National Gumbo Day
October 12
Gumbo is often cited as an example of the melting-pot nature of Louisiana cooking, but trying to sort out the origins and evolution of the dish is highly speculative. The name derives from a West African word for okra, suggesting that gumbo was originally made with okra. The use of filé (dried and ground sassafras leaves) was a contribution of the Choctaws Indians and, possibly, other local tribes. Roux has its origin in French cuisine, although the roux used in gumbos is much darker than its Gallic cousins. The first documented references to gumbo appeared around the turn of the 19th century. In 1803, gumbo was served at a gubernatorial reception in New Orleans, and in 1804 gumbo was served at a Cajun gathering on the Acadian Coast. Lafcadio Hearn’s La Cuisine Creole, published in 1885, contains recipes for several gumbos made from a variety of ingredients—chicken, ham, bacon, oysters, crab, shrimp, and beef, among them. Some of the recipes are made with okra, others with filé.
World Arthritis Day
October 12
Arthritis literally means ‘joint inflammation.’ There are more than 100 types of arthritis, and people of any age can be affected. In fact, according to the Arthritis Society, 56 per cent of people with arthritis are under age 65. Arthritis is the leading cause of disability in the United States. An estimated 50 million adult Americans report having some form of arthritis. One in five (22%) adults in the United States report having doctor diagnosed arthritis. Arthritis is more common in women (24.9%) than men (18.1%). There is no cure for arthritis, however, it can be managed well through various treatment programs, such as aquatics therapy.
Today’s Birthdays of Note….
Chris Wallace – TV News Anchor – born in Chicago, Illinois
Luciano Pavarotti – Opera Singer – born in Modena, Italy
