The Weekly Sizzle: Food, Fun, & Festivities

August 30 - September 5, 2025

Whether it’s a quirky food day, skillet in hand, or a meaningful celebration—no cast iron required—here’s what’s coming up this week!

🍷 August 30 – National Cabernet Sauvignon Day

Origin: First celebrated in the late 2000s by wine enthusiasts and vintners, this day was created to honor one of the most widely planted and recognized red wine grapes in the world. Cabernet Sauvignon’s roots trace back to 17th-century France, a natural cross between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc.

Cast Iron Connection: While you won’t be fermenting grapes in your skillet, you can use it to sear a ribeye or roast mushrooms—both perfect partners for a bold Cab. Deglaze the pan with a splash of the wine for a quick, rich pan sauce.

🔥 August 31 – National Toasted Marshmallow Day

Origin: Established by the National Confectioners Association to celebrate the gooey, golden-brown treat beloved at campfires for over a century. Marshmallows themselves date back to ancient Egypt, though the modern version took shape in 19th-century France.

Cast Iron Connection: No campfire? No problem. Line your cast iron skillet with graham crackers, scatter chocolate, top with marshmallows, and broil until puffed and toasty—instant skillet s’mores dip.

🍒 September 1 – National Cherry Popover Day

Origin: While the exact founder is unknown, popovers are an American twist on England’s Yorkshire pudding, with this day dedicated to the cherry-filled variety. It likely emerged from regional cherry-growing areas celebrating harvest season.

Cast Iron Connection: A well-seasoned cast iron muffin pan or small skillet is ideal for popovers—its even heat helps them rise tall and airy. Fold in fresh or dried cherries for that tart-sweet burst.

🫐 September 2 – National Blueberry Popsicle Day

Origin: This day likely grew from the popularity of National Blueberry Month and the nostalgia of frozen treats. Popsicles themselves were invented in 1905 by an 11-year-old, Frank Epperson, who left a cup of soda powder and water outside overnight.

Cast Iron Connection: While you won’t freeze pops in a skillet, you can use it to make a quick blueberry compote. Swirl that into yogurt before freezing for a marbled, flavor-packed popsicle base.

🍖 September 3 – National Baby Back Ribs Day

Origin: Created by barbecue lovers to spotlight the tender, curved ribs from the upper part of the pig’s ribcage. The day often coincides with Labor Day weekend grilling traditions in the U.S.

Cast Iron Connection: Start your ribs in a cast iron Dutch oven or deep skillet for a slow braise, then finish them on the grill or under the broiler for that caramelized crust.

🍪 September 4 – Eat an Extra Dessert Day

Origin: The origins are a bit of a mystery—likely a grassroots internet holiday that gained traction through food bloggers and social media. Its mission is simple: indulge without guilt.

Cast Iron Connection: Bake a giant skillet cookie or brownie, slice it into wedges, and call it “extra” by adding a scoop of ice cream on top.

🍕 September 5 – National Cheese Pizza Day

Origin: Pizza itself dates back centuries, but this day emerged in the U.S. to honor the pure, topping-free version. It’s been embraced by pizzerias nationwide as a celebration of simplicity.

Cast Iron Connection: A cast iron skillet is your secret weapon for a crispy, golden crust. Preheat it in the oven, then slide in your dough, sauce, and cheese for a pizzeria-worthy pie at home.

Closing Thoughts

From a silky pour of Cabernet to the last bite of cheese pizza, this week is a reminder that food holidays aren’t just dates on a calendar—they’re invitations to slow down, savor, and maybe try something new. Whether you’re firing up your cast iron for a seared steak, a gooey s’mores dip, or a bubbling pizza crust, each day offers a reason to gather, taste, and celebrate.

So keep your skillet handy, your curiosity open, and your appetite ready—because the best way to honor these moments is to make them your own. Here’s to a week of flavor, fun, and a few extra helpings along the way.