Across the globe, friends are sharing memories, laughs, and hugs to celebrate International Day of Friendship. And when we say “international” – we mean it! From India to Argentina, Brazil to Peru, and the United States to Finland, International Day of Friendship is meant to celebrate friendship worldwide.
The holiday was declared on July 30, 1958 by The World Friendship Crusade, a Paraguay-based foundation that promotes friendship and fellowship among all human beings, regardless of race, color, or religion. However, its origins began much closer to home. Friendship Day actually originated back in 1930 in the U.S. with Joyce Hall, the founder of Hallmark. Hall intended for the day to fall on August 2, but now in the United States the International Day of Friendship is celebrated on the first Sunday in August.
This year, we want to spread a bit of love and some good vibes to our friends across the globe. So, what better way than with food? To celebrate International Day of Friendship, let’s indulge in some foods that are just like us and our besties: great on our own, but better together.
1. Peanut Butter and Jelly
Well, this one was a bit obvious. But, you can’t say one without at least thinking about the other. Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are classic. On a toasted English muffin, sandwiched between two waffles, or even on pita bread: when paired with a cold glass of milk there’s nothing like a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. The first and foremost example of foods that just go better together.
2. Milk and Cookies
Speaking of a cold glass of milk, you can’t forget the combo of milk and cookies. Whether you indulge in chocolate chips, snickerdoodles, or a handful of Oreos, everyone has their preferred milk:cookie ratio. Some like the cookie so milk-soaked, it almost falls apart. Others prefer just a light milk dunk that takes the cookie from crunchy to chewy. Either way, it’s hard to beat this classic pairing.
3. Burgers and Fries
Perhaps not the healthiest pairing on this list, but essential nonetheless. A staple of diners, drive-thrus, and family BBQs, burgers and fries seem like the quintessential American meal. We heard some people even put their fries on their burgers, but hey! To each his own. All we know is that these two items are definitely better together.
4. Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup
Ever wonder why most restaurants serve tomato soup with grilled cheese? Us too. Turns out that post-World War II, food service institutions such as school cafeterias paired grilled cheese with tomato soup to provide diners with a required Vitamin C component. The option was economical and easy; and it’s popularity caught like wildfire.
This is why even in 2018, it still makes sense to have your grilled cheese with soup on the side. Hey, at least now you have a cool fun fact to go with it!
5. Tea and Crumpets
Well to begin, this one is just fun to say. Plus, it makes you feel pretty fancy. For all of our friends over in the U.K. and the Republic of Ireland, this duo is for you! The perfect tea-time snack, tea and crumpets just go better together.
6. Macaroni and Cheese
Really this category should be “pasta and cheese,” because cheese on any type of pasta is the perfect pairing. Well, pasta and cheese are each perfect in their own right. But over here at Basket HQ, we find that we rarely say the word “macaroni” without “and cheese” following, so it felt unfair to not allow ooey gooey mac and cheese to have its own category.
Perfect as a side dish or a standalone meal, we all can admit that macaroni and cheese are 100% better together.
7. Cheese and Guava Paste
This magical pairing is typically found within a flaky pastry dough, commonly known in Spanish-speaking countries as pasteles. This better-together combo is wildly popular in Latin America, as the mild sweetness of the guava paste paired with savoriness of the cheese blends for a heavenly taste. But, don’t stop with just pastries. Cheese and guava paste is delectable on bite-sized crackers, or when eaten alone.
8. Bacon and Eggs
A breakfast staple! Or brunch staple, lunch staple, or dinner staple. Truthfully, breakfast is acceptable for any time of day. And with that, bacon and eggs. On their own or piled high on a bagel, as a side with pancakes or French toast, bacon + egg = love at first sight.
9. Rice and Beans
Again, we can thank our Latin American friends for this one – the amazing combination of rice and beans. We specifically love this combo because aside from being so versatile, it’s also so filling. Even better, both ingredients are easily accessible and low priced at the grocery store, making them ideal for family dinners.
10. Coffee and Doughnuts
When you were younger, you might not have understood all the hype about coffee. It was dark, bitter, and the adults drank it with everything – they even dunked their desserts in it! Well, fast forward a few years, and everything makes perfect sense. Coffee has become that warm, creamy, caffeine-boost we just can’t live without. And suddenly, dunking our doughnuts just became second nature. I guess we really do turn into our parents as we age!
11. Tomatoes and Mozzarella
Another versatile dish! Drizzled with olive oil or balsamic vinegar, tomatoes and mozzarella are a fantastic appetizer or snack option. Yet, they’re just as cohesive and delicious when topping a fresh baked pizza! Tomatoes and mozzarella are the perfect example of “better together.”
12. Spaghetti and Meatballs
Just thinking about spaghetti and meatballs makes our bellies rumble. A classic dish in every Italian restaurant (and household) spaghetti and meatballs are meant to be together forever. Topped with a piping hot marinara sauce and sprinkled with fresh grated cheese, spaghetti and meatballs are a dish we would love to share with friends on International Day of Friendship (or enjoy all by ourselves).
13. Fish and Chips
Every fish house in existence offers fish and chips. And you know why? Because they’re better together, that’s why! We love a combo of flaky beer-battered fish and crispy french fries, and we know our friends across the pond do too.
14. Marshmallows and Chocolate (and Graham Crackers)
Marshmallows and chocolate are heavenly, but combined with graham crackers they reach a whole new level… the s’mores level. We like to think of this trio as an unstoppable group of friends, each having their own shining qualities. But when all three are combined? They kick some major butt.
15. Chicken and Waffles
The Southern comfort food to top all Southern comfort food. Chicken and waffles is another dish that is perfect for any time of the day, any time of the year, and for any occasion. The combination of crispy fried chicken and buttery, fluffy waffles is one that can’t be beat. While these items are also great on their own, just like a pair of best friends, they’re better together.
Friendship is a beautiful thing. Having a good friend means you’ll always have someone to make you laugh until you cry, and make you laugh when you’re about to cry. Just like these food combos, the two of you combined are just better together. So, this International Day of Friendship, load your Basket app with a few of these better-together combos, and call, video chat, or hang out with your bestie to celebrate!
