Have you ever pulled into a Pizza Hut or ordered a lunch combo from Subway and felt a strange, fleeting sense of doubt? Maybe you recently read a headline about store closures, or watched a video declaring the ‘downfall’ of the brand. Suddenly, you find yourself scrutinizing the food. Is the crust different? Are they … Read more
When you decide to finally splurge on a $9 “premium” jar of pasta sauce because the internet swore it was a life-changing culinary experience, only to get it home and realize it tastes almost identical to a cheap bargain brand of sauce, you are not alone. In fact, you’ve likely experienced a very specific kind … Read more
The whole point of kettle corn isn’t actually about popping the corn itself. The trick is to successfully infuse sugar and salt into the kernels at the exact same time. So, it seems entirely logical to ask. What does a giant, heavy kettle have to do with it? Well, if you’ve ever tried to recreate … Read more
Bakers had the gift of gab in the early 20th century. Bakery trade sheets and recipe books from the 1920s and 30s, contain plenty of recipes for sweet rolls called “pecan rolls,” “cinnamon twists,” and “honey-coated rolls.” These were all essentially the same thing with additional ingredients. Add some pecans, some raisin, etc. to a … Read more
Fireball Cinnamon Whisky is a confusing beverage. I’ll admit I was confused until I started looking into the details for the collective outrage and even panic over this whiskey (or is it schnapps?) drink marketed by Sazerac. It’s one heck of an infamous party shot and it has driven a flurry of viral video headlines … Read more
The difference between a standard potato chip and a kettle-cooked chip is obvious. Kettle chips are thicker and crunchier. But beyond that, what is truly different about them? The internet delivers the usual romanticized marketing lore. Indeed, the phrase “kettle cooked” conjures up images of a rustic, giant iron cauldron bubbling over an open wood … Read more