Famous Flavors

Roy Rogers – The King of Cowboys Still Rides Strong Roy Rogers – The King of Cowboys Still Rides Strong (Image Credits: Flickr) As of recent reports, there are approximately 38-40 Roy Rogers restaurants across five Mid-Atlantic states: Maryland (22), Virginia (8), Pennsylvania (7), New Jersey (4), West Virginia (1). This Western-themed fast food chain refuses to fade into the sunset despite dramatic ups and downs throughout its history. In 1968 the hotel chain Marriott purchased a Midwestern chain named RoBee’s that served roast beef, but after legal troubles with Arby’s, the first official Roy Rogers opened in Falls Church, … Read more

1. Szechuan Peppercorn 1. Szechuan Peppercorn (image credits: wikimedia) Szechuan peppercorn is an essential spice in Chinese cuisine, particularly in the Szechuan province, known for its numbing heat and distinctive citrusy flavor. Unfortunately, overharvesting and changes in agricultural practices have led to a decline in its availability. Recent studies reveal that the demand for Szechuan peppercorn has surged, resulting in unsustainable farming methods. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), its cultivation has decreased by 30% over the past decade. While conservation efforts are underway, the future of this spice remains uncertain. Chefs and food enthusiasts are encouraged to … Read more

Red Dye No. 3 – The Banned Colorant That’s Still in Your Food Red Dye No. 3 – The Banned Colorant That’s Still in Your Food (Image Credits: Pixabay) Red Dye No. 3, also known as erythrosine, faces regulatory scrutiny, with California’s Food Safety Act scheduled to ban it starting in 2027. This decision came after animal studies revealed that high levels of this artificial coloring could cause cancer in male rats. Despite these findings, products containing Red Dye No. 3 remain on store shelves throughout most of the United States. Even before official bans took effect, some food companies … Read more

Baker’s Chocolate: America’s First Chocolate Company Since 1764 Baker’s Chocolate: America’s First Chocolate Company Since 1764 (Image Credits: By Boston Public Library, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=104515407) In 1765, John Hannon and physician Dr. James Baker started importing cocoa beans and producing chocolate in the Lower Mills section of Dorchester, Massachusetts, making them the first company to produce chocolate in the country. After Hannon never returned from a 1779 sailing trip to the West Indies to purchase cocoa beans, his wife Elizabeth Gore Hannon sold the company to James Baker in 1780. The Irishman John Hannon was penniless but was a … Read more

Running the Oven for Single Small Items Running the Oven for Single Small Items (Image Credits: Unsplash) Think twice before preheating that massive oven just to warm up a piece of leftover pizza. An electric oven can cost around 48 cents per hour to run due to its high-wattage energy consumption of around 2,800 watts. The problem gets worse when you consider that conventional ovens are inherently inefficient because they must first heat up about 35 pounds of steel and a large amount of air before they can heat your food. Environmental experts consistently recommend using smaller appliances for smaller … Read more

Mock Apple Pie – The Ultimate Kitchen Magic Trick Mock Apple Pie – The Ultimate Kitchen Magic Trick (Image Credits: Unsplash) Imagine biting into what tastes like a classic American apple pie, complete with that familiar cinnamon-sugar sweetness and tender fruit texture. Now picture your shock when you discover there wasn’t a single apple in the entire dessert. During the Great Depression, when fruit was scarce and expensive, people got creative by making ‘mock’ apple pie using Ritz crackers combined with sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice to mimic the taste and texture of apples. Ritz crackers had just made their … Read more

Black Beans: The Ultimate Budget Champion Black Beans: The Ultimate Budget Champion (Image Credits: Unsplash) Black beans are one of the most convenient and affordable forms of plant-based protein that you can buy. On average, a 15-ounce (455-gram) can costs around $1 in most stores. What makes them even more impressive is their nutritional punch. One half cup (86 grams) of black beans contains 7.6 grams of protein and about 7.5 grams of fiber. Due to the high amounts of protein and fiber that they contain, black beans make you feel full and are excellent for weight loss. Research backs … Read more

What is Black Garlic? What is Black Garlic? (image credits: unsplash) Black garlic is a culinary marvel that transforms ordinary garlic into a sweet and savory delight. This unique ingredient is made by fermenting whole bulbs of garlic at a controlled temperature and humidity over several weeks. The result is a soft, black clove with a rich, umami flavor that is both complex and satisfying. Research has shown that black garlic contains higher levels of antioxidants compared to its raw counterpart, making it not only a flavorful addition but a healthful one too. Its distinct taste is reminiscent of balsamic … Read more

Sugary Cereals Sugary Cereals (image credits: pixabay) Breakfast cereals that look fun and harmless are often packed with surprising amounts of sugar, sometimes more than 12 grams per serving. The colorful boxes and cartoon mascots are designed to catch the eye, but behind the playful packaging hides a health risk for both kids and adults. Studies have shown that regular consumption of sugary cereals can increase the risk of obesity, tooth decay, and even type 2 diabetes. According to the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, high sugar intake is strongly linked to diabetes, especially among children. What’s even more concerning … Read more