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Food History

  • Happy Meal box surrounded by Happy Meal toys

    14 Nostalgic Facts About McDonald's Happy Meals

    The Happy Meal has become synonymous with McDonald's, and it has an extensive history. Here are 14 nostalgic facts you may not already know about the meal.

    By Katie Melynn 12 months ago Read More
  • map with Florida pinned

    Florida's Most Iconic Export Isn't Even Native; How Oranges Arrived In The First Place

    While Florida is nicknamed "The Orange State," its most famous export isn't native. Orange trees took a long journey before they arrived in America's South.

    By Sarah Lintakoon 12 months ago Read More
  • Arby's exterior building and signage

    The First-Ever Arby's Menu Looked A Little Different Than Today's

    Arby's was introduced as an alternative to fast-food burgers, and its menu has changed significantly over the years after its opening in 1964.

    By Sarah Lintakoon 12 months ago Read More
  • Greek flatbread

    Italy Invented Pizza, But There Was A Huge Influence Behind The Idea

    Italy invented pizza as we know it today, but there was a huge influence behind the idea that spanned back into ancient history and the Greeks.

    By Layne Randolph 12 months ago Read More
  • whiskey pictured inside barrel

    How Elmer T. Lee Earned Its Legacy As A Distinguished Bourbon

    Elmer T. Lee has a long history. Its official price is around $40, yet it can sell for up to $400. How did it earn its legacy as a distinguished bourbon?

    By Nikita Ephanov 12 months ago Read More
  • four plates with different types of raw fish dishes

    15 Raw Fish Dishes From Around The World

    Raw seafood dishes are more than just sushi and sashimi. Take a look at favorite raw fish delicacies from coastal communities around the world.

    By Stephanie Mee 12 months ago Read More
  • hands pouring beer from a tap

    Do Any Beer Breweries Have A Michelin Star?

    You've heard of restaurants getting the prestigious Michel star, but what about beer breweries? Have any earned one? You might be surprised.

    By Andrew Amelinckx 12 months ago Read More
  • Blood and Sand cocktail in glass on table

    How The Blood And Sand Cocktail Got Its Name

    The Blood and Sand cocktail has a dramatic name, but what's the history behind it? And if you wanted one, what ingredients would you use to make it?

    By Andy Hume 12 months ago Read More
  • Three bread bowls filled with soups

    9 Little Known Facts On The Origin Of Bread Bowls

    From humble beginning in the Middle Ages to being front and center on modern restaurant menus, the bread bowl has been beloved for centuries.

    By Alysa Salzberg 12 months ago Read More
  • graphic of a woman wearing a head scarf holding a chocolate bar

    Why Chocolate Was Kept A Secret For 100 Years

    Chocolate was discovered at a time when cultures and countries were developing at a rapid pace, and chocolate was a delicacy that some wanted to stay a secret.

    By Layne Randolph 12 months ago Read More
  • Overhead shot of assorted sauces with biscuits

    11 Sauces Deeply Rooted In Southern History

    Southern cuisine has influences from many cultures, and the sauces reflect that. Take a look at the history that shaped the South's best sauces.

    By Felicia Lee 12 months ago Read More
  • A pile of

    Why You Should Avoid Ordering Truffle-Flavored Anything

    The reputation behind truffles may have you craving the fungi, but you many want to hold off before you buy that "truffle-flavored" meal at the restaurant.

    By Amber Sutherland-Namako 12 months ago Read More
  • Closeup of a bowl of sausage and dirty rice

    Why Country Pleasin' Sausage Is A Big Deal In Mississippi

    Mississippi is a state that loves its sausage, but among all of the brands and varieties available, Country Pleasin' stands as a favorite. Here's why.

    By Jessica Riggio 12 months ago Read More
  • A Burger King meal with fries and a drink.

    Why Burger King Stirred Up Controversy When It First Opened

    Burger King is now the second largest burger chain in the world, behind McDonald’s. But it started out by taking a huge gamble that was quite controversial.

    By Andrew Amelinckx 12 months ago Read More
  • someone making homemade ginger beer

    How A Victorian-Era Drink Led To The Invention Of Ginger Ale

    Though our modern ginger ale is known as a mild soft drink, its Victorian origin story tells of a much spicier, more alcoholic drink.

    By Andrew Amelinckx 12 months ago Read More
  • a series of different tuna dishes

    13 Tuna Dishes Commonly Eaten In Japan

    Tuna dishes are everywhere in Japan, but not everyone is familiar with these meals in the Western world. Here are 13 of the most common you'll find.

    By Tysen Ling 12 months ago Read More
  • Toast Hawaii

    With Toast Hawaii, Germany Married Ham And Pineapple Before The Controversial Pizza

    Hawaiian pizza has been contentious since its debut in 1962, but Germany's Toast Hawaii married ham and pineapple years before the controversial pizza existed.

    By Ashlen Wilder 12 months ago Read More
  • An open box of Krispy Kreme donuts sits next to a closed box.

    10 Facts About Krispy Kreme True Donut Fans Need To Know

    With over 350 locations across the U.S., it's likely that you pass by a Krispy Kreme location often. But did you know the interesting history behind the chain?

    By Isabella Kostolni 12 months ago Read More
  • person slicing barbecued bologna with a knife

    Why Bologna Is A True Oklahoma Barbecue Classic

    Bologna is the last thing you might expect to serve at a barbecue, but that's exactly how folks do it down in Oklahoma, where it's called Oklahoma prime rib.

    By Sarah Lintakoon 12 months ago Read More
  • Person holding bundle of green onions

    Chives, Green Onions, And Scallions: What's The Difference?

    Chives, green onions, and scallions: You've probably heard these words used interchangeably, but what are the differences between them? Are they any?

    By Carly Garber 12 months ago Read More
  • Julia Child in the kitchen surrounded by copper pots and ingredients like meat and produce.

    Why Julia Child's Favorite Cuisine Was French Food

    Late and legendary American chef Julia Child is best known for mastering the art of French cooking, but her fondness for the cuisine has its own history.

    By Amber Sutherland-Namako 12 months ago Read More
  • George Foreman smiling and holding up his fists.

    Why The George Foreman Grill Was So Popular — And Why It Isn't Any More

    You've probably heard of the iconic George Foreman grill before, but do you know the history behind why it skyrocketed in popularity when it first released?

    By Tim Forster 12 months ago Read More
  • Whole Linzer torte

    The Oldest Cake In The World Comes From 17th-Century Austria

    Austria has long been known as a culinary powerhouse, so it's no surprise that the oldest cake in history, Linzer torte, hails from a city on the Danube.

    By Tony Cooper 12 months ago Read More
  • Rice and various ingredients in bowls on wooden table

    12 Best Ways To Season Rice

    Tired of basic, plain rice? Try out one (or many) of these tips and tricks for cooking your rice with an injection of flavor, many from dishes around the world.

    By Felicia Lee 12 months ago Read More
  • Four slices of opera cake on wood tray against black background

    How Opera Cake Got Its Name

    Opera cake is a supremely luxurious French dessert featuring chocolate, sponge cake, and coffee syrup. Who invented the cake, and how did it get its name?

    By Georgina Jedikovska 12 months ago Read More
  • People opening fortune cookies

    The Surprisingly Controversial History Of Fortune Cookie Messages

    They may seem like innocuous fun, but the story behind creating fortune cookie messages is more complicated than you might realize.

    By Ilene V. Smith 12 months ago Read More
  • Chocolate covered energy bars with ingredients

    Whatever Happened To Carnation Breakfast Bars?

    Once upon a time, the Carnation breakfast bar was one of the first and most popular convenience breakfast items on the market. Where did it go?

    By Robert Haynes-Peterson 12 months ago Read More
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