"cook something bold and pungent day" news and stories

In the month that houses the nation's premier evening of gluttony -- the average American consumes some 4,500 calories every Thanksgiving Day, not to mention seemingly endless leftovers -- it's no wonder November is a dreaded month for dieters nationwide. But despite its most famous celebration, the month also ironically serves as the healthy host to National Pepper Month, Vegan Month, National Pomegranate Month, and National Peanut Butter Lover's Month.

Excuses for culinary celebrations range from tame (National Sunday Day, Nov. 11), to obvious (National Turkey Day -- you guessed it, Thanksgiving Day), to practical (National Leftovers Day follows Turkey Day), to downright bizarre (Cook Something Bold and Pungent Day, Nov. 9). So get cooking -- if only for the holidays that you can stomach.

Notable national food holidays for the month of November, after the jump...

You're probably asking yourself, why should I cook something bold and pungent today? Well, because today is Cook Something Bold and Pungent Day! (Yes, there's a holiday for everything.)

When I hear the word "pungent," I automatically think of cheese, such as Limburger. iGourmet has a section on stinky cheeses as well as several recipes. As for the word bold, that could have many meanings, from something that is complex and different to something that is hot and spicy. Maybe you can make some Nice 'n Spicy Muffins, or perhaps some Hot and Spicy Spuds. This page has a recipe for the day, Smoky Blue Cheese Risotto with Almonds and Pear Sauce. Or be creative and think of something else that is bold and pungent. Tell us in the comments what you've come up with.