By Delight your taste buds this week with holidays like National Vitamin C Day and National Caramel Day. A tangy cocktail and a homemade caramel sauce are quite the treat!
But those aren’t the only holidays that will put a smile on your face. Dog Appreciation Month is the perfect excuse to spoil your sweet pup, while celebrating National Garden Month means a brain boost just by spending time around your plants. Keep reading to discover our fun ideas to participate in these mini holidays!
April 4: Celebrate National Vitamin C Day with this citrus cocktail
Get your daily dose of immunity-boosting vitamin C by sipping a refreshing citrus cocktail. This margarita-inspired concoction from our mixologists is packed full of tangy orange flavor that will certainly delight your taste buds. Enjoy with or without alcohol. Cheers!
Double Orange Delight recipe
- Dip the rim of a glass in water, then in salt.
- Add ice to glass.
- Pour in 2 oz. of orange juice, 1 oz. of blood orange juice, 1 oz. of pineapple juice and 1 oz. of golden tequila (if you’re using it).
- Stir together. Garnish with an orange slice and a lime slice. Serves 1.
April 5: Indulge in salted caramel sauce for National Caramel Day
Calling all caramel lovers! Celebrate by topping plain store-bought or homemade cheesecake with a salted caramel sauce. For a beautiful drizzle, freeze the cheesecake for an hour before decorating. The chilled surface will help slow the pour. The sauce also works great on anything from fruit to ice cream.
Salted Caramel Sauce recipe:
- In a pot, heat 1 cup of sugar over medium heat.
- Stir until melted, about 5 minutes.
- Add 6 tbs. of butter (cubed); whisk until melted. Add 1⁄2 cup of heavy cream and cook until a candy thermometer reads 220°F, about 1 minute.
- Remove from heat and stir in 1 tsp. of kosher salt. Let cool.
- Drizzle over chilled cheesecake or your favorite dessert. Makes 1 cup.
All of April: Celebrate Dog Appreciation Month with this easy homemade dog treat
“Whipping up homemade treats for your dog can be a fun and easy way to strengthen bonds and bring them joy,” says certified dog trainer Rachel Lane of LeashAndLearnNYC.com. Show your sweetie appreciation this week with Lane’s favorite treat recipe!
Homemade dog treat recipe
- In a food processor, blend 1 can of chicken (or 2 cans of tuna with liquid), 1 cup of tapioca flour, 4 oz. of cubed cheese and 2 eggs.
- Pour into a dog treat mold or spread onto a flat baking sheet. Bake in a 350°F oven for 12 minutes.
- Once cooled, cut into bite-size pieces and serve!
All of April: National Garden Month is great for your brain—here’s why
Here’s yet another reason to spend time in your garden this month—it’s great for your brain! A study published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology followed 467 people who took cognitive tests at ages 11 and 79. The findings? Gardeners performed better in adulthood, while non-gardeners saw a decline in test results. Researchers say learning about plants and tending to them keeps brain regions tied to memory and executive function sharp. So, dig in and give your mind a boost!
Bonus: Help a hero by donating snacks to Operation Shoebox
Do you have granola bars, crackers or beef jerky to spare? If so, consider sending them to Operation Shoebox. The nonprofit organization will include the items in the boxes of care packages they ship to troops around the world. Send items to Operation Shoebox, 8360 East Highway 25, Belleview, FL 34420.
