Presidents' Day: Facts, a Recipe and a Giveaway

Today is Presidents' Day, the American holiday celebrated on the third Monday in February. My husband and I are big fans of the History Channel programming and they have some interesting facts about this holiday on their website. It was originally established in 1885 in recognition of President George Washington and it is still officially called “Washington’s Birthday” by the federal government. Traditionally celebrated on February 22—Washington’s actual day of birth—the holiday became popularly known as Presidents’ Day after it was moved as part of 1971’s Uniform Monday Holiday Act, an attempt to create more three-day weekends for the nation’s workers. While several states still have individual holidays this month honoring the birthdays of Presidents Washington and Lincoln, Presidents’ Day is now popularly viewed as a day to celebrate all U.S. presidents past and present.

I make these fun cherry white chocolate chip cookies to celebrate Presidents' Day. In the words attributed to young George Washington, "I cannot tell a lie" -these cherry treats are a hit with my husband and I hope you or someone you love will enjoy them, too! 

"Southern Fried Bride's White Chocolate Cherry Cookies"

1 stick butter, softened 
2/3 cup sugar
1/3 cup brown sugar
1 large egg
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup dried cherries
1/2 cup white chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease baking sheet or line with parchment paper. In large bowl, cream butter, sugar and brown sugar. Beat in eggs and vanilla. In separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda and salt. Slowly add to creamed mixture. Stir in dried cherries and white chocolate chips. Place by rounded tablespoonful onto baking sheet, 2 inches apart. Bake 10-12 minutes or until edges start to brown. Remove from oven and allow to cool for 5 minutes on baking sheet. Remove cookies onto wire rack to finish cooling. Enjoy!

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Speaking of holidays, I recently received a wonderful surprise in the mail when a fabulous footwear company sent me their year-round holiday socks collection because they know from reading this blog that I love to celebrate holidays. Snappy Socks have snaps so when you wash them, they stay together in the washer/dryer. I loved wearing the valentine socks and I am wearing the red, white and blue socks today for Presidents' Day. :)

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I recently won a giveaway prize from the wonderful toleware company Jayes Studio. I love that every piece they make is made by hand and painted one at a time. They use only lead-free paint and each item is powder coated for durability. This red, white and blue beauty is one of their fun and stylish Catch All Trays valued at $39.00 and in the spirit of today's holiday, I choose to pay it forward to one of you!  

To enter, leave a comment below and let me know your favorite U.S. president or presidents. Giveaway closes tonight at 10:30 pm EST. Winner will be announced immediately. Good luck!