Pepper Pot Day
About Pepper Pot Day
When is Pepper Pot Day? This holiday is always observed on December 29
Pepper Pot Day is a December 29 holiday. It commemorates the creation of this thick spicy soup, which was served to the Continental Army during the cold, harsh winter of 1777-1778. Pepper Pot soup, also spelled “Pepperpot”, was first made on December 29, 1777. The soup is popular in Pennsylvania where it is called Philadelphia Pepper Pot soup. It is also a popular dish in the south. This soup has roots in Guyana, where it is also popular.
According to the legend………..
During the Revolutionary War, the Continental army camped at Valley Forge. The winter was cold and harsh. Conditions were deplorable. Often, food was often scarce. George Washington asked his army’s chef to prepare a meal for the army, that would both warm them, and boost their morale. The chef found scraps of tripe, small bits of meat, and some peppercorn. He mixed this in with some other spices and ingredients, and created Pepper Pot soup, also known as “Philadelphia Pepper Pot soup”. The hot and somewhat spicy soup was well received by the troops. It was called “the soup that won the war”.
Celebrate Pepper Pot Day by making some Pepper Pot soup for the family. Note: while tripe was the main ingredient of this soup, you can substitute it with chicken, pig, or beef.
How to Celebrate Pepper Pot Day
It’s unlikely to find Philadelphia Pepper Pot soup in a restaurant menu. Look up a recipe in your cookbook, or online, and make it at home.
Today's Quotes
“An idealist is one who, on noticing that roses smell better than a cabbage, concludes that it will also make better soup.” – – H.L. Mencken
History and Origin of Pepper Pot Day
This warm and hearty day dates back to when it was first made to serve the Continental Army on December 29, 1777. We do not know when it first was celebrated as a special day, or who started this tradition. However, it certainly is a day that will warm you up!
Our first research of this day in the early 2000s, and follow-up research in the early 2020s, found no congressional records or presidential proclamations proclaiming this to be a true “National” day.
Definition of “National” Days – And why it is important to distinguish true national days.
This Day in History
Here are some things that happened on this day:
- Retired sea captain Thomas Valentine Sullivan establishes the first Young Men’s Christian Assocation in Boston, MA. He models it after George William’s YMCA in London, England. (1851)
- The bowling ball is invented. (1862)
- Ted Danson, actor, TV series “Cheers” was born on this day in 1947.
More December 29 Holidays
In addition to Pepper Pot Day, here is another December 29 holiday you will enjoy:
More About Today
Recipe of the Day: Deviled Eggs
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