This week, we’re kicking off another starchy series as we dive into the origins of a certain white grain. We discuss how to control rivers, how a good starch can help grown an empire, and the history of boating in the South Pacific. Finally, Faye explains why anthropology degrees can help you succeed in the world.
Come On, Party Peeple
This week, we’ve got another celebratory, sugary, filler of an episode, but it’s not all fluff. We’re investigating the shadowy world of corporate espionage in candy-making, discussing the life and legacy of a prodigious candy man, and clarifying, once and for all, that the Pennsylvania Dutch do not speak Dutch. Finally, we debate whether or not peeps are actually good.
If you want to know more about the rich, vibrant history of Peeps, check out Carl Anthony Online’s article about the Black Peep Scandal: https://carlanthonyonline.com/2013/03/30/secret-black-sheep-peep-easter-candy-mystery-scandal-father-of-the-jellybean/
Fiesta de Tamal
It’s our first episode of the decade! In this episode, we discuss the development of food pouches in the western hemisphere, the mythology of Three Kings Day, and how non-Latinx Texas families started hosting tamaladas. Finally, we extoll the virtues of the deliciousness of tamales.
NOTE: In this new year, we’re resolving to release episodes on a more regular schedule by moving our release day to Sundays.
Of Pecans and Capitalism
This week, we have a holiday episode about one of the most American pies. We discuss the etymology of pecans, the relationship between treacle tarts and sugar pies, and how a corn syrup company popularized pecan pie. Finally, we uncover the dark underbelly of the pumpkin pie conspiracy.
It’s an Egg Party!
In this week’s episode, we’re talking eggs and tomatoes and brunch. That’s right. An entire episode dedicated to shakshuka. We discuss noncontroversial topics like immigration and Israel, analyze similar dishes, and uncover the Arab ties to Sicilian food. Finally, we reminisce over our very first shakshuka experiences.
The Emperor’s New Tube
We’re finishing our potato series the way we always end vegetable series: by going back to the beginning. This time, we discuss how the Incans built the largest empire in South America without a wheel, the religious importance of Axomamma, and the cost-benefits of fried potatoes. Finally, we revisit our dear friend Johnny Appleseed.
A Modest Potato
We’re back with another episode in our potato series, which comes off schedule (this time thanks to technical difficulties). This week, we take a look at the dynamics that led to the Great Irish Potato Famine, discuss Jonathan Swift’s biting satire, and formation of the United Kingdom. Finally, we talk stabbing plots and the end of Roman democracy.
Romeo and Juliet: A Potato Pasta Party
We’re revisiting a common theme of ours this week: how did New World foods become so important to Italian food? In the first installment of our potato series, we’re discussing how Romeo and Juliet may have broken the law, how old gnocchi recipes might be (hint: they predate the introduction of potatoes to Italy), and why Carnival is gnocchi season in Verona. Finally, we debate the merits of various gnocchi recipes.
One Pierog, Two Pierogi, Red Pierog, Blue Pierogi
We’re back with another episode this week (again, we messed up the math!). In this episode, we discussing 12th century food storage systems, how Marco Polo cultured Europe, and one Dominican priest’s many miracles. Also, we discuss the logistics of enormous pierogi. Finally, Faye tries to uncover what exactly St. Hyacinth did to those women’s convents.
Jollof Rice Wars 101
We missed a few weeks because we messed up the math and something about Labor Day, but we’re going to be back on track. In this episode, we’re discussing a beloved West African rice dish, the Wolof Empire’s rise and importance, and how the ingredients that make jollof rice came to Africa. Finally, we discuss the intensity of the culture wars around which jollof rice is the best.