national-cinnamon-raisin-bread-day-september-16

National Cinnamon Raisin Bread Day September 16

Imagine biting into a warm slice of cinnamon raisin bread, feeling the perfect blend of sweet, chewy raisins and spicy cinnamon dance on your taste buds. This delightful treat, celebrated annually on September 16, has a history as rich and layered as its flavors. From the ancient spice trades that brought cinnamon to the forefront of luxury in ancient Egypt, to the sun-drenched vineyards of Greece that gave us raisins, this bread is a testament to centuries of culinary evolution. But how did these two ingredients, each with a storied past, come together in the loaves we love today? Tracing back to the 18th or 19th century in Europe, the marriage of cinnamon and raisins in bread marks a delicious point in culinary history. Despite the murky origins of National Cinnamon Raisin Bread Day, this holiday serves as a perfect excuse to indulge in a slice or two, celebrating a fusion of flavors that has delighted palates for generations.

Key Takeaway

Cinnamon raisin bread is a sweet bread made with cinnamon and raisins, with origins dating back to ancient Egypt and Greece.
The combination of cinnamon and raisins in bread likely originated in Europe in the 18th or 19th century, and it became popular in American bakeries and supermarkets over the years. National Cinnamon Raisin Bread Day was created to celebrate this beloved bread.

Timeline

1829
First commercial bread bakery
A German immigrant, John Dexter, opens the first commercial bread bakery in the United States in San Francisco, California.
1879
Invention of sliced bread
Jewish inventor, Oscar H. Brefeld, patents a bread-slicing machine, making it easier for bakeries to produce uniform slices.
1930
Commercial production of raisin bread
Sunbeam Bread begins commercial production of raisin bread in the United States.
1960
Introduction of cinnamon raisin bread
Bakeries start adding cinnamon to raisin bread, creating a new and popular variety.
2007
Proposal for National Cinnamon Raisin Bread Day
A food blogger proposes the idea of National Cinnamon Raisin Bread Day on September 16, and it quickly gains popularity among bread lovers.
2009
First official National Cinnamon Raisin Bread Day
The first official National Cinnamon Raisin Bread Day is celebrated on September 16, with bakeries and food enthusiasts across the country participating in the celebration.

Day Activities

  1. Kick off National Cinnamon Raisin Bread Day with a bang by starting your morning with a warm, toasty slice of this sweet and spicy bread. Jazz it up with a smear of cream cheese or a dollop of butter that melts into every nook and cranny, making every bite a heavenly experience. Don't forget a cup of your favorite coffee or tea to wash down the deliciousness.

  2. Get creative in the kitchen by whipping up your own loaf from scratch. Baking cinnamon raisin bread is not only a fun activity but also fills your home with an irresistible aroma that's sure to bring everyone to the kitchen. Experiment with adding nuts or swapping traditional raisins for golden ones to put a unique twist on the classic recipe.

  3. Spread the love by sharing this delightful treat with friends, family, or neighbors. Bake an extra loaf or two and surprise someone with a homemade gift that's sure to warm their heart and tickle their taste buds. Sharing not only doubles the joy but also introduces more folks to the wonders of this special day dedicated to cinnamon raisin bread.

Interesting Facts

1. Ancient Spice Meets Sweet Treat

Cinnamon, used since 2000 BC in Egypt, pairs with raisins for a timeless bread delight.

2. Raisins: A Snack Through Ages

Raisins have been enjoyed since 3000 BC, making their way into breads by the 18th century.

3. Recipe Debut in 1896

The first cinnamon raisin bread recipe appeared in the "Boston Cooking-School Cook Book."

4. An American Breakfast Favorite

This bread quickly became a staple in U.S. homes, loved for its sweet and spicy flavor.

5. Celebrating Every September 16

National Cinnamon Raisin Bread Day honors this beloved bread with no clear origin of the holiday itself.

Why We Love This Day

  • Celebrating a Classic Combo: Who doesn't love the warm, comforting blend of cinnamon and raisins? This day shines a spotlight on a classic flavor duo that's been tickling taste buds since, well, forever. From ancient Egypt's cinnamon-infused concoctions to Greece's early adoption of raisins, this combo has history. And let's not forget, it's all wrapped up in a delicious slice of bread. Talk about a tasty trip through time!

  • A Nod to Culinary Creativity: Bakers, start your ovens! National Cinnamon Raisin Bread Day isn't just about eating; it's a call to culinary arms. With a recipe that's been evolving since 1896, there's room for a pinch of this and a dash of that, making each loaf a unique masterpiece. Whether you're a pro with the dough or trying your hand at baking for the first time, this day is perfect for unleashing that inner chef.

  • More Than Just Bread: Sure, at its heart, we're talking about bread here. But really, it's about so much more. It's a celebration of simple pleasures, of the joy found in the aroma of baking bread filling the house, of sitting down with loved ones over a slice (or two) smeared with butter. National Cinnamon Raisin Bread Day reminds us to savor these moments, to pause and appreciate the sweet (and slightly spicy) things in life.

Past & Future Dates

Month Day Year
SEPTEMBER 16 2022
SEPTEMBER 16 2023
SEPTEMBER 16 2024
SEPTEMBER 16 2025
SEPTEMBER 16 2026
SEPTEMBER 16 2027
SEPTEMBER 16 2028

FAQ

What national holiday is on September 16?

International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer.

Who invented cinnamon raisin bread?

Contrary to popular belief, Henry David Thoreau didn't dream up cinnamon raisin bread. Recipes featuring bread with raisins have circulated since 1671, and since the 15th century, folks in Europe baked breads jazzed up with raisins. Over in Germany, stollen, a festive Christmas bread, has been a hit for centuries.