National Biscotti Day
September 29
Biscotti originated in the Tuscan city of Prato. The word Biscotto, used in modern Italian to refer to a biscuit (or cookie) of any kind, originates from the medieval Latin word biscoctus, meaning “twice-cooked”. It characterized oven-baked goods that were baked twice, so they became very dry and could be stored for long periods of time. Such non-perishable food was particularly useful during journeys and wars, and twice-baked breads were a staple food of the Roman legions. Tuscan biscotti were flavored with almonds from the plentiful almond groves of Prato. There, the cookies were—and still are—known as cantucci. From the almond recipe of Tuscany, the recipe expanded to anisette, amaretto and lemon-flavored dough and to other spices with raisins and other dried fruits or biscotti studded with chocolate morsels and with other varieties of nuts. Today, the flavorings are only limited to the imagination of the baker and the palates of the customer.
National Coffee Day
September 29
Legend has it that 9th-century goat herders noticed the effect caffeine had on their goats, who appeared to “dance” after eating the fruit of the Coffea plant. A local monk then made a drink with the produce and found that it kept him awake at night, thus the original cup of coffee was born. Today, Brazil produces about third of the world’s supply, according to the International Coffee Organization, about twice as much as the second place holder, Vietnam. Kona coffee is the United States’ gift to the coffee world. Because coffee traditionally grows best in climates along the equator, Hawaii’s weather is optimal for harvesting beans. California also recently got into the coffee game with dozens of farms now churning out pricey premium bags. Americans drink about 400 million cups of coffee every day and 146 billion cups per year.
Today’s Birthdays of Note….
Gene Autry – Actor & The Singing Cowboy – born in Tioga, Texas
Kevin Grant – Pro Basketball Player – born in Washington, D.C.
