Savor

These crisp-coated, bite-sized bits of processed chicken changed the way the chicken industry works. Anney and Lauren dip into the history and culture of the chicken nugget. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Turning liquid cream into this delicate foam requires only a little work – but a lot of science. Anney and Lauren dig into the history and structure of whipped cream, including how it came to be sold in pressurized cans. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brunch has always been a meal of excess and leisure, and it's therefore associated with some ugly classist, racist, and sexist ideals. But waffles are nice! In this classic episode, Anney and Lauren break down the problematic yet delicious history of brunch. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the New Orleans tradition, these melt-in-your-mouth pecan confections welcome tourists to the French Quarter – and related treats delight in other corners of the world. Anney and Lauren stir up the history and culture of pralines. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

These sweet fruits can be shockingly astringent before they’re ripe – and they owe all kinds of amazing properties to that astringency. Anney and Lauren dig into the not at all cut-and-dried science and history of persimmons. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This melty, seasoned cheese dip is best known for having physical properties that do not belong to cheese. Anney and Lauren flow with the science and history of chile con queso. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This spice is the most expensive in the world because it’s made from one small part of flowers that bloom only once a year. Anney and Lauren follow the threads of the science and history of saffron. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This comforting dish is a lot more than just rice with stuff – it’s been called the history of Spain in a pan. Anney and Lauren dig into the rich story behind paella. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

These half-moon legumes go by many names and spark many strong opinions. Anney and Lauren explore the science and history of the lima bean/butterbean. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sufganiyot, pączki, Berliners, bismarcks, or jambusters: Whatever you call 'em, we love jelly doughnuts. Anney and Lauren explore how this treat became a part of holidays around the world. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This breakfast protein isn’t well known outside of the Mid-Atlantic, but not for a lack of enthusiastic press. Anney and Lauren dig into the history, culture, and poetry of scrapple. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

These potato-based snack chips are wonders of structural science. Anney and Lauren explore the history and mathematics behind Pringles. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This sweet wine is made from grapes frozen on the vine to produce concentrated flavors. Anney and Lauren explore the decidedly cool science and history of ice wine. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This warm-flavored herb has been highly regarded as a seasoning and a medicine throughout the ages. Anney and Lauren explore the history, culture, and science of sage. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This bread is definitely made from cornmeal, but what else goes in (or definitely doesn’t go in) is a matter of some opinion. Anney and Lauren dig into the history and culture of cornbread. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This seasoning paste (and soup ingredient) owes its complex flavors to a double fermentation of grains and legumes. Anney and Lauren dip into the history and science of miso. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This series of fantasy stories is about adventure, friendship, loyalty, faith – and food. Anney and Lauren go further up and further into the fantastical fruits and humble feasts of C.S. Lewis’s ‘The Chronicles of Narnia’. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Toasting can be an art, an honor, or an excuse to drink a lot. In this classic episode, Anney and Lauren explore the culture of clinking glasses (or not!), from ancient toasting traditions to how people do it around the world today. Hear hear! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"Quiche, the simple baked custard that took the '70s by storm, has a winding history -- involving some weird gender issues. In this classic episode, Anney and Lauren serve forth the ins and outs of quiche." Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

These fruits prove that being bitter and oily doesn’t mean you can’t be popular. Anney and Lauren pit their wits against the science and history of olives. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The adventure continues! We turn again to our inboxes to share your stories, from a persevering pineapple and a beef with Ginger Beef to sweet maple syrup memories and one spicy Princess Stew. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A treatment including curing, smoking, and seasoning turns tough beef brisket into this delectable deli meat. Anney and Lauren dig into the history and science behind pastrami. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This brand of shelf-stable soups (and other foods) is an American staple, replete with nostalgia, sodium, and labor disputes. Anney and Lauren tap into the history and culture behind the Campbell Soup Company and their products. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This large citrus fruit features tasty tart and bitter flavors – but watch out, because it doesn’t mix with some medications. Anney and Lauren explore the history and science of grapefruit. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why do we shape gingerbread cookies into people and houses? Why is it generally considered a winter treat? In this classic episode, Anney and Lauren tackle gingerbread (in all its formats) head first. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This warming spice is an ingredient in both sweet and savory dishes the world over. Anney and Lauren dig up the history and science of ginger. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This nondairy butter substitute has been embroiled in legal and nutritional controversy since its invention. Anney and Lauren explore the history and science of margarine. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This small, silvery fish may have a bad reputation in the U.S., but it’s a tasty (and integral!) part of cuisines all over the world. Anney and Lauren dive into the history and science of anchovies. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

These highly customizable sandwiches are an American classic with a highly debated history. Anney and Lauren explore the origins and permutations of the hamburger. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

These home and community gardens helped citizens eat better (and keep busy) during the World Wars. Anney and Lauren dig into the history of victory gardens -- and the ways that sustenance gardening has thrived during peacetime, too. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We turn again to the listener mailbox to hear from all y’all about your cheesecake successes (and failures), good drinks, historic dinner parties, very best macaron tips, and more. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Since before written history, humans have been mad about butter. (Er, sometimes literally angry.) In this classic episode, we explore the slippery physics, surprising strife, and salubrious nutrition of butter (and margarine, sorta). Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Food (and the lack thereof) plays heavily in this folk tale popularized by the Brothers Grimm. We explore the tropes in ‘Hansel and Gretel’, and special guests join us for a soundscaped reading of the story. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This sweet, rich legume has sometimes been used as a chocolate substitute, but it can (and should!) stand on its own. Anney and Lauren dip into the history and science of carob. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This new cookbook invites readers into the kitchens of East African grandmothers, who share their stories through recipes. We chat with the author, Hawa Hassan, about how her own story led to the book’s creation, and the community that made it possible. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This fresh, spreadable cheese has roots that go back hundreds of years, but it found its niche in American cuisine in the past century with bagels, dips, and casseroles. Anney and Lauren dip into the science and history of cream cheese. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This brand of candies and snacks has the peanut-butter-and-chocolate market cornered. Anney and Lauren dig into the sweet and salty story of Reese’s. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This creepy television show features downright delicious-looking dishes – which have to appear to be maybe-human flesh but be made of actor-friendly ingredients. Anney and Lauren discuss the implications and reality of the food featured in ‘Hannibal’. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This popular tree fruit has been the subject of myths and legends throughout the ages – possibly due to linguistic confusion. Anney and Lauren explore the juicy history and snaking science of the apple. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

No- or low-alcohol cocktails are getting some serious attention these days. In this classic episode, we explore the science, history, and culture of ‘mocktails’ with special guest Julia Bainbridge, whose new book 'Good Drinks' explores the subject. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This classic Cuban/Floridian sandwich includes various pork products, cheese, mustard, and pickles – but its exact makeup is as contested as its exact birthplace. Anney and Lauren get to the meat of the story behind the Cubano. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This brand of easily prepared rice pilaf and noodle dishes was born from a marriage of cultures during America’s era of convenience food. Anney and Lauren dig into the story behind Rice-A-Roni. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

’The Sporkful’ is toasting to its 10-year anniversary this week, so we sat down with host Dan Pashman to chat about how the show has changed over the past decade – and how the food world has changed along with it. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This traditional lager was the most popular beer at Munich’s Oktoberfest for a century. Anney and Lauren dip into the bottom-fermenting science and barmy history of märzen and other Oktoberfest beers. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The ‘crab’ in your California roll and seafood salad is almost certainly an imitation made up of other seafood that’s been shaped and flavored to resemble crab legs. Anney and Lauren crack open the science of surimi and the history of krab sticks. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This buttery-sweet tree nut makes a tasty snack, milk, or ingredient – but its fruit is poisonous. But but: Its apple is not! Anney and Lauren break down the science and history of the cashew tree, nut, and apple. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This spicy-savory-salty-funky-sweet sauce is the product of thousands of years of fermentation tradition. Anney and Lauren dip into the science and history of gochujang. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

These pretty, meringue-based cookies are a delightful treat – but can be a disaster to attempt making. Anney and Lauren explore the convoluted history and complex structural science of macarons. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This often inexpensive, sometimes maligned method of packaging wine has a history steeped in intrigue. Anney and Lauren dip into the environmental science and crime-ridden history of boxed wine. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This lightly anise-flavored vegetable is used for its bulb, stalks, fronds, and seeds alike. Anney and Lauren dig into the science and history of fennel. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.