This Thursday is February 29, which occurs only once in four years. This is because the Earth actually goes completely around the sun 365 days, 5 hours, 38 minutes and 46 seconds, which means every four years — if you are a mathematician — would mean an extra day.
Leap year brings all kinds of traditions and superstitions. For example, on Thursday, women, if they are so inclined, can propose marriage. First conceived in 5th century Ireland, the legend was that Saint Bridget once asked Saint Patrick that women be given the opportunity to propose since men are too slow to do it. So leap year was selected as the day to be able to do this.
In Scotland this day, also called Bachelor’s Day, women must wear a red petticoat under their dress. It is believed red will capture the attention of a man.
In 1288, Queen Margaret of Scotland passed a law saying that any man who refuses a leap year proposal must pay a fine of one lira or perhaps purchase a silk gown. However, the queen was only five years old and that law was not taken seriously.
Greek tradition and lore says it is unlucky to marry on leap year and especially on leap day because it is believed the marriage will end in divorce.
In Scotland, it is believed that “Leap year was never a good sheep year.”
Germans say, “Schaltjahr gleich Kaltjahr” or “Leap year will be a cold year.” My son Neil in Germany, had some snow and cold days but the other day I talked to him and it was getting warmer. So let’s see what the weather will be like on Thursday.
In Taiwan, because it is considered unlucky, married daughters must return home during the leap year with pig trotter noodles for her parents. This noodle dish is so delicious that it is believed to wish her parents good health and good fortune.
Italians in Reggio Emilia believe that whales only give birth on leap years so it is known as whale’s year.
In London’s Savory Hotel, Harry Craddock, their bartender, created a special cocktail for leap year that consists of Grand Marnier, sweet vermouth, gin and lemon juice.
If you are planning a party for leap year on Thursday, some themes can be around leaping animals like rabbits or frogs. Carrot cake, carrot being possibly a favorite for a rabbit, may be a great dessert.
I would replace the frog legs with chicken, and prepare them with a barbecue sauce and bake a carrot cake. After all, this day only happens once every four years!
Barbecued
Chicken Legs
Serves 4
2/3 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons light brown sugar
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon paprika
A clove garlic, grated
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
6 chicken legs (for hopping or leaping), about 1-1/2 pounds
Combine the ketchup, sugar, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, cumin, paprika, garlic, 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few turns of pepper in a large resealable plastic bag. Add the chicken legs into the bag with the marinade. Refrigerate for 2 hours.
Remove the chicken from the bag and grill over indirect heat, covered, until cooked through, lightly charred and an instant read thermometer registers 165 degrees, 20 to 25 minutes.
Now some carrots that a leaping rabbit likes to eat:
The Best
Carrot Cake Ever
In large bowl, combine:
6 cups grated carrots
1 cup brown sugar
Let sit for one hour. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease and place parchment paper on bottom of the pans, Then add:
1 cup raisins
Beat into bowl:
4 large eggs
Add:
1-1/2 cups sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Stir in:
1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
In another bowl, sift together:
3 cups all-purpose flour
4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1-1/2 teaspoons baking soda
Mix with wet ingredients. Add:
1 cup walnuts
Place batter equally in the two prepared pans. Bake for 45-50 minutes, until the center bounces back.
Cool in pans, remove to wire rack.
Make cream cheese frosting:
In a bowl of a standing mixer, place:
1 stick unsalted butter, softened
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
Gradually add:
4 cups sifted powdered sugar
Beat until the frosting is smooth and free of any lumps.
Email Audrey Wilson at audreywilson808@gmail.com.
