The calendar is chock-full of food holidays, every month of the year! Although these can be a little silly, we like to take them as an opportunity to celebrate all things culinary with our friends and loved ones. So, for April, grab your aprons and invite your neighbors over to share favorite recipes featuring crunchy pecans or zesty garlic. Check out some of our ideas or start your own traditions!
April 2: National Peanut Butter and Jelly Day
PB&J Thumbprint Cookies
These insanely easy one-bowl thumbprint cookies from our own test kitchen taste exactly like a PB&J sandwich! The peanut butter makes the cookies chewy and nutty, while the jam adds a pop of sweetness and tart fruit. We like to coat them in some crushed nuts and coarse sugar for a more dressed-up look, but they’re just as delicious without. Great for packing in school lunches or having on hand as an after-school snack!
April 14: National Pecan Day
Overnight Bourbon Pecan Pie French Toast Casserole
This bourbon-spiked French toast from Baker by Nature could double for bread pudding! It’s the perfect make-ahead company breakfast, rich with butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon and laden with plenty of pecans. A finishing touch of silky pecan maple syrup lends a caramel sweetness reminiscent of a true pecan pie.
April 19: National Garlic Day
The Garlickiest Fried Rice
Bon Appétit doesn’t think there’s any such thing as too much garlic, and neither do we! Use up your day-old rice in this aromatic side dish—perfect alongside soy-glazed short ribs!—flavored with eight cloves of crispy garlic and spoonfuls of fresh ginger. Don’t feel restricted by the recommended ingredients: This recipe is a great way to clean out your fridge of leftover protein, herbs, or veggies on a busy weeknight.
April 21: National Chickpea Day
Mediterranean Chickpea Salad
Crisp cucumbers, chewy dates, creamy goat cheese, and juicy cherry tomatoes serve as supporting players for the main star here: protein-packed chickpeas. Toss this Love & Lemons salad with an earthy cumin dressing spiked with lemon juice and garlic to create a fiber-rich, colorful addition to your brunch, lunch, or dinner table.
April 23: National Picnic Day
Garlic-Herb Potato Salad
Need a dish you can easily transport to a picnic or early-season backyard barbecue? Cooking Classy answers the call with this herby potato salad that requires no refrigeration. The red potatoes add a touch of elegance and the vinaigrette brings the zing! To create a different flavor profile, sub in tarragon and dill for the chives and thyme.
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