September 17, 2021 – National Apple Dumpling Day | National Monte Cristo Day

When Is The Last Time You Tried This Swashbuckling Sandwich?

Welcome to September 17th, 2021 on the National Day Calendar. Today we celebrate the flavor of Fall and the rise of a swashbuckling sandwich.

As soon as the air turns crisp, we look forward to a new season of apples.  To savor the season, we celebrate the flavor of Fall with apple dumplings.  There are many variations from Bavaria to England, and while they all include apples and some kind of dough, the key difference is how they are cooked.  The word dumpling in German means steamed, which is why their apple dumplings are boiled or steamed.  The American recipe comes from Pennsylvania and in the Amish tradition they are baked.  The dough is spiked with cinnamon and sugar and reaches a golden perfection that’s reminiscent of apple pie. No one can resist this treat and the Amish even eat them for breakfast.  On National Apple Dumpling Day, celebrate the sweetness of the season’s best fruit!

If you’ve read The Count Of Monte Cristo, you might think of sword fights, adventure and swashbuckling.  The Monte Cristo sandwich, on the other hand, has nothing to do with adventure or revenge.  Made with white bread, ham, turkey and Swiss cheese that is dipped in batter and fried in butter, the Monte Cristo became popular in the 1950s. When it picked up a side of jelly on the menu at Disneyland in the 60s, this sandwich vaulted into stardom.  The combo still holds a place on menus today, although now it’s served for breakfast or lunch.  And I am personally am excited it’s National Monte Cristo Day.

I’m Anna Devere and I’m Marlo Anderson.  Thanks for joining us as we Celebrate Every Day.


Leave a Reply

LISTEN to the National Day Calendar Radio Short.