National Clam Chowder Day — 25 February

There are few things as comforting as a bowl of warm clam chowder on a winter’s day, so it’s wonderful we get to celebrate National Clam Chowder Day on February 25. Originally considered a poor man’s food, the first chowders were fish stews made from vegetable and fish stewed in a large pot or cauldron. (The word “chowder” possibly finds its roots in the Latin word “calderia,” or cooking pot.) Clams are thought to have been introduced to the mix by the Native Americans and by the mid 1800’s were considered a main ingredient in what came to be known as clam chowder. Today, there are dozens of regional variations, including San Francisco clam chowder which comes in a sourdough bread bowl!