A history of the mint julep cocktail, a favorite cocktail served each year at the Kentucky Derby.
Food History
An archive of posts related to food history and culinary anthropology, written by Tori Avey and her contributors. From the history of popcorn to Mark Twain’s “Little Bill of Fare,” what Abraham Lincoln ate to edible aphrodisiacs, a variety of fun and fascinating topics are explored here. This category covers the background of popular ingredients, what famous historical figures were eating, the stories behind our favorite recipes and more.
Do These Natural Foods Fight Cancer?
Nourishing nutritional foods to boost health and support healing. Natural healing ingredients, their history and benefits.
Turmeric – The Ancient Healing Spice
Learn the ancient history of turmeric spice, a powerful healing food and natural coloring used for thousands of years. Includes turmeric recipes.
Foods of the California Gold Rush
What did miners eat during the Gold Rush? Learn about the food culture of California after gold was discovered at Sutter’s Mill.
A Tribute to Gil Marks
A tribute to Gil Marks – cookbook author, culinary historian, James Beard Award winner and my dear friend.
Mark Twain – Recipes from A Little Bill of Fare
Recipe roundup inspired by Mark Twain’s “A Little Bill of Fare” from “A Tramp Abroad,” 1891.
Magical Mushrooms: The Allure of Edible Fungi
Learn the history of edible mushrooms and a few other things you might not know about our favorite culinary fungi!
Edible Aphrodisiacs
Learn about the history of foods that are historically described as aphrodisiacs, and try recipes inspired by these culinary aphrodisiacs.
From Pythagorean to Pescatarian – The Evolution of Vegetarianism
A brief history of the vegetarian diet and its evolution, from Pythagorus to modern day vegetarian subcategories – vegan, pescatarian and more.
The History of Gingerbread & a Recipe for Gingerbread Cookies
The History of Gingerbread and a Recipe for Gingerbread Cookies with link to Royal Icing tutorial.
A Slice of Pumpkin History
Learn about the colorful history of pumpkins, from early Central America to present.
Popcorn: A “Pop” History
Learn about the history of popcorn, from its domestication in 5000 B.C.E to its status as a favorite movie theater snack.
The Secret History of Okra – Okra Soup
Learn the history of okra, from its ancient origins to its African American roots, then try a historically-inspired recipe for peppery okra soup.
Food Will Win The War: History of Meatless Mondays
Meatless Mondays have a history stretching back to World War I, when it was Tuesdays, not Mondays, that Americans were asked to limit meat.
A Brief History of Hamburgers
Learn the origins of America’s favorite sandwich, the hamburger! From German immigrants to roadside diners, burgers are a uniquely American treat.
Banking on Butterfat – The History of Häagen-Dazs
Learn the true story of a Jewish immigrant couple who, with creativity and hard work, created the top super-premium ice cream brand in the world.
What was Cooking in Leonardo da Vinci’s Kitchen?
In addition to being a gifted artist and polymath, Leonardo da Vinci was also a budding nutritionist. Read his thoughts on kitchen efficiency, diet and cooking.
What Lewis and Clark Ate
Learn the foods that Lewis and Clark ate on their Corps of Discovery Expedition.
Coffee – A Caffeinated History
Learn the history of coffee from its early Arabian roots to modern-day Starbucks, and try five unique coffee-inspired recipes.
Who Is Betty Crocker?
Betty Crocker is a household name in the American kitchen. Who was she, and how did she inspire millions of home cooks? Read all about it here!
Speakeasies, Sofas, and the History of Finger Foods
Learn how finger foods became a part of American food culture, with a history dating back to 18th century France. Canapés, cocktail appetizers.
The History of Chicken and Waffles
Explore the history of fried chicken, waffles, and the unlikely pairing of chicken and waffles. How this soul food favorite became popular in America.
