Introduction
Food holidays. The very phrase conjures images of overflowing plates, celebratory feasts, and perhaps a touch of whimsical indulgence. They’ve become a delightful phenomenon, a chance to spotlight beloved dishes, quirky culinary creations, and perhaps even try something completely new. Whether you’re a seasoned chef, a passionate home cook, or simply someone who enjoys a good meal, food holidays offer a fantastic opportunity to get creative in the kitchen and discover new favorites.
In May, as spring blossoms into full bloom, our plates become more colorful, flavors bolder, and the air is filled with the promise of summer barbecues. But before we fully embrace the sunshine and outdoor dining, let’s take a delicious journey through the month of May, exploring the food holidays that await us. This guide is your culinary roadmap to May, filled with ideas, recipes, and fun facts to help you celebrate every bite. So, clear your calendar, sharpen your knives, and prepare for a month of mouthwatering adventures! Don’t take them *too* seriously though, the main goal is to have fun and maybe discover something new!
A Calendar of Culinary Celebrations
Get ready for a month of delectable discoveries! Here’s a day-by-day guide to some of the most exciting food holidays May has to offer:
May First: National Chocolate Parfait Day
Start the month off right with a classic dessert! A chocolate parfait is a delightful layering of chocolate ice cream, whipped cream, chocolate sauce, and often, crushed cookies or brownies.
- Celebration Ideas: Construct your own parfait bar with various toppings, allowing everyone to customize their perfect dessert. For a healthier twist, use Greek yogurt instead of whipped cream. Search online for “chocolate parfait recipe” for a plethora of options. Support your local ice cream shop with a visit!
- Fun Fact: The word “parfait” comes from the French, meaning “perfect.”
May Third: National Raspberry Tart Day
This vibrant dessert is a celebration of spring flavors. A raspberry tart typically consists of a buttery pastry crust filled with a creamy custard and topped with fresh, juicy raspberries.
- Celebration Ideas: Bake a homemade raspberry tart from scratch, using a recipe you can easily find through a search for “raspberry tart recipe”. If baking isn’t your forte, support your local baker and pick up a freshly made tart. Consider adding other berries like blueberries or strawberries for extra color and flavor.
- Fun Fact: Raspberries are packed with antioxidants and vitamins.
May Fourth: National Candied Orange Peel Day and Star Wars Day
A double dose of delight! National Candied Orange Peel Day celebrates this surprisingly versatile treat, while Star Wars Day (May the Fourth Be With You) offers a chance to get creative with themed food.
- Celebration Ideas: Learn how to make your own candied orange peel – it’s a surprisingly simple process you can find with a quick “candied orange peel recipe” search! For Star Wars Day, consider making Wookiee Cookies (chocolate chip cookies), Yoda Soda (green lemonade), or lightsaber pretzels. A great opportunity for fun for kids.
- Fun Fact: Candied orange peel can be used in baking, as a garnish, or enjoyed on its own as a sweet treat.
May Fifth: Cinco de Mayo
Celebrate Mexican culture and cuisine with a fiesta of flavors! This holiday is all about enjoying delicious Mexican food and drinks with friends and family.
- Celebration Ideas: Host a taco night, make homemade guacamole, or try your hand at enchiladas. Search online for “Cinco de Mayo recipes” for inspiration. Don’t forget the margaritas!
- Fun Fact: Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Mexican army’s unlikely victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862.
May Sixth: National Crepe Suzette Day
Indulge in this classic French dessert! Crepe Suzette is a light and delicate crepe flambéed in a rich caramel sauce with citrus flavors.
- Celebration Ideas: Try making crepes from scratch using a “crepe suzette recipe” as your guide, or visit a French bistro to sample an authentic version. Practice your flambé skills (carefully!).
- Fun Fact: Legend has it that Crepe Suzette was accidentally created by a young waiter who accidentally set a dessert on fire for the Prince of Wales.
May Seventh: National Roast Leg of Lamb Day
This holiday is a great excuse to enjoy a hearty and flavorful roast. Roast leg of lamb is a classic dish often served with rosemary, garlic, and roasted vegetables.
- Celebration Ideas: Roast a leg of lamb at home using a “roast leg of lamb recipe” to guide you. Pair it with roasted potatoes, carrots, and a side of mint sauce.
- Fun Fact: Lamb is a good source of protein, iron, and zinc.
May Eighth: National Coconut Cream Pie Day
This creamy and decadent pie is a true comfort food classic. Coconut cream pie features a flaky crust filled with a sweet coconut custard and topped with whipped cream and toasted coconut.
- Celebration Ideas: Bake a coconut cream pie from scratch or purchase one from your favorite bakery. Search for “coconut cream pie recipe” for detailed instructions.
- Fun Fact: Coconut cream pie is believed to have originated in the United States in the late 19th century.
May Eleventh: Eat What You Want Day
A day to throw caution to the wind and indulge in your favorite foods! Whether it’s pizza, ice cream, or a juicy burger, this day is all about satisfying your cravings.
- Celebration Ideas: Treat yourself to your ultimate comfort food. No guilt allowed! Order takeout from your favorite restaurant or whip up a batch of homemade cookies.
- Fun Fact: This holiday encourages mindful indulgence and enjoying food without restrictions.
May Twelfth: National Nutty Fudge Day
Fudge lovers, rejoice! This day celebrates the rich and creamy confection with the added crunch of nuts.
- Celebration Ideas: Make a batch of homemade nutty fudge, experimenting with different nuts like walnuts, pecans, or almonds. Search “nutty fudge recipe” for a variety of recipes.
- Fun Fact: Fudge is believed to have originated in the United States in the late 19th century.
May Thirteenth: National Fruit Cocktail Day
A nostalgic treat! Fruit cocktail is a blend of canned fruits like peaches, pears, grapes, and cherries, often packed in syrup.
- Celebration Ideas: Enjoy a classic fruit cocktail straight from the can or get creative and use it in smoothies or desserts. Add it to a gelatin salad for a retro touch.
- Fun Fact: Fruit cocktail was popularized in the United States in the early 20th century as a convenient and affordable way to enjoy fruit.
May Fifteenth: National Chocolate Chip Day
A celebration of the ubiquitous and beloved chocolate chip! This day is dedicated to all things chocolate chip, from cookies to pancakes to ice cream.
- Celebration Ideas: Bake a batch of classic chocolate chip cookies. Experiment with different variations, such as adding nuts, oats, or pretzels. There are literally thousands of “chocolate chip cookie recipe” options out there.
- Fun Fact: Chocolate chip cookies were invented in 1938 by Ruth Graves Wakefield.
May Sixteenth: National Coquilles St. Jacques Day
This holiday celebrates a sophisticated and elegant seafood dish. Coquilles St. Jacques features scallops baked in a creamy white wine sauce, often topped with breadcrumbs.
- Celebration Ideas: Prepare Coquilles St. Jacques at home using a “Coquilles St. Jacques recipe” for guidance. Pair it with a crisp white wine.
- Fun Fact: The term “Coquilles St. Jacques” refers to both the dish and the scallop shells in which it is traditionally served.
May Seventeenth: National Cherry Cobbler Day
A warm and comforting dessert! Cherry cobbler consists of a sweet cherry filling topped with a biscuit-like crust.
- Celebration Ideas: Bake a homemade cherry cobbler from scratch, using a “cherry cobbler recipe” as your inspiration. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Fun Fact: Cobblers are a type of fruit dessert that is believed to have originated in the United States.
May Eighteenth: National No Dirty Dishes Day
Celebrate simplicity! This day encourages us to enjoy easy, one-pan meals that minimize cleanup.
- Celebration Ideas: Prepare a one-pan pasta dish, a sheet pan dinner with roasted vegetables and protein, or a simple stir-fry. Search for “one pan meal recipe” for ideas.
- Fun Fact: National No Dirty Dishes Day is a great way to save time and reduce stress in the kitchen.
May Nineteenth: National Devil’s Food Cake Day
Indulge in the rich and decadent goodness of devil’s food cake! This chocolate cake is known for its deep, dark color and intense chocolate flavor.
- Celebration Ideas: Bake a homemade devil’s food cake from scratch, using a “devil’s food cake recipe” to guide you. Frost it with chocolate buttercream frosting for extra indulgence.
- Fun Fact: Devil’s food cake is believed to have originated in the United States in the early 20th century.
May Twentieth: National Quiche Lorraine Day
This savory tart is a classic French dish. Quiche Lorraine consists of a pastry crust filled with a creamy custard, bacon, and cheese.
- Celebration Ideas: Prepare Quiche Lorraine at home using a “Quiche Lorraine recipe” for reference. Serve it for brunch, lunch, or dinner.
- Fun Fact: Quiche Lorraine originated in the Lorraine region of France.
May Twenty-First: National Strawberries and Cream Day
A simple yet elegant dessert! Strawberries and cream is a classic combination that celebrates the fresh flavors of spring.
- Celebration Ideas: Simply slice fresh strawberries and top them with whipped cream or crème fraîche. Add a sprinkle of sugar or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for extra flavor.
- Fun Fact: Strawberries are a good source of vitamin C.
May Twenty-Second: National Vanilla Pudding Day
A creamy and comforting dessert that brings back childhood memories!
- Celebration Ideas: Make homemade vanilla pudding from scratch or enjoy a store-bought cup. Use “vanilla pudding recipe” to find some helpful tips. Top it with whipped cream, fresh fruit, or sprinkles.
- Fun Fact: Vanilla pudding is believed to have originated in the United States in the 19th century.
May Twenty-Third: National Taffy Day
A sticky and sweet treat! Taffy is a chewy candy that comes in a variety of flavors.
- Celebration Ideas: Make your own taffy at home, experimenting with different flavors and colors. You can find lots of recipes online with a simple search.
- Fun Fact: Taffy is often pulled on a machine to incorporate air and create its chewy texture.
May Twenty-Fourth: National Escargot Day
A day to try something adventurous! Escargot is a French delicacy consisting of snails cooked in garlic butter.
- Celebration Ideas: Visit a French restaurant and order escargot. Learn how to prepare escargot at home (with proper sourcing and preparation).
- Fun Fact: Escargot is a popular dish in France and is often served as an appetizer.
May Twenty-Fifth: National Wine Day
Celebrate the wonderful world of wine! This day is a perfect excuse to enjoy a glass of your favorite vintage.
- Celebration Ideas: Host a wine tasting with friends, visit a local winery, or simply relax with a glass of wine and a good book.
- Fun Fact: Wine has been enjoyed for thousands of years.
May Twenty-Sixth: National Blueberry Cheesecake Day
A delicious combination of creamy cheesecake and sweet blueberries!
- Celebration Ideas: Bake a blueberry cheesecake from scratch, or visit a local bakery to purchase one. You should search “blueberry cheesecake recipe” for direction.
- Fun Fact: Cheesecake is believed to have originated in ancient Greece.
May Twenty-Seventh: National Grape Popsicle Day
A refreshing and icy treat perfect for warm weather!
- Celebration Ideas: Make homemade grape popsicles using grape juice, fresh grapes, or a combination of both.
- Fun Fact: Popsicles were accidentally invented in 1905 by an eleven-year-old boy named Frank Epperson.
May Twenty-Eighth: National Hamburger Day
A celebration of the quintessential American comfort food!
- Celebration Ideas: Grill up some juicy hamburgers at home, or visit your favorite burger joint. Experiment with different toppings and sauces.
- Fun Fact: The hamburger is believed to have originated in the United States in the late 19th or early 20th century.
May Twenty-Ninth: National Shrimp Scampi Day
A flavorful and easy-to-prepare seafood dish! Shrimp scampi features shrimp sautéed in garlic butter, white wine, and lemon juice.
- Celebration Ideas: Make shrimp scampi at home for a quick and delicious weeknight meal.
- Fun Fact: Shrimp scampi is a popular dish in Italian-American cuisine.
May Thirtieth: National Mint Julep Day
A celebration of this classic Southern cocktail! Mint juleps are made with bourbon, mint, sugar, and crushed ice.
- Celebration Ideas: Mix up some mint juleps at home and enjoy them on a warm evening.
- Fun Fact: The mint julep is the official drink of the Kentucky Derby.
May Thirty-First: National Macaroon Day
Indulge in these chewy coconut cookies! Macaroons are made with shredded coconut, sugar, and egg whites.
- Celebration Ideas: Bake homemade macaroons. Dip them in chocolate for an extra-special treat.
- Fun Fact: Macaroons are a popular dessert in many cultures.
Beyond the Calendar: Embracing May’s Culinary Spirit
May offers more than just specific food holidays. It’s a time to celebrate the bounty of spring produce, from fresh asparagus and strawberries to vibrant greens. Embrace the season by incorporating these ingredients into your meals. Furthermore, May signals the unofficial start of BBQ season. Fire up the grill and experiment with new recipes. Whether it’s National Hamburger Day or not, any day is a great day for a barbecue in May.
Mother’s Day Meal Ideas
Don’t forget Mother’s Day in May! Show your appreciation with a special meal. Prepare a brunch with homemade pastries and fresh fruit, or treat Mom to a fancy dinner at her favorite restaurant. You can bake a cake together. The best thing is spending quality time with her and making it memorable.
A Delicious Farewell
Food holidays in May offer a delightful way to explore new flavors, revisit old favorites, and celebrate the joy of cooking and eating. So, dive into the calendar, choose your culinary adventures, and let your taste buds be your guide. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Don’t forget to share your May food holiday celebrations on social media using relevant hashtags! Bon appétit!
