Home » March » National Something on a Stick Day (March 28)

National Something on a Stick Day (March 28)

Check out the weird holiday National Something On a Stick Day on March 28. Learn the history of this holiday & get ideas on how to celebrate.

One weird holiday on March 28 is National Something on a Stick Day. Check out the other weird March holidays!

March 28th is a day like no other on the culinary calendar—it’s National Something on a Stick Day. On this whimsical and delicious day, we celebrate the ingenious idea of skewering various foods onto sticks, transforming them into portable, flavorful delights. From savory kebabs to sweet treats, National Something on a Stick Day invites us to embrace the fun and creativity of eating on a stick.

In this gastronomic journey, we’ll explore the origins of this delightful holiday, discover the diverse world of foods on sticks, uncover the cultural significance of skewered delights, and offer delectable ideas for celebrating this unique occasion.

The Origins of National Something on a Stick Day

While the specific origins of National Something on a Stick Day are unclear, it’s safe to say that this whimsical holiday emerged as a celebration of the creative and convenient concept of skewering food onto sticks. Skewering food has been a culinary practice in various cultures for centuries, making it a tradition that transcends time and borders.

Skewers were likely one of the earliest cooking tools used by humans. Historically, they were made from materials such as wood, bamboo, or metal and served a practical purpose in roasting meat over open flames. Over time, skewering food became an art form, with different cultures infusing their unique flavors and cooking techniques into this culinary practice.

National Something on a Stick Day falls on March 28th each year, providing the perfect opportunity to explore the world of foods on sticks and embrace the delightful simplicity of this dining experience.

The Diverse World of Foods on Sticks

One of the remarkable aspects of National Something on a Stick Day is the sheer variety of foods that can be skewered and enjoyed. From appetizers to desserts, here are some of the delicious options that grace our tables on this day:

Savory Delights:

  1. Kebabs: Perhaps one of the most iconic skewered dishes, kebabs feature marinated meat (such as chicken, beef, or lamb) and vegetables cooked to perfection.
  2. Satay: A Southeast Asian favorite, satay consists of skewered and grilled meat, typically served with a flavorful peanut sauce.
  3. Corn Dogs: A beloved fairground classic, corn dogs are hot dogs coated in a cornmeal batter and deep-fried to golden perfection.
  4. Shish Tawook: A Middle Eastern delight, shish tawook includes marinated and grilled chicken chunks, often served with garlic sauce and pita bread.
  5. Anticuchos: Hailing from Peru, anticuchos are skewered and marinated beef hearts, grilled to smoky perfection and served with spicy sauce.
  6. Vegetable Skewers: Vegetarians can delight in skewered vegetables, often accompanied by flavorful marinades and dips.

Sweet Indulgences:

  1. Cake Pops: These bite-sized treats feature crumbled cake mixed with frosting, shaped into balls, and coated in chocolate or candy.
  2. Fruit Kabobs: A healthy and refreshing option, fruit kabobs showcase an array of colorful fruits, making them visually appealing and delicious.
  3. Marshmallow Kebabs: Perfect for roasting over a campfire, marshmallow kebabs offer a fun and gooey treat.
  4. Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: Plump strawberries dipped in luscious chocolate make for a decadent and elegant dessert.
  5. Ice Cream Bars: Frozen treats on a stick, such as ice cream bars and popsicles, provide a cool and satisfying way to indulge in sweet delights.
  6. Churros: These deep-fried dough sticks are dusted with sugar and cinnamon, creating a crispy and irresistible treat.

Cultural Significance of Skewered Delights

Skewered foods hold cultural significance around the world, reflecting the diverse culinary traditions of different regions. Here are a few examples of how skewered delights are celebrated in various cultures:

  1. Japanese Yakitori: In Japan, yakitori consists of bite-sized pieces of chicken skewered and grilled to perfection. It’s a popular street food and izakaya (Japanese pub) dish.
  2. Brazilian Churrasco: Brazil’s churrasco tradition involves skewering various cuts of meat and grilling them over an open flame. It’s a central element of Brazilian barbecue culture.
  3. Indian Seekh Kebabs: Seekh kebabs are a beloved Indian dish featuring minced meat (often lamb or chicken) mixed with spices and herbs, molded onto skewers, and cooked in a tandoor or on a grill.
  4. Thai Moo Ping: Moo ping is a Thai street food favorite consisting of skewered and grilled marinated pork, often served with sticky rice.
  5. Greek Souvlaki: Souvlaki is a Greek classic, featuring small pieces of marinated meat (usually pork, chicken, or lamb) skewered and grilled, then served in pita bread with toppings and sauces.
  6. Turkish Döner Kebabs: Döner kebabs involve skewering seasoned meat (typically beef or chicken) onto a vertical rotisserie. The meat is thinly sliced as it cooks and served in sandwiches or over rice.

Ways to Celebrate National Something on a Stick Day

National Something on a Stick Day offers a delightful opportunity to get creative in the kitchen, experiment with flavors, and indulge in skewered delights. Here are some ways to celebrate this culinary adventure:

  1. Host a Skewer-Making Party: Invite friends or family over for a skewer-making party. Provide an array of ingredients and marinades, and let everyone create their skewer masterpieces. Grill or bake them to perfection and enjoy the delicious results.
  2. International Skewer Night: Explore global flavors by creating a diverse menu of skewered dishes from different countries. Sample satay from Southeast Asia, yakitori from Japan, and shish tawook from the Middle East, among others.
  3. Family-Friendly Fun: Get kids involved in the kitchen by preparing kid-friendly skewers. Consider creating fruit kabobs, marshmallow kebabs, or colorful vegetable skewers.
  4. Skewer-Style Desserts: Experiment with dessert skewers by assembling cake pops, chocolate-covered strawberries, or frozen banana pops.
  5. Outdoor BBQ: Fire up the grill for an outdoor barbecue featuring savory skewers. Whether it’s classic kebabs or exotic variations, grilling adds a delightful smokiness to skewered dishes.
  6. Food on a Stick Buffet: Set up a “food on a stick” buffet with a variety of skewered foods, dips, and sauces. Guests can assemble their ideal skewer combinations.
  7. Visit a Food Festival: If possible, attend a local food festival or fair where you can savor a wide range of skewered delights, from corn dogs to churros.
  8. Cooking Class: Take a cooking class focused on skewered dishes to learn new techniques and recipes. It’s an opportunity to expand your culinary skills and knowledge.

National Something on a Stick Day invites us to embark on a culinary adventure filled with flavors, creativity, and delightful surprises. Whether it’s savoring savory kebabs from the Mediterranean, relishing sweet cake pops at a birthday party, or enjoying any of the countless foods on sticks from around the world, this day encourages us to embrace the fun and convenience of eating on a stick.

As we celebrate National Something on a Stick Day, let us savor the diverse and delectable world of skewered delights. Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or a novice in the kitchen, this day is a reminder that culinary exploration can be both delicious and imaginative. So, pick up a skewer, assemble your favorite ingredients, and embark on a culinary journey that’s bound to be both flavorful and fun.

Ideas for National Food on a Stick Day

Pin it!

Share this post about on Pinterest!