May 21 - International Tea Day 🍵

Hello, lovely readers! Raise your teacups and join me in celebrating International Tea Day! This cherished beverage has a long history and holds a special place in cultures around the world. My personal favorite tea is a simple peppermint herbal tea, but there are hundreds of varieties you can choose from. The ritual around making and enjoying a cup of tea is a very calming point in my day, and if you're not already a tea drinker I hope you'll give it a chance.

Today, we're indulging in the delightful combination of strawberries and cream to celebrate National Strawberries and Cream Day. This classic duo is the epitome of summer and embodies pure decadence. Picture plump, juicy strawberries paired with velvety whipped cream or a luscious drizzle of rich, sweetened condensed milk. It's a match made in heaven that tantalizes your taste buds with every bite. My favorite way to enjoy this combination is in a simple strawberry shortcake with flaky biscuits and sweet, cool cream. 

Today is also National Eat More Fruits and Vegetables Day. Fruits and vegetables provide us with essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber, helping maintain a balanced diet and promoting overall well-being. Take this opportunity to explore the wide variety of fruits and vegetables available and get creative with your recipes. Whip up a colorful salad with an assortment of crisp greens, ripe tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and tangy citrus dressing. Alternatively, blend a refreshing smoothie with an assortment of your favorite fruits or create a colorful stir-fry bursting with fresh vegetables. Let your imagination run wild as you incorporate more fruits and vegetables into your meals, and reap the rewards of their delicious flavors and nourishing properties.

Breakfast

Crepes are one of my favorite fancy - but still easy - breakfasts. They're so versatile, and can be made sweet or savory, simple or indulgent. For strawberries and cream day today, I've picked a recipe bursting with sweet, juicy strawberries and a dreamy, smooth cream filling. Pair with your favorite breakfast tea - I had a nice cup of a ginger lemon blend.

Strawberries and cream crepes 

Lunch 

When the weather gets warmer, I love packing a refreshing, cool salad for lunch. This is not a sad, limp lettuce salad that will leave you hungry in twenty minutes. It's flavorful, refreshing, and satisfying - yet super healthy! It can be whipped up in minutes, and gets even better when made ahead of time. There's a great contrast of textures and flavors that I absolutely love. I packed this with an orange and some tortilla chips, but serve with whatever fruit or snacks you would like. 

Black bean and corn salad

Dinner

For dinner, I suggest a warm, hearty soup that still celebrates an abundance of vegetables. This thick, creamy dish will fill you up without weighing you down, and is incredibly nourishing. In my opinion, it's best served with some crusty sourdough bread. 

Lentil Soup 

Food History

On May 21, 1921, Taggart Baking Company launched Wonder bread. It was sold unsliced, as all bread was, but switched to sliced in the 1930's. Wonder bread is a white sandwich bread that's impossibly pillowy and soft, and has become synonymous with the bread that 'healthy' moms wouldn't let their kids at school eat, but the 'cool' moms would. For better or for worse, it's basically shelf stable - I found an interesting story about that here. 

Don't forget to end the night with your favorite tea, and happy celebrating!