Aspen Reserve Specialties

07/16/2026

NATIONAL CHERRY DAY
Every year on July 16, National Cherry Day invites us to celebrate one of summer's most beloved fruits--the cherry. Whether you love sweet cherry treats or tart cherry delights, cherries area true summertime treat that always delivers a burst of delicious flavor.


Cherries have a history as rich as their flavor that have been enjoyed since ancient times. There is documented evidence of cherries mentioned in Greek text as far back as 300 B.C. Like many things, cherries were brought to the U.S. by early settlers. It's true there were cherry species in the U.S. before settlers arrived, but those were and are not the same "type" of cherry we find in the store today.

Did you know?
Modern cherry production in the U.S. began in 1852 when Peter Dougherty began planting cherry trees on Michigan's Old Mission Peninsula.

Cherries are more than just a tasty fruit. They are packed with nutrients and offer several health benefits loaded with antioxidants that contain compounds that help reduce inflammation in the body, including alleviating symptoms caused by arthritis and muscle soreness. Cherries are also a natural source of melatonin, which means they can contribute to better sleep quality. Best of all, enjoying cherries can help reduce reduce bad cholesterol levels and promote overall cardiovascular health.

Delightful Cherry Facts
Michigan is the cherry capital of the world, growing over 70% of all cherries consumed in the U.S.

An average cherry tree can yield up to 7,000 cherries, which is enough to make about 28 pies!

There are two main types of cherries--sweet and tart.

There are over 1,000 varieties of cherries worldwide and can be found in everything from jams and pies to barbecue sauces and even unique savory dishes.

Cherries are botanical cousins to the Rosaceae family (Rose family).

National Cherry Day is a wonderful opportunity to savor the flavors of summer, appreciate the rich history of this fruit, and enjoy its numerous health benefits. So, grab a handful of cherries and celebrate this delightful day!

CELEBRATE NATIONAL CHERRY DAY
Visit a local a local farmers' market or a "U-Pick" cherry farm. There’s nothing quite like fresh, locally grown cherries enjoyed straight from the basket!

Whip up classic cherry pies, tarts, crumbles, or even a batch of cherry-filled muffins.

Create or experiment with your own cherry recipe. How does a cherry salsa sound?

Learn about the different types of cherries and where they are found. If you're out traveling today, make a stop to see if you can find some!

Share your photos and recipes on social media using the hashtag .

07/15/2026

NATIONAL HOT DOG DAY
Nothing says summer quite like a sizzling frankfurter fresh off the grill, nestled in a pillowy bun. Whether you call it a wiener, a frank, a footlong, or a red hot, National Hot Dog Day, celebrated every year on the third Wednesday in July, is the ultimate excuse to indulge in this iconic American staple.

But before we dive into the toppings, let’s address the ultimate backyard debate: Is a hot dog a sandwich?

Is a hot dog a sandwich?
Team No: It's In a League of Its Own

This side argues that a hot dog transcends the humble sandwich category.

The Bun Factor: A sandwich typically uses two distinct slices of bread. A hot dog bun is a single, hinged piece of bread. If the bun splits completely in half, you haven't made two sandwiches; you've just broken your hot dog bun.

The Orientation: Sandwiches are generally built and eaten horizontally. A hot dog is nestled vertically inside its bun.

The Cultural Identity: If you went to a restaurant and ordered a "beef sausage sandwich," you'd be pretty surprised if they handed you a standard ball-park frank.

Team Yes: By Definition, It Counts

This side takes a literal, structural approach to food.

The Dictionary Definition: Merriam-Webster officially weighs in on the "Yes" side. They define a sandwich as "two or more slices of bread or a split roll having a filling in between." Since a hot dog bun is a split roll, it technically fits the description.

The Tax & Legal View: In many states (like New York), tax laws categorize hot dogs as sandwiches for sales tax purposes.


Celebrated every year during National Hot Dog Month, this day pays homage to the frankfurter, the footlong or wienie, wiener, wienerwurst or even red hot. They taste just as great no matter what we call it.

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Did you know?
7-Eleven sells the most grilled hot dogs in North America - 100 million annually.

Hot dogs are practically synonymous with American baseball. In fact, fans smash down over 25 million hot dogs at baseball stadiums every single year. But you don't need a ticket to the big leagues to enjoy one. They are the ultimate customizable canvas—whether you stick to the classic mustard and relish, or go wild with chili, sauerkraut, crispy bacon, or even mac and cheese.

Unusual Hot Dog Facts
The $145 "Super Dog":
On May 31, 2012, Capitol Dawg in Sacramento, California, set a world record by selling the most expensive hot dog ever: the California Capitol City Dawg for $145.49. The “Dawg” features:

A grilled 18″ all-beef, in natural casing frank from Chicago.

Served on a fresh-baked herb and oil focaccia roll spread with white truffle butter, then grilled.

Topped with whole grain mustard from France, garlic and herb mayonnaise.

Sauteed chopped shallots, organic mixed baby greens, maple syrup.

Marinated/fruitwood smoked uncured bacon from New Hampshire.

Chopped tomatoes, sweetened dried cranberries, chopped tomato.

Expensive moose cheese from Sweden.

Basil olive oil/pear-cranberry-coconut balsamic vinaigrette and ground peppercorn.

Proceeds from the sale of each 3 lb. super dog donated to the Shriners Hospitals for Children.

A Capital Tradition:
The National Hot Dog and Sausage Council actually created National Hot Dog Day back in 1991. Why? To coincide with a massive, star-studded hot dog lunch held on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C.

Space Food:
Hot dogs were one of the first foods eaten on the moon. Apollo 11 astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin had packages of frankfurters on their historic 1969 voyage.

The Mustard Rule:
According to official hot dog etiquette guides, you should never put ketchup on your hot dog if you are over the age of 18. Don't worry. We don't judge. We listen.

5 WAYS TO CELEBRATE NATIONAL HOT DOG DAY
Ready to honor the frank? Here is how you can celebrate today's food holiday:

Host a hot dog roast, complete with a variety of topping.

Take a poll on your social media to find out which is most preferred - blackened hot dogs or just cooked through?

Explore the best hot dog eateries near you and give them a shout-out.

Challenge people to defend their position on this question: Is a hot dog a sandwich?

While you're celebrating, have a hot dog and post your favorite hot dogs using the hashtag on social media.

07/14/2026

COW APPRECIATION DAY
Have you herd? Things go udderly awry in the middle of July each year during Cow Appreciation Day. People dress like bovines for free food. It's a moo-ving experience to witness, designed to save the lives of cows everywhere for just one day. How? By eating chicken instead, that's how.


Across the country, for one day only, adults and children alike herd into their local Chick-fil-A for their favorite cow meal. And it's not hay.

Spotted cows of black and white hoof it across town. Between baseball and soccer, they steer themselves toward the nearest grazing. If it feels like deja-moo, perhaps you've joined in the stampede a time or two.

They arrive in cars, trucks, and even cow-a-sakies. Even though the crowds grow and grow, there's never any need to beef up security. While some of us may be outstanding in our fields, we should get a mooove on before it's pasture time to get free food.

Even the dairies across the country have joined the herd. They remind everyone of the good products cows and producers bring our way. It's a positive way of milking a celebration and utilizing both sides of the hide.

5 WAYS TO CELEBRATION COW APPRECIATION DAY
Dress the Part: Go all out! Put together your best bovine look using spotted duds of black and white. Whether you opt for a full heifer suit or just tape some construction paper spots onto a white t-shirt, it’s time to hoof it in style. Holstein, Hereford, Angus—take your pick!

Graze for Free: Herd the family into your local Chick-fil-A to cash in on your hard work. When you show up dressed like a cow, you'll be rewarded with a free meal. It’s the ultimate way to utilize both sides of the hide.

Give Cows a Break: Keep beef off the menu for the day. Celebrate our four-legged friends by opting for chicken or plant-based meals instead.

Show Love to Your Local Dairy: Take a moment to appreciate the hard work of dairy farmers and producers. Enjoy a tall glass of milk, a scoop of ice cream, or a slice of cheese to thank the livestock making it all possible.

Spread the Herd Mentality: Don't let your efforts go unnoticed. Snap a selfie of your udderly ridiculous outfit and share it on social media using to see how others are outstanding in their fields!

07/13/2026

NATIONAL BARBERSHOP MUSIC APPRECIATION DAY
Every year on July 13, we celebrate the vibrant, a ca****la style of barbershop music and commemorate the founding of one of its most influential musical societies.


Barbershop music has deep roots in African American culture, tracing back to traditional, improvisational music from the 1800s. Early folk songs and hymns sung in four parts eventually evolved into the distinct, blending four-part harmony we know today.

"There is no bad day that can't be overcome by listening to a barbershop quartet. This is just truth, plain and simple." ~ Aldous Huxley

While many associate the style with a four-person quartet, entire massive choirs also perform barbershop music. It is an inclusive genre that brings together people of all ages and backgrounds, featuring uplifting, spiritual, or lighthearted songs with clear lyrics and easily singable melodies.

National Barbershop Music Day specifically honors the founding of Sweet Adelines International on July 13, 1945. Established by Edna Mae Anderson in Tulsa, Oklahoma, the organization was created to bring women together in harmony. Today, it boasts nearly 21,000 members worldwide who rehearse, compete, and perform locally.

10 BARBERSHOP MUSIC APPRECIATION DAY CELEBRATIONS
Our ability (or inability) to sing shouldn't prevent anyone from celebrating National Barbershop Music Day. One thing is certain, if you listen to some four-part harmony to start your day, you'll likely start it off right. Here are a few other recommendations to help you celebrate!

Attend a barbershop performance.

Share your group's performances online.

Organize a barbershop performance. Take your quartet or entire choir to the streets and pop up in a park.

Surprise people on the street with a sweet serenade.

Join a barbershop group such as Sweet Adelines International.

Support local organizations that rehearse and perform together.

Learn to sing a ca****la.

Encourage others to share their talent.

Discover the history of barbershop music.

Share your celebration using on social media.

07/08/2026

Another report done for our friends at Meadows at Holland Park and Lauryn at Warren Management Group! Thank you for choosing us again for your Reserve Study needs and we look forward to the next update!

07/08/2026

NATIONAL RASPBERRY DAY
July 8 is National Raspberry Day on the National Day Calendar to celebrate the summertime fruit known as the raspberry. This delicious food holiday adds a sweet addition to our menu and taste buds.


Raspberries are one of the most popular berries available for consumption. Their rich beautiful color entice us indulge in them whenever we can. The first bite always delivers a sweet, juicy flavor that encourages us to keep eating them. National Raspberry Day is the perfect day to not only enjoy raspberries, but also learn a few facts and a few new ways to eat them, too.

Red raspberries are native to North America and Asia Minor. Records indicate the people of Troy were gathering them around the time of Christ. Roman Agriculturist Palladius documented the domestication of the red raspberry around the 4th century. Because of this record, Romans are given credit for the spread of cultivation across Europe. However, when settlers came to America, they would learn Native Americans were cultivating and eating raspberries, too. As a nomadic culture, Native Americans had been drying berries, including raspberries, to preserve the food source for the winter months.

3 Types of Raspberries
Red raspberries:
Considered to be the classic raspberry. They are most commonly found in grocery stores and farmers markets.

Yellow or gold raspberries:
Sweeter than red raspberries with few seeds. They are less commonly known than the red raspberry, but are available in specific regions in the U.S.

Black raspberries:
Tart, yet have a sweetness to them that balances the flavor. The least common raspberry, black raspberries are rare and normally found only with growers.

George Washington is one of the first large cultivators of berries, including raspberry in the U.S. After moving to his Mount Vernon home in 1761, he quickly made large gardens of fruits, berries, and flowers. By 1867, large production farms began growing berries throughout the country. Today, red raspberries are one of the leading berries grown in California, Oregon, and Washington. These three states produce nearly 70 million pounds of red raspberries a year.

5 Health Benefits of Raspberries
Raspberries are an extremely healthy fruit. Similar to other fruits, they provide an enormous amount of antioxidants, Vitamin C and E, beta carotene, lutein, and fiber. In fact, raspberries also contain flavonoids, which helps the body fight toxic substances. Eating raspberries:

Helps with brain function.

Prevents cardiovascular disease.

Assists with diabetes management.

Promotes healthy digestion.

Protects against eye disease.

Raspberry Picking
We celebrate National Raspberry Day during the best time to pick raspberries. In fact, because the fruit is at it's ripening stage, you will find bushels of plump, juicy raspberries ready for picking. The best time of day to pick raspberries is during the morning when the temperature is a bit cooler. However, you can also pick raspberries when it's cloudy, too.

Raspberries, like all berries are delicate and should be picked carefully. They can become mushy quickly in the heat, which is why cooler temperatures are more favorable for a picking experience. It's also a good idea to check the berries for insects or berry rot before putting them into your bucket (or mouth). Don't forget to rinse them when you get home.

Fresh berries can be eaten in a variety of ways. Many people make raspberries and cream as a refreshing dessert. Others decided to try their hand in fresh raspberry jellies and preserves. You might decide to make a a pie or add them to your ice cream. Unfortunately, a lot of people don't get the opportunity to try a recipe because they accidentally eat all of the raspberries before they return from picking.

5 WAYS TO CELEBRATE NATIONAL RASPBERRY DAY

Try a new recipe with raspberries.

Visit a raspberry farm that allows you to pick and take them home.

Learn about the different varieties of raspberries and their regions.

Submit your raspberry recipe on the National Day Calendar Recipe page and we will share it with our followers. Of course, you will get credit for the recipe submission.

Share your raspberry photos and recipes on social media by tagging .

07/07/2026

NATIONAL KOI DAY
Today is July 7 and National Koi Day on the National Day Calendar and we are honoring the Koi fish today! Join us as we learn about the colorful Koi fish and celebrate the life of Hanako, the world's oldest Koi fish.


National Koi Day celebrates the Japanese Koi fish and brings attention to the exotic beauty of the fish. As a symbol of courage, patience, perseverance, and strength, the Koi fish has been celebrated in the Japanese culture for centuries.

The word "koi" comes from nishiki-goi, which means colored carp. Some say the translation also means "love." Either way, the Koi fish is a variety of Amur carp specifically bred for water gardens. Historically, records indicate breeding began in Niiggata, Japan, around the 19th century. Today, identification of the Koi fish depends on the hues and patterns of the color of the fish. The most common colors of the Koi fish are white, red, orange, yellow, blue, and black.

Koi fish are highly intelligent fish that also show affection, especially to their owners. They are known to interact with the people around them by displaying patterns of excitement when they "see" people they recognize. In fact, many Koi fish tend to get excited and swim rapidly when their owners are near. Owners can teach their Koi fish to do tricks, like stick their head out of the water during feeding time. However, Koi fish do carry some bacteria that can cause infections in humans. If you are planning to purchase Koi fish, it's important to learn about the fish before you buy.

5 National Koi Day Fish Facts
Koi fish and Goldfish are cousins because they are both decedents of Carp. However, the Goldfish is the older fish species of the two.

The skin of a Koi fish is extremely sensitive, which means they can get sunburn if exposed to sun for long periods of time.

Koi fish love their fruits and vegetables, including watermelon.

The oldest Koi fish in the world lived to be 226 years old. Hanako, or "flower girl" was born during the era of samurai's and shoguns. She was born in 1751 but sadly died July 7, 1977.

In Japanese culture, the color of Koi fish symbolizes a specific value, such as wealth, love, good fortune, and success.

Koi fish are found throughout homes, gardens, and shrines across Japan. In fact, the Koi fish is such an important part of their culture, they often refer to the fish as part of their cultural identity.

What Do the Colors of Koi Fish Mean?
Red Koi represent love and/or passion;

Black Koi represent anger and/or aggression;

White Koi represent good fortune and luck;

Yellow Koi represent wealth;

Orange Koi represent beauty and grace; and

Blue Koi represent adversity and overcoming obstacles.

NATIONAL KOI DAY CELEBRATIONS
Learn the significance Koi fish play in Japanese culture.

Study the different characteristics Koi have.

Visit an area and see Koi fish in their natural habitat.

Watch a video about Koi fish.

Share your Koi fish images and love on social media by tagging .

07/06/2026

NATIONAL FRIED CHICKEN DAY
On July 6, chicken lovers across the country recognize National Fried Chicken Day by feasting at a nearby restaurant, at home, or at an outdoor picnic.


Scottish immigrants brought their tradition of deep-frying chicken in fat to the southern United States. After its introduction to the American South, fried chicken soon became a staple. Over time, cooks added seasonings and spices to enrich the flavor of the chicken.

"The best comfort food will always be greens, cornbread and fried chicken." ~ Poet, Maya Angelou

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Did you know a fried chicken sandwich was launched into space?
Hilariously true! In 2017, a major fast-food chain actually launched a fried chicken sandwich into the stratosphere using a high-altitude space balloon. It spent a few hours floating about 15 miles above Earth before parachuting back down. Does anyone know if someone ate the sandwich after landing back on earth?

Fried chicken is a dish consisting of chicken pieces floured or battered, then pan-fried, deep-fried, or pressure-fried. The breading adds a crisp coating to the exterior of the chicken. Knowing how to get a good crisp on the chicken may seem elusive to some. Some of the best cooks will tell you the keys to achieving the crispiest fried chicken involve seasoning well and early in the process, adding starch to your flour, and frying your chicken at the right temperature (the oil should be 300°F). Finally, let the chicken rest before serving to allow the juices to be absorbed back into the meat. Just like beef and pork, chicken will be more tender when allowed to rest.

CRISPY FRIED CHICKEN
easy
Read Full Recipe
Traditionally, the chicken is fried in lard. However, corn oil, peanut oil, canola oil, or vegetable oil are also frequently used.

HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL FRIED CHICKEN DAY
Use this batter mix as you try this fried chicken recipe. Serve it with your favorite side dishes, too. Potato salad, cornbread, greens, or watermelon. And be sure to share! Invite some friends over, make some fried chicken, and share photos on social media using .

"Fried chicken just tend to make you feel better about life." ~ Minnie Jackson from the film The Help

07/04/2026

07/02/2026

Thank you Cherry Creek South Metro District and Mark at PCMS for choosing us to complete your Reserve Study! We look forward to working with you again when you are ready to update your report!