fingers or triangles (“petticoat tails”) which were reminiscent of the petticoats that would have been worn during the time of Mary, Queen of Scots.

Make Shortbread at Home

Some people might think that buying shortbread is not quite adequate. In this case, why not attempt to make your own version of shortbread right at home?

Although it might seem hard, it’s not really all that difficult to make shortbread. In fact, most recipes are fairly simple, basically involving just one part sugar, two parts butter and three parts flour. It is possible, of course, to add various things to it as well. Anything from dried fruits to chocolate chips to lavender would be a welcomed addition, but the basic recipe remains the same.

National Whipped Cream Day

Picture the scene: you have been cooking some delicious pancakes for yourself and your family to enjoy for breakfast or brunch. Some family members smother their pancakes in butter maple syrup, while others prefer to eat them with a pile of cut fruit. But the thing is, you know that you want something different.

So, you decide to bring out some whipped cream and gently apply a beautiful dollop to the top of your pancakes. All of a sudden, the room goes silent. It is at this point that you know you have stumbled upon the perfect accompaniment to a stack of pancakes. And now, everyone wants to get in on that whipped cream game too!

There is no denying that whipped cream has the power to transform many different sweet treats, desserts and even hot drinks. The sheer simplicity of it has the power to turn almost anything into a culinary work of art.

Now it is time to celebrate the very essence of whipped cream on this day, National Whipped Cream Day!

History of National Whipped Cream Day

For those who have never sampled the delight that is whipped cream, they have certainly missed out on something great! In a nutshell, whipped cream is a type of sweetened cream that gets “whipped” by a whisk or mixer until it becomes light and fluffy. The air that is added through the whipping process creates something that is altogether unique and delightful.

To achieve the best results, a cream that contains no lower than 35% fat is getting whipped. The process of creating whipped cream is simple, involving either a hand whisk or mechanical agitation with a high-speed mixer, although hand whisking would certainly be a lot of work.

While some people prefer the plain taste of whipped cream, others take things a stage further. It is often possible to find whipped cream that is flavored with ingredients such as cinnamon sugar, vanilla, or chocolate.

Today, there are also dairy-free variants of whipped cream for people who struggle with milk intolerances or do not eat dairy for other reasons. Most of these are marketed as vegan-friendly and can still be delicious.

Many people might think that whipped cream is a relatively modern culinary invention. But, believe it or not, the origins of this tasty treat date back to the 16th century!

The earliest known evidence of whipped cream appears in the form of recipes that hail from 1549. An Italian Renaissance cook, Cristoforo di Messisbugo, listed whipped cream as an ingredient in one of his recipes. His cookbook, Banchetti, Composizioni di Vivande e Apparecchio Generale, refers to something called “milk snow”, which is believed to be a primitive form of whipped cream.

Throughout the 16th and 17th centuries, whipped cream was also known as “snow cream”, which is a delightful and endearing term for it. The earliest known literary references to whipped cream seem to date back to 1629 in France (crème fouettée) and 1673 in England.

National Whipped Cream Day is actually a nod to pay homage to the birthday of Reddi-wip founder Aaron Lapin, who was born in 1914. It was in 1948 that he invented Reddi-wip, which is now one brand name of the aerosol canned version of sweetened whipped creams and also non-dairy whipped toppings.

How to Celebrate National Whipped Cream Day

Get on board with enjoying National Whipped Cream Day using these ideas and more:

Enjoy a Dollop of Whipped Cream

Some people might need a dessert to enjoy whipped cream on top of, but others might be happy just to turn the Reddi-wip can upside down and squirt it into their mouths! Even folks who would not normally partake in dessert can use this day as an excuse to celebrate.

Plop a spoonful on top of a stack of pancakes, inside a rolled up crepe, on the side of a piece of chocolate cake or in a variety of other ways. Choose fresh whipping cream made at home or enjoy the premade versions. No matter what, the right way to celebrate this day will certainly include taking part in a breakfast, lunch or dessert that includes whipped cream!

Use Whipped Cream in a Favorite Recipe

Adding whipped cream to various recipes can change the whole thing into something more glorious. Try out these ideas for recipes that include whipped cream, whether of the homemade variety or in a frozen non-dairy form:

Lemon Curd Mousse. One simple dessert that will impress guests uses a jar of lemon curd (an English treat) that is carefully combined with a bowl full of sweetened whipped cream. Serve with fresh berries.

Fluff Salad. Quick and easy, this fruit salad makes a refreshing side dish or dessert that’s especially easy to put together for the hot summer months. It uses fruit, mini-marshmallows, nuts, coconut and, of course, whipped cream.

Oreo Trifle. Make it with Oreos or really any type of cookies. Trifles are easy to put together and don’t require baking. Simply layer whipped cream with cookies, pudding, fruit and more.

Chocolate Cream Pie. Well, it doesn’t actually have to be chocolate! Peanut butter, coconut cream, or Key Lime pie. Really, any cream pie will do, as long as it is piled high with a huge dose of sweetened whipped cream right on top.

Candle Day

Candles offer more than just light — fill your home with sweet scents and transform any space into a warm oasis.

For those who absolutely love the joy of lighting candles to provide warm, soft light as well as a delightful fragrance to their homes, especially in winter time, Candle Day is a beautiful way to usher in the cooler season.

History of Candle Day

Typically celebrated on the first Saturday of December, Candle Day was founded by the American retail company, Bath & Body Works. Originally owned by the Limited Brands, which also owns brands such as Victoria’s Secret and Abercrombie & Fitch, the first store in the Bath & Body Works chain was opened in Cambridge, Massachusetts in 1990.

Selling products for the body, as the name implies, the company grew rapidly and now runs more than 2000 stores all over the world, 1600 of which are in the United States.

Bath & Body Works is a brand that is particularly beloved for its amazing scents that have a wide range of popularity, from fruity scents to flowers and also offering a line for men. Some of the most popular scents have been Sweet Pea, Japanese Cherry Blossom, Cucumber Melon and Country Apple.

Within these popular scent lines, as well as many others, are many products such as body lotions, fragrances, room sprays and, of course, candles. And for many people, Candle Day is one of the best times of the year to celebrate at Bath & Body Works because that’s when they hold some of their best sales.

Because the season for Christmas and other winter holidays often includes gift-giving, and because candles make incredible gifts, Candle Day was started in 2013. Plus, it’s a great time to simply stock up on candles for the cold, winter months.

So get ready for the fun and celebration of Candle Day!

How to Celebrate Candle Day

Candle Day offers a variety of options for just about any personality, whether looking for some time to spend at home or getting out and taking advantage of various sales. Consider celebrating with some of these ideas:

Light a Candle

Candles can bring so much comfort and warmth to a room, especially if they also envelop the room with a cozy and delicious scent. Fragrances such as Champagne Toast, Cinnamon Apple, or Strawberry Pound Cake are a lovely way to enjoy the day.

Buy a Candle (or Several!)

Head to the local Bath & Body Works to get access to their Candle Day sales and discounts, or look them up online and have the products delivered directly. This annual event typically provides customers with the opportunity to get the brand’s most famous 3-wick candles at a deeply discounted price. Other brands, such as Yankee Candle, may also be offering special prices in honor of Candle Day.

Give a Candle for Candle Day

What a great time to delight and surprise someone with a little present in honor of Candle Day! Find out which scents are a friend’s favorite and get them a large winter-themed pillar candle in honor of the season. Or leave a small votive on the desk of a coworker as a little bit of encouragement.