May, which is making a welcomed appearance today is the 5^th month in the year and was named after the Greek goddess Maia, Goddess of the Fields and who was said to be the most beautiful as well as the shyest of all the goddesses. Well, here in the Atlanta area April showers did bring beautiful flowers that will continue to bloom in May. So let’s welcome May and hope the month continues to provide us with endless beauty. There’s something about May that makes every day seem fresh and clean. As things spiral out of the ground in magnificent colors and as leaves sprout out on tree limbs in all shades of green it is a month of daily debuts and endless surprises. So, let’s enjoy each glorious day before hot and humid sets in down here. There will be lots to celebrate this month….Mother’s Day, proms, graduations, engagements and weddings to mention a few and, of course, the much hallowed and venerated Memorial and more.

May is indeed a vibrant month filled with a plethora of celebrations and observances. Here’s a detailed look at what else May is known for:

Cinco de Mayo (May 5) Celebrates Mexican culture and heritage, particularly in the United States.

Mother’s Day, Celebrated on the second Sunday of May, is a holiday that honors mothers and motherhood.

Memorial Day, Observed on the last Monday of May, is a federal holiday in the U.S. for remembering those who have died in military service.

On a lighter note, we have:

National Cherry Cobbler Day (May 17) – A day to enjoy this delicious dessert.

Lucky Penny Day (May 23) – Celebrating the tradition of picking up a penny for good luck.

International Doodle Day – Celebrates creativity and the art of doodling.

Month-Long Celebrations include:

National Strawberry Month – A perfect excuse to indulge in strawberries and related recipes.

National Barbecue Month – Encourages people to fire up their grills and enjoy outdoor cooking.

National Mental Health Awareness Month A  necessary time to raise awareness about mental health issues.

Weekly Observances include:

Teacher Appreciation Week – Usually the first full week of May, recognizing the impact of educators.

National Pet Week – Celebrates the important role pets play in our lives, starting the first Sunday in May.

Nurses Week – Really needs the entire month,for appreciating the contributions of nurses, also starting the first week of May.

And Not To Be Forgotten – Celebrating Everyday Heroes and Pets:

School Lunch Hero Day – Honoring individuals who serve nutritious meals to schoolchildren, observed on the first Friday of May.

National Receptionists Day – Celebrated on the second Wednesday in May, recognizing the essential role of receptionists.

Mayday for Mutts – Raising awareness for mixed-breed dogs and encouraging adoptions.

National Rescue Dog Day (May 20) -Promoting the adoption of rescue dogs and highlighting their impact on our lives.

Whether it’s through celebrating culinary delights, honoring service professionals, or promoting animal welfare, May offers countless opportunities for themed festivities and gratitude. It’s a month abundant with reasons to gather, reflect, and appreciate various aspects of life.

So, bring it on! Our younger grandchildren (not so much their parents) are most excited about May because here in Atlanta the school year ends in May, pools open and bar-be-que season begins. And our family beach vacation (we will be 22 this year) is not far off!

ORA LO SAI!

And now you know!

                                              ALMOND STUFFED PEACHES

                                       A quick and easy dessert with a surprise!

6 RIPE PEACHES – halved, pits removed

3 Tbs SLIVERED ALMONDS – toasted

10-12 Amaretti cookies – plus more for garnish

6 TSPS SUGAR

1 ½ CUPS VIN SANTO

3 TBS BUTTER – unsalted

VANILLA ICE CREAM

Using a teaspoon remove some of the flesh from each peach half to create a well. Chop the scooped out peach flesh and set it aside. To make a flat base on the peach, cut a thin slice off the bottom. pulse the almonds, amaretti and sugar in a food processor. Add the chopped peach and just a small amount of Vin Santo to combine. Place the peaches in a buttered oven proof dish (a muffin tin works). Fill the peaches with the stuffing and dot them with butter. Pour remining wine over all.

Bake for 20-30 minutes. Serve warm with freshly whipped cream or ice cream. Spoon any wine that is left in the pan or cups over all and garnish with nuts and crushed cookies.

BUON MANGIATA!