NATIONAL ROAST LEG OF LAMB DAY

Each year on May 7th, National Roast Leg of Lamb Day makes a menu suggestion worthy of a celebration.  The leg of lamb is a mild and tender cut of meat that, when roasted, is a unique and tasty dish to many.  A typical preparation involves covering the leg of lamb with butter, rosemary sprigs pushed inside incisions cut in the leg, and rosemary leaves sprinkled on top. The lamb is then roasted for two hours at 360 degrees.

Lamb is a lean red meat loaded with nutrition. Of course, it’s going to deliver the protein at 25 grams per 3 ounce serving. But it also provides potassium and vitamin B-12. Another good reason to eat lamb is the iron, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids.

Roasted or grilled vegetables pair well with roast leg of lamb. Consider asparagus, roast cauliflower, or tomatoes. Mix up a spring salad or for a touch of acid, a coleslaw. Rice complements lamb, too, as do mashed or baked potatoes. Add your favorite gravy or herb sauce. Finish the meal with a chocolate souffle or lemon tarts.  

More to Explore…

• Prime Rib Day
• Leg of Lamb Day
• Corned Beef &Cabbage Day
• National Crown Roast of Pork Day
• Peking Duck Day
• Turkey
• Roast Suckling Pig
• National Roasting Month
• National Brisket Day

HOW TO OBSERVE #RoastLegOfLambDay

Find a recipe and make a Roast Leg of Lamb today! Use #RoastLegOfLamb

Generic Leg of Lamb, Bone In – Average 5 lbs, Large

Bisto Best Lamb Gravy – 200g

MARKY’S Bone-in Frenched Rack Lamb Chops Ribs – 16 Ribs – 2.5 lb / 1.1 kg

Cool Where’s The Lamb Sauce Lamb Chop Lamb Lovers gift T-Shirt

NATIONAL TOTALLY CHIPOTLE DAY

Each year on May 5th, National Totally Chipotle Day celebrates right alongside Cinco de Mayo and is dedicated to the chipotle, a smoked, dried jalapeno pepper. Not to be confused with the restaurant chain of the same name.

There are different varieties of jalapenos and they vary in size and heat. At one time, chipotles were primarily found in the markets of central and southern Mexico.  As Mexican foods became more popular in the more northern areas of North America, the jalapeno production and processing expanded north into the United States.

Chipotles are often an essential ingredient and add a mild spiciness to many different dishes in Mexican cuisine. While you expect to find them in salsas and other sauces, don’t hesitate to use them in other ways, too. Add them to soups and marinades if you want to bring the heat to a dish. Bean or lentil dishes shine when you add chipotle to them. Do you like sweet and spicy flair? Add chipotle to your jellies. When pairing chipotle with a slice of smoky cheese, you won’t be disappointed. Top it on a grilled bbq chicken pizza to wow guests.

You can even add it to desserts for a surprising but delicious twist. For example, homemade dark chocolate ice cream with the hint of smoky chipotle in every bite is a real winner. You can turn down the heat by removing the seeds and membrane or leave them in for a more exciting experience.

Try including chipotle in some of these related celebrations…

• National Taco Day
• Family Taco Night
• National Burrito Day
• National Quesadilla Day
• Cinco De Mayo
• National Nachos Day
• Family Taco Night
• Jens Loaded Nachos
• National Totilla Chip Day
• National Fajito Day
• National Avocado Day
• National Tequila Day
• National Margarita Day
• Tres Leche Cake
• La Fiesta Reasons to Party
• National Guacamole Day
• Totally Chipolte Day
• National Salsa Month
• Spicy Guacamole Day

HOW TO OBSERVE #TotallyChipotleDay

What’s your favorite chipotle dish? Celebrate the day by mixing up dips, marinades, sides and more! Be sure to share by using #TotallyChipotleDay to post on social media.

NATIONAL ORANGE JUICE DAY

On May 4th National Orange Juice Day recognizes America’s most popular breakfast drink. Orange juice holds a large margin over second-place apple juice, too. People have been waking up to a glass of orange juice for many years and enjoying the health benefits it gives them.

One 8 ounce serving of orange juice has 124 mg of vitamin C and also supplies potassium, thiamine, and folate. That little bit of sunshine in the morning can add a boost to your day. Get your orange juice fresh squeezed, bottled or in concentrated form in the freezer section. You can also enjoy orange juice blends for delicious combinations.

Tropicana 100% Orange Juice, 10 Fl Oz (Pack of 24) – Real Fruit Juices, Vitamin C Rich, No Added Sugars, No Artificial Flavors

Florida Natural Orange Juice 100% Juice, 11.5oz Can (Pack of 18, Total of 207 Oz)

Apple & EVE Apple & Eve 100% Orange Juice 24 Pack 10 FL Ounce Net Wt 240 Fl Ounce, 10 Fl Oz (Pack of 24)

Minute Maid Fruit Juice 12 fl. oz. (pack of 10) (Orange Juice 12fl. oz-10 count))

The United States is second only to Brazil in the production of orange juice, and they’re second only to Canda in consumption.

Another excellent way to add orange juice to your diet if you are watching your sugar intake is to include it as an ingredient in a recipe. Orange juice adds great flavor to smoothies, whole-grain waffles or french toast.

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalOrangeJuiceDay

Enjoy a nice cold glass of orange juice with your breakfast. Which do you prefer – extra pulp or no pulp versions? Orange juice producers offer both to satisfy all our needs. Share your favorite recipes using orange juice, too. Use #NationalOrangeJuiceDay to post on social media.

Ocean Spray 100% Orange Juice, 4 Fl Ounce Cup (Pack of 48)

National Start Seeing Monarchs Day

Each year on the first Saturday in May, National Start Seeing Monarchs Day raises awareness to preserve the Monarch butterfly and prevent it from being added to the endangered species list.

The Monarch butterfly is a milkweed butterfly.  It may be the most familiar North American butterfly because its wings feature an easily recognizable orange and black pattern.  Monarchs typically reach  3 1/2 to 4″ in size.  In the fall, they migrate south to warmer climates.  In the spring, they return further north.

Explore More…

• Learn About Butterflies Day
• Start Seeing Monarchs Day

HOW TO OBSERVE #StartSeeingMonarchsDay

How can you help prevent the extinction of the Monarch butterfly? You can plant a variety of native milkweeds in your backyard, a haven for all pollinators, like the Monarch butterfly. Without milkweed, the Monarch will cease to exist, so we need people to start planting Monarch Waystations in their backyards. In these safe havens, Monarchs don’t have to worry about herbicides, pesticides, and GMOs affecting their daily meals. You can tell your friends about what you’re doing and get them to join in on the fun; the more Monarch Waystations, the better!

You can stop using those chemicals that harm so many of the small creatures we rely upon to pollinate our fruits and vegetables; think about using organic alternatives that are much more environmentally friendly. Last but not least, you can visit startseeingmonarchs.org and Monarchwatch.org to educate yourself on everything that is Monarch! It’s time to take action! Be a part of the solution for this beautiful winged creature.

Mark your calendar and help us to start seeing monarchs on the first Saturday in May! Use #StartSeeingMararchsDay to share on social media.

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Butterfly Growing Kit – Butterfly Habitat Kit with Voucher to Redeem 5 Caterpillars (S&H Not Included), Butterfly Cage, Feeder (Amazon Exclusive)

Painted Lady Butterfly Kit – Habitat, STEM Journal, & Voucher for Chrysalis Log & Caterpillars – Grow Your Own Butterfly Kit

IROLEHOME Monarch Adult-Butterfly-Wings-Costume for Women Flower Headband Butterfly Dress Up Cape Shawl Halloween Gifts Party

Bits and Pieces – Artistic Butterfly Suncatcher – Stained Glass Window Hanging – Hand-Painted Monarch Butterfly Suncatcher – Home Garden Decor – 9¾””

National Salad Month

It’s time for the freshness of National Salad Month. Greens pop this time of year, and it’s easy to grow garden lettuce even in a small space. They fill the grocery with a variety of color, too.

Beyond the leafy part of the salad, the crisp vegetables, proteins, flavorful cheeses, herbs, berries, grains, and nuts make salads exciting and healthy.  If we don’t over indulge in the cheese and fatty meats, it’s usually the dressing that causes our salad downfall.

The Complete Salad Cookbook: A Fresh Guide to 200+ Vibrant Dishes Using Greens, Vegetables, Grains, Proteins, and More (The Complete ATK Cookbook Series)

Seriously Good Salads: Creative Flavor Combinations for Nutritious, Satisfying Meals

OXO Good Grips Large Salad Spinner – 6.22 Qt., White

Bentgo® Salad Container, Blush Marble, 54 oz Bowl, 4-Compartment Bento Tray, Leak-Proof Sauce Container, Reusable Fork, Microwave and Dishwasher Safe, BPA-Free

More to Explore

• Winter Arugula Pear Salad with Mandarin Oranges and Yogurt Dressing
• National Salad Month
• Fresh Fruit and Vegetables Day
• National Celery Month
• Summer Chef’s Salad
• National Asparagus Month
• National Crouton Day
• Ceasars Salad Day
• Easy Broccoli Salad
• Cucumber, Tomato Salad

HOW TO OBSERVE

Salads are an excellent way help get your 5 servings of fruit and vegetables a day.  We’ve provided tips to get the maximum salad-eating in this month!

• Mix up the lettuce variety. Iceberg is what we’re most familiar with in the United States. Try spinach for a change of pace. Romaine makes excellent lettuce wraps. Butterhead comes in loose, crisp, rosettes.
• Prepare salads for the work week. Fill the bottom of a Mason jar the salad dressing.  Add the more solid fruits or veggies to next layer followed by any proteins and cheeses. Next, add the leafy greens. The items crunchy croutons, nuts or soft fruits and veggies should be added the day you eat the salad.
• Serve salad with every meal, even breakfast. Fruit salad is a bright way to start the morning.
• Substitute salad for one meal a day.
• Try a different type a salad every week.

Use #NationalSaladMonth to share on social media.

Orchard Valley Harvest Salad Toppers Glazed Pecans with Cranberries and Pepitas, 0.85 Ounce Bags (Pack of 15), Salad Toppings, Non-GMO, No Artificial Ingredients

naturSource Organic Salad Topper Smart Life Gluten Free

Mrs. Cubbison’s Cheese Crisps – 100% Real Cheese, Keto Friendly, Great for Snacking and Salad Topper – Parmesan Flavor, 1.98 Ounce

365 by Whole Foods Market, Organic Roasted Salted Sunflower Kernels, 12 Ounce