Robert C. Baker, a professor of food science at Cornell University, devised the concept of the chicken nugget in the 1950s. He referred to this new food item as the “Chicken Crispie,” which was a small chunk of chicken enveloped in batter and subsequently deep-fried. Rather than seeking a patent for his creation, Baker took a more academic approach, opting to share his groundbreaking recipe with hundreds of corporations without any patent protection.
Tag: food
7 Tantalizing Tidbits About the World’s Favorite Pie: Pizza
Get ready to dive into the delicious world of pizza as we serve up seven scrumptious facts about everyone’s favorite comfort food. From its humble beginnings to its global impact, these tidbits will leave you craving a slice and appreciating the rich history behind this irresistible culinary creation. So, grab a piece of pizza and join us on this mouth-watering journey!
1. Beware of surprise pizza deliveries in Louisiana! Sending a pizza to someone’s house without their permission is illegal and can result in fines up to $500 or even jail time. So, make sure the recipient is expecting that delicious surprise.
2. Pizza gained popularity in Italy only after it became a hit in America. Originating as a cheap street food in Naples, it wasn’t until Southern Italian Americans created more elaborate pizzas that it gained traction in Italy. Nowadays, Neapolitan pizza must meet specific ingredient requirements to be considered authentic.
3. The New York Times played a role in introducing pizza to the American public. In 1944, an article in the newspaper presented pizza as an exciting new food, paving the way for its widespread popularity.
4. Domino’s Japan once attempted a Reindeer Delivery Program in 2016, but the initiative was short-lived. After just one week, the program was halted due to the reindeer’s refusal to cooperate and issues with pizza transportation.
5. Pizza has a place in the history of e-commerce. In 1994, Pizza Hut’s PizzaNet was one of the first online services to offer pizza ordering, starting in Santa Cruz, California. Impressively, the website is still up and running today.
6. Did you know that the CIA has a penchant for pizza? On the night before Iraq invaded Kuwait, there was a spike in pizza orders made by the CIA, possibly indicating a long night of intelligence work.
7. Thomas Monaghan, the founder of Domino’s, acquired half-ownership of the now-global pizza chain in 1961 by trading his used Volkswagen Beetle. Today, Domino’s is one of the largest pizza companies in the world, a testament to Monaghan’s business acumen.
Salisbury Steak: American Dish Inspired by European Tastes and Health Advocacy
Originating in the United States, Salisbury Steak was created to cater to the preferences of European immigrants and was named in honor of Dr. James Salisbury, an advocate of a meat-centric diet for improved health. Since 1897, the term “Salisbury Steak” has been associated with a main course featuring a ground beef patty.
James Salisbury, the creator of Salisbury steak, served as a physician during the American Civil War. He firmly believed that vegetables contributed to heart disease and mental health issues, and promoted the consumption of Salisbury steak thrice daily as a means of fortifying the body and facilitating weight loss.
Government Cheese: A Controversial Chapter in US History
In the 1980s, the US government found itself with a massive surplus of cheese due to volatile milk production and federal support for the dairy industry. With over 500 million pounds of processed American cheese stored in warehouses across 35 states, the government struggled to find a use for it. When the public discovered the surplus, they criticized President Ronald Reagan for not distributing the cheese to struggling families.
In response, Reagan authorized the release of 30 million pounds of cheese through the Temporary Emergency Food Assistance Program, targeting the elderly and low-income individuals. Dubbed “government cheese,” it became a symbol of hard times, with some grateful for the assistance, while others felt it stigmatized their socioeconomic status. The cheese distribution continued until the 1990s when dairy prices stabilized.
After the cheese distribution ended in the 1990s, the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC), the government-owned corporation responsible for the surplus, faded from the headlines. However, it resurfaced during the Trump administration when it was announced that the CCC would provide significant subsidies to offset the impact of trade wars with China, Canada, and the European Union.
In retrospect, the “government cheese” program remains a controversial and memorable chapter in US history. Some people remember the cheese fondly for the assistance it provided during difficult times, while others still associate it with the humiliation of revealing their economic hardships. The cheese itself, with its unique flavor and texture, has become a cultural touchstone, evoking memories of a challenging period in American history.
For those who have experienced the taste of “government cheese,” it leaves a lasting impression. The cheese’s flavor is often characterized as a mix between Velveeta and American cheese, evoking feelings of either humiliation or appreciation for those who relied on it for sustenance. Its distinctive pale orange hue and iconic five-pound blocks quickly set it apart from common cheddar or Camembert.
Ekiben: Savoring Japan’s Train-Travel Delicacies
Ekiben, the quintessential Japanese train travel companion, are specially crafted bento box meals that showcase the unique flavors of each region. As passengers journey through Japan, they can indulge in these locally inspired delicacies that differ from station to station. In the 1980s, the popularity of ekiben soared, with an estimated 12 million boxes enjoyed daily across the country.
Guarding Authenticity: The ‘Champagne of Beers’ Controversy
In 2023, Belgian authorities confiscated and destroyed 2,352 cans of an American beer labeled as “The Champagne of Beers.” The beer violated European regulations protecting the designation of origin for Champagne, as it was not produced in the Champagne region of France or according to the regulated process. European laws have safeguarded the name and production of Champagne, the iconic sparkling wine, since the 1980s, as stated on France’s Champagne Committee website.
Such protection of regional products and their names is not limited to Champagne. Various European food and beverage items, like Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, Prosciutto di Parma, and Roquefort cheese, also enjoy protected status. These regulations ensure the preservation of traditional production methods and maintain the unique characteristics and quality associated with these regional products.