Episodes
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What is the Original Krispy Kreme Donut?
Today we are going to talk all about what is the original Krispy Kreme donut? Krispy Kreme always elicits a sort of nostalgia in my life. Growing up I was active in scouts. I participated in countless service projects that all had one thing in common, if the project took place in the evening, we...
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History of Mustard: The Day Mustard Went to the Supreme Court
Today’s episode is all about the History of Mustard. I have Barry Levenson on to talk all about the history of this humble condiment. Barry is the curator and owner of the National Mustard Museum in Middleton, Wisconsin. You won’t want to miss this one. Heartbreak and Inspiration Barry shared his...
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Disgusting Food From Around The World: The Disgusting Food Museum
Today is a disgusting episode just for you. We take a journey through disgusting food from around the world with Andreas Ahrens. He is the director of the Disgusting Food Museum. We have a great conversation about what constitutes a disgusting food. Some of the most disgusting foods in the museum...
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Who Came Up With S’Mores: The Perfect Camping Snack
Have you ever wondered who came up with S’Mores? Today we are going to do a dive into the history of this amazing treat. Last year we did a small remodel. Part of that process was to purchase new furniture for the space. The furniture store rewarded our spending with a S’Mores maker. It’s...
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How to Cook Like Your Grandmother With Darrell Johnson
Today is a special episode. I have Chef Darrell Johnson on to talk all about how to cook like your grandmother. Chef Darrell has 25 years of experience in the food industry. He has appeared on Food Network’s Cutthroat Kitchen as well as The Great Food Truck Race. My time with Darrell oozed with…
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How Much Domino’s Pizza Can You Eat?
How much Domino’s pizza can you eat? Today we are going to do a deep dive into the history of this iconic pizza chain. We are going to cover where they got their start and where they are at today. How Much Domino’s Pizza Can you Eat: Humble Beginnings Domino’s Pizza, Inc. got its start in 1960…
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Who Makes Sunkist Soda: America’s #1 Orange Soda
Have you ever wondered who makes Sunkist soda? Today we are going to discuss the meteoric rise of America’s #1 orange soda. The pandemic has deprived us of so many things. One item that disappeared quickly from store shelves was diet Sunkist soda. I immediately wanted to hunt down who makes…
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Where Do Apples Come From: Interview With Tate Mathison
There is nothing more satisfying than a crisp apple with its sweetness apparent on the first bite. So where do apples come from? Today we have Tate Mathison on to talk all about the family fruit business, Stemilt Growers. Tate has a tremendous passion for the family business. He grew up on the…
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The Great Molasses Flood: How Boston Was Changed Forever
There are many disasters that happen all too often in today’s world. The great molasses flood was one for the ages. This unique disaster happened at a time when construction regulation was lax or non existent. Today we are going to talk about how a sticky situation quickly grew dire for hundreds…
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Who Is Jimmy John: My Favorite Sandwich Unwrapped
It’s no secret, this week’s episode is all about Jimmy John’s. I have often wondered, who is Jimmy John? Today we are going to dive deep into James John Liautaud and the sandwich empire he built. Warning! You may want some freaky fast delivery after listening to this show. The Early Years: Who Is...
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What is a Frito Pie: The Controversy Behind This Classic
Today I am going to talk all about Fritos and answering the all important question, what is a Frito pie? This iconic chip has led to the development of the humble Frito pie. This is a culinary masterpiece that is considered low-brow by many. However, they are a big deal in both Texas and New...
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Presidential Food Favorites: Modern Presidential Recipes (Part 2)
Today’s episode continues the discussion on presidential food favorites. We cover the rest of the presidents in this fantastic second part to last week’s episode. I have more recipes in this episode. If you cook any of these presidential food favorites, let me know how it goes in the comments...
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Presidential Food Favorites: What President’s Really Eat
On today’s episode we are going to talk all about presidential food and what our President’s really eat. From George Washington’s simple love of cherries to Thomas Jefferson’s profound love for French cuisine, we’ve got you covered. A Presidential Food Tale of Two Men This is an exciting episode....
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Ruth Fertel: Putting The Ruth in Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse
The other day I was reading about Ruth Fertel and her contribution to food history. We all know that one person who cooks a mean steak. Today we are going to talk all about Ruth Fertel and how she earned the nickname, “Empress of Steak.” Let’s take a trip to New Orleans in 1965. Chris Matulich…
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What is a Scotch Egg: A Fascinating History of This Tasty Treat
What is a Scotch egg? The history of Scotch eggs is fascinating and contains some controversy. Many people and organizations claim to have invented this unique culinary creation. Everyone wants to say they were first. However, before I talk about the origin story of the Scotch egg, I feel I first...
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What Is A Chinese Gooseberry: How Kiwifruit Got Its Start
Have you ever heard of a Chinese Gooseberry? You might be asking yourself, “what is a Chinese gooseberry?” Today’s episode is going to take you on a long journey from California to New Zealand to China as we dive deep into the history behind this humble fruit. Here in the states we know the…
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Snake Oil Salesmen: How Patent Medicines Changed Food Forever (Part 2)
This week’s episode is all about what happens when snake oil salesmen become doctors in dangerous ways. These pseudo doctors became a main reason the FDA was formed and given teeth to go after harmful medicine. Today we are going to talk about the dangerous medicines of the 1800s and early 1900s....
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Snake Oil Salesmen: How Patent Medicines Changed Food Forever (Part1)
I’m sure you have heard the term “snake oil salesman.” However, have you ever stopped to wonder how that term came to be? Snake oil salesmen got their name from Clark Stanley’s Snake Oil Liniment. It was mineral oil that had been mixed with various herbs and compounds. It was marketed as a cure…
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Food Superstitions: A Few Ways Food Is Bringing Bad Luck
Food superstitions are fun myths that are rooted deep in history. Some of them go far enough back to be woven into our DNA and cultural identity. Today’s episode is going to do a deeper dive into several of these food superstitions and their background. To quote the great Michael Scott, “I’m not...
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The History of Gingerbread Houses: A Christmas Classic
The history of gingerbread houses is fascinating. This time of year always makes me think of the treats of the season. Nothing screams Christmas like a gingerbread house. I have great memories growing up of making simple gingerbread houses. I remember being nice and warm inside while the snow was...
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What Are Victory Gardens: Hidden Heroes of WWII
Today’s episode is all about food rationing and victory gardens during WWI and WWII. Have you ever wondered what a victory garden is? During WWI and WWII, there were serious food shortages in Europe. Overnight a generation of farmers and producers were called into military service. Their fields…
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Who Is Marie Callender: The Queen of Pie
Who is Marie Callender? We’ve seen the pies in the grocery store, but many are surprised to know Marie Callender was a real person. Her story and history are a rags to riches tale that would make any American proud. Today we are going to dive into the history behind the legendary Marie…
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Is Banana Pudding Southern: Let’s Dig In
Banana pudding has a rich and storied history. I can’t think of few things that ring the bells of nostalgia quite like banana pudding. Have you ever wondered is banana pudding southern? Today’s episode dives deep into how this favorite treat moved south. There are some interesting theories we…
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Who Was Jimmy Dean: Sausage Reinvented
I am someone who is incredibly passionate about sausage. I have eaten Jimmy Dean sausage more times than I can count. However, I never stopped to ask myself, who was Jimmy Dean? Today’s episode is a deeper dive into the man behind this incredible brand and how he took it from nothing to…
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Welcome to the Candy Graveyard: The History of Halloween
Have you ever wondered how trick or treating came to be? On today’s episode we are going to visit the candy graveyard and dive deep into the history of Halloween. The tradition of dressing up in costume and going door to door for food has had roots in many ancient cultures. The greeks had a…
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Gendusa Bakery With Jason Gendusa: A NOLA Staple
A few weeks ago we had an episode all about the history of the Po’ Boy sandwich. Gendusa Bakery was at the core of that discussion. As I learned more about Gendusa Bakery, I knew I had to get them on the show. Today’s episode features Jason Gendusa. He is the fourth generation owner of the John...
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Fun Facts About Cereal: The Epic Breakfast Battle
Today’s show is focused on fun facts about cereal. Growing up, cereal was a huge treat. My parents wanted us to have a balanced breakfast and they were also budget conscious. As a result, we had an endless supply of porridge and oatmeal. I hated both. I would often just eat leftovers from dinner...
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What is a Saucier: How the French Changed the World
Have you ever wondered what is a saucier? Do you know what Georges Auguste Escoffier contributed to the culinary world? You are going to learn the answers to those questions and more on today’s episode. Today is all about French food and French cooking and its unique history. At the end I’m going...
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What is a Michelin Star: The Pinnacle of Culinary Achievement
What is a Michelin Star? Anyone who pays any attention to the happenings in the culinary world will have heard this term. However, not many people, myself included, have a firm understanding of what a Michelin Star is. Today’s episode is here to fix that. We are going to do a deep dive into the...
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What is a Po’ Boy: Digging Into This New Orleans Classic
Have you ever wondered, What is a Po’ Boy? Every once in awhile I add a dish to my food bucket list. Right near the top is a Po’ Boy in New Orleans. Today we are going to do a deep dive into the amazing history of this New Orleans classic! In the late 1800’s oyster sandwiches were served all over...
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What is an MRE: The History of Military Rations
What is an MRE? You may have heard all about MREs. They have become a staple in a soldier’s diet while on deployment. On today’s show, we are going to talk all about the history behind military rations and how they have evolved to where we are at today. MREs came into existence in the early…
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What Do Astronauts Eat: Space Food on Steroids
Space travel is easily one of my favorite things to fantasize about. I’m a sci-fi junkie! Lately I’ve been wondering about what do astronauts eat? For today’s show we are going to go beyond earth to explore space food! Last week’s episode we talked about instant noodles and how the first instant...
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College on Ramen: The History of Japan’s Greatest Invention
College on ramen is a match made in heaven. When I was a freshman at college, I found myself in a dorm room that had a mini fridge and a microwave. Ramen quickly became a supplement to my cafeteria meal plan. College on ramen is a common theme around the country. The reason? Most students lack a...
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Polly’s Pancake Parlor With Kathie Cote
Today’s episode is a deep dive into the history of Polly’s Pancake Parlor with Kathie Cote. Kathie is the third generation owner of Polly’s. Polly’s Pancake Parlor got its start in 1938 when Kathie’s grandparents came up with a way to sell more of their maple products during the depression. They...
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History of Little Caesars: College In A Box
The history of Little Caesars is fascinating. I personally have a lot of great memories with Little Caesars. It was the pizza that was at every birthday party growing up and a college staple. I actually had a roommate once eat nothing but Little Caesars and burrito bus for a semester. His body…
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What Are Pancakes Made of: The History of A Breakfast Classic
What are pancakes made of? We’ve all been there before. Sitting in front of a stack of warm, sticky, fluffy pancakes. The ingredients are simple, but have we really stopped to ask, “what are pancakes made of?” Of course, we know they contain flour, milk, butter, salt and more. On today’s episode...
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The History of Pringles: Once You Pop, the Fun Don’t Stop
The history of Pringles begins in 1956. Proctor & Gamble had been receiving many complaints about greasy, stale and broken chips. I can relate to this. I absolutely hate when my bag of chips quickly turns into a pile of crumbs. Proctor & Gamble decided to do something about it and tasked Frederic...
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Who Invented Oreos: The World’s Most Popular Cookie
Are you a biter, a twister, or a dunker? Today’s show is all about who invented Oreos and how this humble snack became the world’s most popular cookie. Nabisco is responsible for creating the cookie itself. In 1912 they rolled out their version of the chocolate sandwich cookie. Sunshine Biscuits,...
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How to Make Root Beer: The History of an Iconic Beverage
Have you ever wondered how to make root beer? Root beer is one of those iconic American beverages. Historically it was made by combining bark from the sassafras root with wintergreen, vanilla and other spices and seasonings. On today’s episode I’m going to share the history of some of America’s...
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The History of White Castle: Slider Anyone?
The history of White Castle is fascinating. White Castle has been around forever! Ok, maybe not forever, but they have been around for a long long time. In fact, White Castle is the nation’s oldest burger chain. You heard that correctly. White Castle is older than Burger King, Wendy’s…
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Who Invented Kool-Aid? Nebraska’s Official Soft Drink!
Have you ever wondered who invented Kool-Aid? We all have pounded some serious Kool-Aid at some point in life. From hair dye to an addition to pickles, Kool-Aid has become more than just another beverage. This drink was invented in Hastings, Nebraska in 1927 by Edwin Perkins. Today’s episode will...
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Grinders and More At The Red Pepper With Jeff Tellmann
On today’s episode we travel back to North Dakota to visit The Red Pepper. The Red Pepper started back in the 60s and quickly became a Grand Forks institution. Jeff Tellmann comes on the show to talk all about his family’s history with owning this amazing gem. Calling All People I am looking for...
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Westside Drive In With Chef Lou Aaron: Food for the Soul
Today’s episode is all about the history of the Westside Drive In with current owner, Chef Lou Aaron. Under Chef Lou’s direction, they have been featured in several publications and on a few Food Network programs, most notably Diners Drive Ins and Dives. Calling All People I am looking for people...
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Food Inventions That Changed The World…Almost
Anyone who watches television can testify that there are many food inventions that changed the world, almost. Some of these creations could straight up be leading characters in a fantasy novel. Many of them are so fantastical, that the world just isn’t ready for them. On today’s episode we are...
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The History of In-N-Out: I’ll Have Mine Animal Style
The history of In-N-Out stretches all the way back to 1948. Harry and Esther Snyder started the first In-N-Out in Baldwin, CA. On today’s episode we are going to dive right into this amazing company and its history. Before I dive into the show today, I’m looking for people who want to come on the...
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What Is a Hot Brown With Marc Salmon
What is a hot brown? On today’s episode, Marc Salmon, with The Brown Hotel, gives us a detailed history of this amazing dish. It is bubbly and delicious! If you are in the Louisville area, you had better make sure that this is on your list. This dish has remained largely unchanged since the…
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The History of Peanut Butter: Crunchy or Smooth???
Today’s episode is all about the history of peanut butter. From the ancient Incas to John Kellogg, we are going to do a deep dive into what makes this a truly delicious and American concoction. A Brief History of Peanut Butter Peanut butter was first produced in the late 1800s. Peanut butter was...
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Who Invented Popcorn: Delicious Popcorn Facts and History
I come from a family that is obsessed with popcorn. We live for that tasty, crunchy and salty snack. When I started researching who invented popcorn, it became apparent. It wasn’t a single person. Many people have placed their stamp on the delightful history of popcorn through the years. In…
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History of Coca Cola: Myths, Legends and Truth
The history of Coca Cola began in Atlanta, Georgia on May 8, 1886. It was invented by Dr. John Stith Pemberton at his Pemberton Chemical Company. Pemberton had been wounded in the Civil War and had subsequently become addicted to morphine. He spent considerable time trying to develop a morphine...
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The History of Guacamole: Smooth, Creamy, and Ancient
The history of guacamole dates back to the ancient Aztecs. Avocados were first grown in South Central America around 10,000 years ago. The word guacamole is from the Aztec word “ahuacamolli” which means avocado sauce. There are over 400 varieties of avocado grown in the world. The avocado was…
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