National Chocolate Covered Peanuts Day - Feb. 25th; Kathy Strahs

Kathy Strahs
Strahs is a food blogger (two of them: Panini Happy, and Cooking on the Side) and author of The Ultimate Panini Press Cookbook. She's been featured in The New York Times and Saveur, and has judged food competitions in Los Angeles, San Diego, and Las Vegas. Regarding the representation of African Americans in the field of cooking, she said 

"Food blogging and social media as a whole has exploded in popularity in just the past few years. [...] I think it’s never been a better time for African Americans – or anyone, really – to make a name for themselves."

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February 25th is both Chocolate-Covered Peanuts Day, but also Clam Chowder Day. New England Clam Chowder was covered on January 21st, and call me grumpy, but I don't think chowder needs two days.

I've also covered a bit on tempering chocolate, so you're all set to grab some peanuts and start dipping! Peanut clusters are some of the easiest candies to make at home, and you're certainly not limited to using only peanuts in your candies. Add miniature marshmallows for Rocky Road, or raisins, or maybe you have a secret spice you like to add to the melted chocolate before you put the peanuts in.

Available at Amazon.

National Chocolate Mint Day - Feb. 19th; Sanura Weathers

Sanura Weathers
Award-winning food blogger Weathers may not have the specialized training of some of the African Americans profiled this month, but she certainly has the passion. In addition to the blog My Life Runs On Food, she also created Kwanzaa Culinarians, a collaborative blog celebrating Kwanzaa with recipes and stories.

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February 19th is Chocolate Mint Day! During the Christmas season, I buy the little mini candy canes, and then pulverize them in small batches in my food processor. That gets put into a little shaker bottle and I can use that to add to my hot cocoa, or make a peppermint mocha that's much better than something commercially purchased (not to mention cheaper!). I keep the candy canes that are still whole in their original wrappers and in a zip-top bag in my pantry. So long as they stay dry, they will keep for a good long time. However, it's best to do that in small batches, because humidity will turn that little jar into a sticky block of mostly-fused peppermint mess.

Available at Amazon.