Pop Culture
Respectable Pretzels: How Snacking Became Okay in America
In the final stretch of the work day, between lunch and dinner, it’s hard to imagine not having something small to munch on. The body’s energy dips so those extra calories help power through the day. While it’s considered totally normal today, in 18th and 19th century America, snacking was viewed with some suspicion.The first […]
Non-Breakfast Eaters Beware
It turns out that the old adage “Breakfast is the most important meal of the day” is still as valid as ever. A new study claims that those who skip breakfast have a 27% higher chance of dying of a heart attack or coronary heart disease than those who didn’t. The study which appeared in […]
Don’t Call It a Comeback: The Return of the Twinkie
Fear not intrepid, occasional, junk food fans! Your Twinkie-less existence is about to improve markedly. Hostess, which went bankrupt last year, was bought and is now being managed by a private firm. The legendary sponge cake with vanilla filling will return to shelves beginning July 15th along with Ding Dongs, cupcakes and other tasty treats.
Food Song of the Month: Ice Cream Truck Songs
For the belated June song of the month it seems appropriate to choose Ice Cream Truck Songs. The weather is getting warmer. While that means sweaty days are coming, it also means it’s ice cream truck time. Growing up in a Tennessee suburb, the trucks came on an irregular basis – sometimes once a week, […]
Peanut Butter Honey Tortillas at the International Space Station
So you’re in space but want a sandwich? It can be done but it requires some modifications. Chris Hadfield is the the current head of the International Space Station. A likable Canadian, his organization, the Canadian Space Agency posts some very fun videos on life in space including how to brush your teeth, how astronauts […]
Fruity Pebbles: It’s What’s For Dinner
Sometimes being an adult is a double-edged sword. On the positive side you’re free to do what you want. On the negative side no one tells you not to buy fruity pebbles. But what adult doesn’t enjoy an occasional kids cereal like this or Captain Crunch? No one I’ll be doing business with. Fruity Pebbles […]
Food Song of the Month: “Peaches” by Presidents of the United States of America
It’s a challenge to not get “Peaches” in your head. Released in 1996, this single by Presidents of the United States of America was nominated for a grammy for “Best Pop Performance by Duo or Group with Vocal” and reached #8 on the Hot Modern Rock charts. Still going strong, the Seattle based band makes […]
Wine Tasting: Perception vs Reality
Wine tasting. After seeing movies like Sideways and visiting vineyards, who doesn’t enjoy describing wine? This slightly provocative article from Lifehacker asserts that expectation has just as much if not more to do with enjoyment of a wine than actual flavor. In 2001, Frederic Brochet conducted two experiments at the University of Bordeaux. In one […]
St. Paddy’s Day Corned Beef: The Traditional Non-Traditional Meat
St Paddy’s Day is officially tomorrow March 17th. In the States certain foods have become synonymous with the holiday including corned beef. As if often the case, many traditions arise from practicality. According to this Smithsonian article, corned beef was never actually a popular meat in Ireland itself. In fact for generations, cows, not unlike […]
Happy Valentine’s Day Followed by White Day but Hopefully Not Black Day
Happy Valentine’s Day! My girlfriend and I used to go out for dinner for Vday but getting reservations can sometimes be difficult, let alone finding a prefixe menu that sounds good. Our tradition over the last few years is to cook a nice meal together. Two favorites from past years include this massaman curry (GF/Vegan) […]
