If you are of Catholic, Eastern or Oriental Orthodoxy faith, then most likely today you will be observing the Feast of the Assumption of Mary. This Holy Day of Obligation on the Catholic Calendar celebrates the bodily taking up of the Virgin Mary into Heaven at the end of her earthly life.
For those stressed out by their daily jobs, daily life or merely the stresses of living, then take a deep breath and rejoice that August 15th is National Relaxation Day – an excuse to put up your feet and take it easy, if but only for a day. Surprisingly, the annual event was started back in 1985 by a 9-year-old Michigan boy named Sean Moeller. Apparently the boy thought people had too many daily activities and just needed to slow down. Since accumulated stress can act as the seeds for disease, affecting the mind and body in an assortment of damaging ways, taking time out to relax is actually a holiday we should all savor.
Lastly, today is also National Lemon Meringue Pie Day. I tried to do a little internet research on the holiday’s origin but only came up with the fact that it seems to be dated back to 2006. Meringue itself was perfected in the 17th century. Lemon meringue pie, as we know it today, was developed in the 19th century. So feel guilt-free today as you indulge in this lemony confection.
All three of August 15th’s observances really do encompass what my blog is all about…that is to feed the body, mind & soul.
So today I will say a prayer, sit back and relax with a big slice of these…
Ok, now I know what you’re thinking, and yes, technically this isn’t lemon meringue pie. However, I wanted to acknowledge the lemon holiday while trying this easy boxed mix I picked up from Trader Joes. Plus, being relaxation day and all, I wanted a homemade treat but didn’t feel like baking an entire pie with temps outside reaching well over 100 degrees.
I just love writing reviews of Trader Joe’s products I haven’t tried before so I plan to post similar musings regularly. I’m not affiliated with, or employed by Trader Joes, just a fan of its interesting offerings.
Anyways, this easy, all natural bar mix came out a lot like lemon meringue pie, just meringueless…
To the crust mix, you add your own 8 tablespoons butter so the base is buttery and crisp, just be mindful not to burn, especially around the edges which brown faster than the bottom. The filling is super lemony with just the right thickness, thanks to beating 1/2 cup of fresh squeezed lemon juice along with 3 eggs to the pre-packaged mix.
At only $2.99 for a 16 oz. box (making about 12 bars), you have an easy home-baked treat your entire lemon-loving family will devour.
Whatever you decide to do today….
Live. Laugh. Love…And Eat!