National Noodle Ring Day is on December 11. It celebrated dishes where pasta is shaped into a round casserole. Noodle rings can be anything from a simple pasta salad to a more elaborate baked dish, depending on your budget and creativity. The day highlights pasta made in an 8 or 9-inch ring mold or ‘bundt pan.’ For many, making noodle rings brings back memories of using a bundt pan for various dishes, from salads and cakes to pasta. This nostalgia for past meals and good times might help bring the noodle ring back into the spotlight.
History of Noodle Ring Day
Noodle Ring recipes were popular in the early 1900s and frequently appeared in cookbooks of that era. One of the oldest known recipes is from a 1936 Pennsylvania Dutch cookbook, which suggests mixing noodles with flour, milk, egg, and cheese, then baking it in a ‘bundt pan.’
A similar dish called Noodle Kugel, made with comparable ingredients, was a traditional Jewish dish served with a filling in the center during Yom Tov and Shabbat. Another reference to the noodle ring comes from a 1965 Catholic cookbook, which recommended serving it during Lent with fillings like vegetables, creamed fish, or creamed chicken.
Today, a typical noodle ring is made with pasta, eggs, and cheese. Some recipes include additional ingredients like flour, breadcrumbs, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, and other seasonings.
The mixture is poured into a ring mold and baked. After baking, the noodle ring is removed from the mold and served on a plate, often accompanied by creamed chicken, vegetable stew, or steamed mushrooms.
The rise of mac and cheese has led to a decline in the popularity of noodle rings, with this classic dish becoming less common on restaurant menus and in home kitchens. Noodle Ring Day honors this nearly forgotten recipe.
If you enjoy noodles, consider making a noodle ring for your Christmas or any other party dinner. It’s a great way to impress your guests with minimal effort.
| 25–220 A.D. (Ancient Food) | The earliest written record of noodles is found in a book dated to the Eastern Han period. |
| 9th Century (A Hit in Japan) | Wheat noodles or ‘udon’ in Japan is adapted from a Chinese recipe. |
| 2005 (Archeologists Find Noodles) | A team of archaeologists finds an earthenware bowl that contains 4,000-year-old noodles at the Lajia archaeological site. |
| 1900 (Ramen Becomes Popular) | Ramen noodles — based on southern Chinese noodle dishes from Guangzhou — become common in Japan. |
7 Interesting Facts About Noodles
- Noodles weren’t always made of flour: Early noodles in China were made from millet, a type of grain used to make flour.
- Ramen can help you save money: If you eat only ramen, you’d spend about $140 a year.
- Noodle Celebration: There is a special day dedicated to noodles called National Noodle Day, celebrated on October 6 in the United States. It’s a day to enjoy and appreciate the wide variety of noodle dishes.
- Noodles have been to space: Instant ramen was the first type of noodle eaten in space.
- Museum in Japan dedicated to cup noodles: The Yokohama Cup Noodles Museum is interactive and focused on ramen and its impact on global diets.
- Global Variety: Noodles come in many forms and are a staple in cuisines around the world. From Italian pasta like spaghetti and penne to Asian varieties like ramen, udon, and soba, noodles are incredibly diverse and adaptable.
- It’s polite to slurp your noodles in Japan: In Japan, slurping noodles is seen as a sign of enjoying your meal, unlike in Western cultures where it’s often considered rude.
Conclusion
In conclusion, National Noodle Ring Day, celebrated on December 11, is a delightful reminder of the charm and versatility of pasta dishes shaped into a round casserole. Originating from early 20th-century recipes and evoking nostalgic memories of bundt pan creations, the noodle ring is a testament to culinary tradition and creativity.
While modern trends like mac and cheese have overshadowed this classic dish, the noodle ring offers a unique and impressive option for holiday gatherings and special occasions. By bringing this vintage recipe back into the kitchen, you not only honor a piece of culinary history but also provide a delicious and visually appealing dish for your guests. So, this December 11, embrace the spirit of Noodle Ring Day and enjoy the timeless appeal of this charming pasta creation.
Frequently Ask Question
1. What is National Noodle Ring Day?
National Noodle Ring Day is celebrated on December 11 and honors dishes where pasta is shaped into a round casserole, typically using an 8 or 9-inch ring mold or bundt pan.
2. What is a noodle ring?
A noodle ring is a pasta dish baked in a ring mold or bundt pan. It can range from a simple pasta salad to a more elaborate baked dish, often made with pasta, eggs, cheese, and other ingredients.
3. What are some traditional recipes for noodle rings?
Noodle rings have been featured in cookbooks since the early 1900s. One classic recipe from a 1936 Pennsylvania Dutch cookbook includes mixing noodles with flour, milk, egg, and cheese, then baking in a bundt pan. Similar dishes include Noodle Kugel, traditionally served during Jewish holidays.
4. How do you make a noodle ring?
Typically, a noodle ring is made by mixing pasta with eggs, cheese, and sometimes additional ingredients like flour, breadcrumbs, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings. The mixture is poured into a ring mold and baked until set. After baking, it is removed from the mold and served.
5. What are some serving suggestions for noodle rings?
Noodle rings are often served with accompaniments such as creamed chicken, vegetable stew, or steamed mushrooms. They can be a great addition to holiday dinners and parties.
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