December 4, 2015 – NATIONAL COOKIE DAY – NATIONAL DICE DAY – FAUX FUR FRIDAY

                                            NATIONAL COOKIE DAY

National Cookie Day is observed annually on December 4th.

 

We can thank the Dutch for more than windmills and tulips.  The English word “cookie” is derived from the Dutch word “koekie” meaning little cake.

There have been cookie-like hard wafers in existence for as long as baking has been documented.  This is because they traveled well however, they were usually not sweet enough to be considered cookies by modern day standards.

The origin of the cookie appears to begin in Persia in the 7th century, soon after the use of sugar became common in the region.  They were then spread to Europe through the Muslim conquest of Spain.  Cookies were common in all levels of society throughout Europe by the 14th century, from the royal cuisine to the street vendors. 
Cookies arrived in America in the 17th century.  Macaroons and gingerbread cookies were among the popular early American cookies.
In most English-speaking countries outside of North America, the most common word for cookie is biscuit.  In some regions, both terms, “cookies” and “biscuits” are used.
Cookies are classified into different categories, with the most common ones being:

Bar cookies – Drop cookies – Filled cookies
Molded cookies – No bake cookies
Pressed cookies – Refrigerator cookies
Rolled cookies – Sandwich cookies

OBSERVE

Pick up some cookies at your local bakery.  Remember to share some of your cookies with your family and friends! Try one of the following “tried and true” cookie recipes:

First Place Coconut Macaroons
Gingerbread Cookies

Use #NationalCookieDay to post on social media.

HISTORY
Our research has found that National Cookie Day, an “unofficial” national holiday, was started in 1987 by the Blue Chip Cookie Company.
 

National Dice Day – December 4

NATIONAL DICE DAY

Each year on December 4th, people across the United States celebrate National Dice Day.  There are many games that dice are a part of and there are games with just the dice, so to celebrate National Dice Day, choose your favorite one and play away!

Typically dice are thrown onto a flat surface either from the hand or a dice cup.  The value of the throw is determined by the uppermost face of the die after it has come to a rest.  One popular dice game is craps where wagers are made on the total value of the throw of the dice.  Frequently used in board games, dice are used to randomize a players moves, commonly by deciding the distance a piece will move on a board.  Popular board games using dice are backgammon and Monopoly.

The origin of dice is uncertain however it is known that they have been around for thousands of years.  At the Burnt City, an archaeological site in south-eastern Iran, the oldest known dice were excavated as part of a 5000-year-old backgammon set.

Dice were originally made from the talus (ankle bone) of hoofed animals.
Ivory, wood and plastics are other materials used in making dice.
Happy Rollin’
OBSERVE
Use #NationalDiceDay to post on social media.
HISTORY
Within our research, we were unable to find the creator and origin of National Dice Day, an “unofficial” national holiday.
 

Faux Fur Friday – First Friday in December

FAUX FUR FRIDAY

Faux Fur Friday is celebrated annually on the first Friday in December.
OBSERVE
Throw a faux fur style show or shop for a faux fur deal.  Use #FauxFurFriday to post on social media.