You don't have to be a foodie to love yummy food. Taste your way through the month of January by celebrating these fun-food holidays with your kids. Your families tummies will thank you! Maybe you can find some new foods to try / share with your children? I've included a bit about each day and fun facts about the food plus a few recipes for you to try. Bon Appetit!
New Year's Day
January 1st
Why not kick off the new year by indulging in traditionally lucky foods from various corners of the world? It's not just about savoring delightful flavors; it's also an excellent way to introduce your kids to new tastes and cultures.
Starting from the southern traditions, consider including black-eyed peas, complemented by greens— symbolizing the color of money to usher in good fortune. Seafood, noodles - who doesn't love them?, and round fruits, breads, and sweet treats all contribute to an auspicious start to the year. Just be sure not to break the noodles—there's a superstition there!
Expand your culinary horizons with these additional 'Lucky New Year's Foods' from celebrations around the world:
 M-Image from Getty Images Signature |
National Spaghetti Day
January 4
Most everybody loves spaghetti, especially kids. No matter how you like it - plain or buttered, with meat or marinara, cheese on top or not or . . . maybe you prefer pesto or alfredo? I'm sure you can find a fun ways to celebrate spaghetti day. Have the kids help you make some at home - maybe try a new recipe or consider treat your family to a night out or to-go at your favorite pasta place!
Learn more about the history of this kid and family favorite plus alternative uses for those crunch sticks: National Spaghetti Day is January 4th
National Shortbread Day
January 6
One of the most simple and easy to make cookies, but they taste sooo good and are one of my all-time favorites. They originated in Scotland made from just flour and butter later sugar was added. Unlike other cookies these have no leavening ingredient. You can pick some up at the store or try your hand at making them, a surprise for your family or get your kids in on the action. While the simple ones taste delicious you can also add spices / nuts or even chocolate for an extra special treat.
National Tempura Day
January 7
A favorite Japanese treat, made by dipping seafood / vegetables in a special batter and deep frying it. Interesting fact is that this dish actually originated in Portugal and was shared with the Japanese, they of course put their own twist on it and have been making it for hundreds of years. This has always been one of my favorites - tempura and a warm bowl of miso soup makes my tummy very happy. Treat your family to a night out or try your hand at making some at home.
 hoozone from Getty Images Signature |
National Pizza Week
January 14-20
Pizza is likely a favorite in your home - good thing there is a whole week to celebrate it. My family loves pizza! most of the time we pick it up and bring it home, on occasion we dine out. There are other ways to enjoy it at home, you can make your own from scratch or utilize some shortcuts like ready-made pizza dough or parbaked crusts and sauce in a jar or there's always frozen you cook at home.
Note: National Pizza week is the second Sunday in January
Here are a few creative ideas for 'Pizza' you can make at home:
- Grilled Pizza: A New Way to Make an Old Family Favorite Special Again
- Berry-licious: This Easy Fruit Pizza Will Wow At Your Next Gathering
- Breakfast Pizza a Kid-Friendly and Easy Weeknight Meal
- DIY Pizza Pockets Make a Great Meal for Families on the Go
- Mama Mintz' Giant Chocolate Chip Pizza Cookie
 FatCamera from Getty Images Signature via Canva |
National Hot Tea Day / Hot Tea Month
January 12 / January
Drinking tea is a time honored tradition dating back thousand of years. Celebrate by sitting back, relaxing and maybe enjoy a good book while you sip your favorite tea. How about having a tea party with the kids - maybe not so hot though. There are lots of great herbal teas you can make for your kids, maybe add some honey and a little lemon - don't forget to pair it with some tasty sweet treats.
National Bagel Day
January 15
Buy them by the dozen or one at a time, either way they are a tasty treat for your family. Funny story, my boys sometimes use names bagel and doughnut interchangeably, while they have the same shape they are sooo different. While I can eat them alone, I mostly eat them with a big gob of cream cheese, unless I'm eating a chocolate chip bagel, then I prefer it toasted with some crunch peanut butter. I mostly eat mine toasted and sometime I add lox. Funny story, I used to eat them so much my friends gifted me a ceramic bagel, lox and cream cheese coaster set. Another fav of mine is an everything bagel with eggs and cheese as a delish breakfast treat. My oldest loves everything cheese bagels and my youngest loves pizza bagels, hubby will eat whatever we have. What are your favorites? We are lucky we have so many local bagel shops, although you can also pick them up at the supermarket, some bakeries and even the local donut shop.
 Fudio from Getty Images via Canva |
National Popcorn Day
January 19
We're popping with excitement for Popcorn Day! There is nothing better than fresh popped popcorn, there is something about the smell. If you don't want to make it there are lots of options for ready made popcorn from plain to exotic flavors, cheese seems to be a favorite in my house as well as olive oil popcorn. You can cook it easily on the stove with a little oil, use your air popper - a safe fun option for the kids or get some microwave popcorn. Lets not even talk about the intoxicating smell of popcorn as you walk in the movie theater or my fav Disneyland . . . mmmmm!
- Popping Up Flavorful Fun
- Easy DIY Popcorn Balls You Can Make at Home With Kids
- Snowmen Popcorn Cups for Movie Night
 Magone from Getty Images Pro via Canva |
National Cheese Lover's Day
January 20
I don't know about you, but I looooove cheese. I have my favorites and I love to try new one. My oldest always wants to try new cheeses and both my kids like brie. Pizza, grilled cheese, cream cheese and oh yeah . . . cheesecake! I found this cool cheese shop online, but I haven't the chance to go - it's on my bucket list though, you can't go wrong with a place called The Cheese Store of Beverly Hills? Luckily we have a lot of local stores with a nice selection and there is also the Farmers Market for now.
Cheesy recipes:
- Macaroni and Cheese Three Yummy Recipes your Family will Enjoy!
- Grown-Up Grilled Cheese: Delicious Twists on a Classic Sandwich
 aaboikis from Getty Images via Canva |
National Peanut Butter Day
January 24
I don't know about you, but I practically lived on PB&J when I was growing up. Now I prefer to skip the jelly and spread it on buttered toast, I think it's because my dad used to eat it that way, but he put raisins on top - yuck! I'm a fan of the peanut butter and chocolate combo, it's one of my favorite ice creams and I cannot pass up peanut butter cups. Funny though, my kids are not as big of fans, my oldest like PB sandwiches when he was little, but never liked jelly. He will however eat peanut butter it straight out of the jar like my hubby. Unfortunately with so many allergies this isn't the lunchtime staple as it used to be. If you don't already know it's also a great an in for smoothies.
Peanut Butter Recipes:
- Healthy Apple and Peanut Butter Snacks Kids Love!
- Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies are Jam-tastic
- Chewy Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies You Won't Want to Share
- No-Bake Peanut Butter, Oatmeal and Chocolate Chip Energy Balls
- Perfect Picnic Peanut Butter Brownie Cupcakes
- Easy Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies
- No-Bake Peanut Butter Cheesecake
 Creativey99 from Getty Images Signature via Canva |
National Fish Taco Day
January 25
Although I do eat fish I'm not a big fish eater, but I do like fish tacos - I think it's all the fixins. It's not to hard to find fish tacos around town or they are pretty easy to make at home for your family.
 Synergee from Getty Images Signature via Canva |
National Chocolate Cake Day
January 27
Calling all chocolate lovers and baking enthusiasts! Mark your calendars for January 27, as it's the sweetest day of the year – National Chocolate Cake Day! So, why not turn this special day into a family affair? Head to your kitchen for a delightful baking escapade that promises laughter and chocolatey magic!
Kid-Friendly Recipes to Celebrate Chocolate Cake Day with Your Family
 Multiart from Getty Images via Canva |
National Hot Chocolate Day
January 31
If your kids are like mine, hot chocolate or cocoa is the ultimate hot beverage no matter the weather. Top it with marshmallows / whipped cream and you've got a treat that's sure to please. Most places that serve breakfast or coffee typically offer hot chocolate, we always ask for whipped cream. You can make this at home pretty easy you can use a readymade mix or do like my mom and heat up some milk, add powdered cocoa and a little sugar. Kick it up a notch and add cinnamon or even some cayenne.
Macaroni Tip: Did you know that kids under 12 can enjoy free hot cocoa at In-N-Out Burger on rainy days, they even have teeny marshmallows - there is one in Westlake Village and another in Newbury Park.
- Snowman Soup - Hot Chocolate: Kid Recommended! - OK, not really soup, but warm and tasty just the same
- Kids Will Love to Make This DIY Frozen Hot Cocoa Ice Cream - Sooo not really hot, but it tastes like hot chocolate if you froze it
 variety of soup by Plateresca from Getty Images via Canva |
National Soup Month
January 1-31
Soup is my go-to comfort food anytime of year, but there is nothing better than warm soup on a cold day! Well January is National Soup month so you've got 31 days to enjoy this classic dish. Don't forget the bread, I don't know about you, but bread or at the very least crackers are a must with my soup - it's mmm good. Pop open a can, or may your own. It's not too hard, but if you have a crock-pot, instant pot or slow cooker it's even easier.
Try these Macaroni KID recipes:
- 3 Easy and Kid-Approved Vegetarian Winter Soups with Vegan Variations
- One-Pot Lasagna Soup: A Delicious Twist on a Family Favorite
- Slow Cooker Recipe: Chicken Noodle Soup Comforts and Soothes
- French Onion Soup is the Perfect Cool Weather Warm-up
- Easy Slow Cooker Potato Soup With Just 6 Ingredients
- Loaded Rutabaga Soup: The Perfect Dinner For a Cozy Night at Home
- A Twist on Taco Tuesday - Slow Cooker Taco Soup
- Italian Wedding Soup
- Easy Coconut Curry Chicken Soup - Perfect for Chinese New Year
- How To Make Matzo Ball Soup
Super Easy Matzo Ball Soup - Great Grandma Dora's Matzah Ball Soup
- Snowman Soup - Kid Recommended! - Not ready a soup, but a sweet treat your kids will love
Here are a few more January holidays you may enjoy celebrating with your family:
- 12 Fun and Inspiring Ways to Celebrate January with Your Kids
- Celebrations, Important Days and Holidays in January
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