February 9, 2023 marks the third annual National Bagel and Lox Day in the United States. This day celebrates the traditional Jewish dish, which is a combination of a bagel, smoked salmon (lox), cream cheese and various toppings. National Bagel and Lox Day provides an opportunity to indulge in this delicious treat while also recognizing the rich Jewish heritage it represents. In this article, we’ll discuss the history of bagels and lox, what makes this dish so special, how you can celebrate by making your own bagel and lox, and more!
What is National Bagel and Lox Day?
February 9th is National Bagel and Lox Day in the United States! This holiday celebrates one of the most popular breakfast foods – the bagel. Bagels are a type of bread that is boiled before it is baked, resulting in a chewy texture. They are often topped with sesame seeds or other flavorings. Lox is a type of salmon that has been cured in salt, sugar, and spices. It is common to eat lox on a bagel with cream cheese, onions, and capers.
So why not celebrate National Bagel and Lox Day by enjoying this delicious breakfast treat? You can even make your own bagels and lox at home!
The History of Bagels
Bagels have been around for centuries and their origins are still somewhat of a mystery. Some believe that bagels were first created in Poland, while others believe they originated in Italy or Germany. There is evidence to support all three claims.
The earliest known reference to the word “bagel” can be found in the community regulations of the city of Krakow, Poland from 1610. The regulations stated that bagels were to be given as a gift to women in childbirth. This is likely where the tradition of giving new mothers a dozen bagels began.
In 1683, when the Turks attempted to take over Vienna, Austria, they were defeated by Polish troops who were said to have slept on top of their shields (which were round like a bagel). This victory became known as the “Battle of Vienna” and is commemorated each year with a large Viennese festival called “Bagelschlacht”.
In 1776, German-born baker Johann Georg Engelhardt came to America and opened up a bakery on Staten Island, New York. His bakery was successful and he began selling his bagels to other bakeries in New York City. By 1800, there were nearly two dozen bagel bakeries in NYC. In 1869, William Vanderbilt tasted a New York bagel and liked it so much that he took some back to Europe with him where they quickly became popular.
How to Make a Bagel
If you love bagels and lox, today is your day! February 9th is National Bagel and Lox Day, a holiday created to celebrate this delicious breakfast (or lunch, or dinner) combo. Here’s how to make your own bagel and lox feast at home:
1. Start with the bagels. You can either buy them pre-made or make your own. If you’re feeling ambitious, try this recipe for New York-style bagels.
2. Toast the bagels until they’re nice and crispy.
3. Spread cream cheese on each bagel half.
4. Top with smoked salmon (also called lox), diced red onion, capers, and fresh dill.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Traditional Toppings for Bagels
Bagels are a traditional Jewish food that date back to the 16th century. They were brought to America by Polish immigrants in the late 19th century and have since become a staple in American cuisine. Bagels are typically boiled before they are baked, which gives them a chewy texture. They are often topped with sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or other toppings before being served.
Bagels are commonly served with lox (smoked salmon), cream cheese, and onions. Lox is a type of smoked salmon that is very popular in Jewish cuisine. It is often served on bagels, but can also be eaten on its own or with other foods. Cream cheese is a type of fresh cheese that is made from milk and cream. It has a soft, spreadable texture and mild flavor. Onions add a sharp flavor to bagels that balances out the richness of the cream cheese and lox.
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Creative Toppings for Bagels
There are endless possibilities when it comes to topping your bagel on National Bagel and Lox Day. Get creative with your toppings and try something new!
Here are some creative topping ideas for your bagel:
-Smoked salmon, cream cheese, cucumber, and dill
-Strawberry cream cheese and balsamic glaze
-Peanut butter, banana, and honey
-Cream cheese, bacon, and chives
-Chicken salad and grapes
-Tuna salad and tomato
-Egg salad and avocado
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Recipes
Bagels and lox is a classic breakfast or brunch dish that is perfect for National Bagel and Lox Day. This dish is traditionally made with smoked salmon, cream cheese, onions, capers, and lemon juice. However, there are many variations of this dish that you can try. Here are some recipes for bagels and lox that you can make at home:
1. Classic Bagels and Lox – This recipe is the traditional bagels and lox dish that is perfect for a special breakfast or brunch.
2. Bagel Benedict – This recipe features poached eggs and hollandaise sauce on top of bagels and lox.
3. Smoked Salmon Pizza – This recipe uses bagels as the crust for a delicious pizza topped with smoked salmon, onions, capers, and lemon juice.
4. Salmon Cream Cheese Spread – This spread is perfect for spreading on bagels or crackers. It is made with smoked salmon, cream cheese, lemon juice, and dill.
5. Caprese Bagel Stack – This recipe features fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, and balsamic vinegar on top of bagels and lox.
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Conclusion
National Bagel and Lox Day is a special day to celebrate one of the most beloved breakfast foods. Whether you’re in the mood for something savory, or want to kick-start your morning with some lox, National Bagel and Lox Day gives you an excuse to indulge in this delicious combination. So get out there and treat yourself by enjoying a bagel and lox on February 9th!
NATIONAL BAGEL AND LOX DAY DATES
Year | Date | Day |
---|---|---|
2023 | February 9 | Thursday |
2024 | February 9 | Friday |
2025 | February 9 | Sunday |
2026 | February 9 | Monday |
2027 | February 9 | Tuesday |