Bites of History with Irene Walton

This week we learn about how Cheez Its started, why they're called that, and how Kyle's parents met!! Please make sure to give him a follow as he trudged through my first-ever guested episode!!!! You can find all of his links here: Pre-order his book (I did!!): https://www.amazon.com/How-Piss-Off-Men-Shatter/dp/1728291925 Check out his Youtube show "Rabbit": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CW-VsxYXEnI Follow him on Instagram and TikTok @kyleprue Please also flood his comments with how much you enjoyed him on the pod, and maybe he'll come back and I can do better!!  

Let me know who our guests should be!!!!

I thought deviled eggs were created by some brilliant farm owner in the 50's or something, but it was such a joy to find out just how far back these favorite little appies (appetizers) go!! I loved learning about their etymology, and all of the different variations - I think you will, too!!

Who knew that fruitcake could have such a heavy history! Let's unpack the multi-million dollar heist that has given fruitcake an even trickier reputation than it already had!! 

The history of this late October tradition goes back over 2000 years and has traveled across oceans to knock at your door on Halloween night, but why?! Let's go back to Ireland, over to England and across the Atlantic to learn about the sweet little history of Trick-or-Treating EEEHEHEHHEHEHEHHE (imagine I'm doing that evil witch laugh)! 

The history of this seasonal sensation goes way beyond the Starbucks favorite, but that's a pretty huge part of this autumnal craze as well - I think it's best you just dive in and find out yourself! 

I had no idea all of the little nuances that lived in my beloved little glasswares!! Learn about what makes Depression Glass... Depression Glass!! Imperfections, colorways, patterns and more!!  ☕️ Help support the podcast by subscribing to my Patreon tier! It's only $2!! https://www.patreon.com/irenewalton ⭐️ Leave a five-star review and a comment letting me know what you might like to hear in the future! 

This week we learn about the billion-dollar company that started as a side hustle with three men who wanted to make juice and knew literally nothing about making juice!! It's cute and sweet!! Like Snapple! ☕️ ☕️ Help support the podcast by subscribing to my Patreon tier! It's only $2!! https://www.patreon.com/irenewalton ⭐️ Leave a five-star review and a comment letting me know what you might like to hear in the future! 

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While this fatal event sounds outlandish, or even made-up - I can assure you that it isn't. On a warm day in 1919 Boston's North End would be nearly swept up by millions of gallons of molasses leaving some for dead and other's lives permanently altered. ☕️ Help support the podcast by subscribing to my Patreon tier! It's only $2!! https://www.patreon.com/irenewalton ⭐️ Leave a five-star review and a comment letting me know what you might like to hear in the future! 

It's weird state food facts part three!!! From North Dakota to Wyoming!! Thank y'all for being here for all 50 states, and 50 whole episodes. I love ya :)

It's weird state food facts part two!!! From Kentucky to North Carolina!!

So many weird food-related laws in this little country!! From cannibalism to horse theft - stay tuned!!

This week we continue our bourbon brigade and try our best to uncover the mystery of what happened during the family-owned Bourbon theft of 2013 that is know colloquially known as "Pappygate"!

Pappy Van Winkle is one of the hardest and most expensive bottles to get in all of the United States, but it hasn't always been that way. Find out what happened to create a seedy underbelly and second hand market for this premiere family-run bourbon!

John and Will are at it again in this week's episode! Make sure to listen to part one from last week if you haven't already!! Today the brothers go to court, need witnesses at family gatherings, and a medalling secretary gets in the way of their reconciliation!

John Harvey Kellogg was a true leader in the medical field in the late 1800s - he was FAR ahead of the times in many ways and FAR behind in others. Let's find out about this guy before we take a bite out of his cereal bowl!

Guinness Beer and Guinness World Records - it's a pretty specific name, not like "Smith's World Records"! So, are they connected, or what's the word? We talk about brothers, game birds, and beer - oh my!!

Tarrare lived a cursed life. A man who was never full and resorted to despicable things to satiate his hunger. What was the cause? What did he eat? Found out today on Bites of History!

Did you know that bacon has only been a breakfast food for the past 100 years? Before that the Beech-Nut Packaging Company could hardly sell the stuff once refrigeration came around. Join me this week to find out how Edward Bernays changed the way our mornings look! ☀️

Typhoid Mary was a medical marvel at the time. Carrying a deadly disease and not knowing it lead to the death of many as well as the livelihoods of even more being altered forever. Find out everything you've ever wanted to know about the unknowingly noxious cook on this week's episode!! 

Learn about the history and efficacy of the most popular aphrodisiacs - are they real? Do they work? Find out on this week's episode!! 

This week we learn all about the history of Dunkin' Donuts!! A Jewish immigrant takes matters into his own hands when the Depression hits and through business partner betrayals, donut wars, and franchise disasters we still get some delicious little treats!!

Have you heard that Mountain Dew can lower sperm count, or that forks used to be associated with the Devil, maybe how the Guinness Brewery has a 9,000 year lease?! Well, this week I answer all of the questions you never knew you had about any of those things. 

Valentine's Day has an absolutely insane history and, like, 5 different origins with, like, 3 different St. Valentine's Let's dive in and explore!! I also tell you all about 'Vinegar Valentines' which you will not want to miss

Popcorn has been a part of our lives for so much longer than we know and has helped people in more ways than we could ever imagine! Tune in to find out how popcorn helped pull some of us out of economic strife, made its way into our homes, and changed our lives forever!!  

With the beginning of the year comes resolutions! They're on all of our minds, but where did the most ubiquitous resolution come from? Let's dive in to the history of dieting, diet culture, and what they ACTUALLY do to us.

As we enter arguably the biggest champagne season of the year I figured it was time we dive into the ins and outs of sparkling wine! Where is it from, what makes it special, and can you please pour me another glass?

This week we dive into the secret world of Disneyland's exclusive and elusive Club 33! So many questions answered, but so many remain! Like, when is someone going to invite me to dinner there? 3️⃣3️⃣ Leave me a comment telling me what you would name your Club 33 Entree - I'm gonna stick with Goofy's Garlic Chicken 3️⃣3️⃣ ☕️ Help support the podcast by subscribing to my Patreon tier! It's only $2!! https://www.patreon.com/irenewalton ⭐️ Leave a five-star review and a comment letting me know what you might like to hear in the future! 

Diving a little more into some fun Disney food history today! We learn about why Dole Whips were invented, and if they're fake when you see them outside of Disney parks. We find out why turkey legs got so popular, and what exactly it is that Disney is doing when they're pumping those sumptuous scents into their streets! 

The holidays can be hard for some people!! Emotions can get a little high, stuff can get a little tricky - so, I just wanted to take a second to remind you to be kind to yourself. This season is all about being around the ones you love and you should be treating yourself with that same reverence. I love ya!!Disney episode #2 is next week!! 

Disneyland is the birthplace of four babies as well as one of America's favorite chips! There were soda wars as well as branded pirate ships involved in getting this fledgling amusement park off the ground. We're diving into the history of Disney foods this week - we're starting when admission was $1 and the tickets were counterfeit! Come join!

Have you ever wondered when cranberry sauce made it's way to our Thanksgiving tables, or why turkey is even our staple holiday food to begin with? Me too!! Find out on this week's episode!!

On this week's Crumbs of History I answer the age-old questions like; why can you eat raw fish, but not raw chicken? How long does gum REALLY stay in your stomach for? Are sweet potatoes a conspiracy?! And more!!

Joe Coulombe was a Sothern California native with a love for travel, food, and a great deal. He built an old convenience store up from bankruptcy with exactly that mentality!!

Have you ever wondered what a co-op is, how carbon sequestering works, and why I only drink Organic Valley milk? Well, listen in!  

Have you ever wondered how Hershey, Heinz, and Cracker Jack are all connected to America's first serial killer? Oh, you didn't know that they were? Well, let me tell you

Have you ever wondered which famous writer haunts an east coast bar? Or where ghostly actors go to get a drink? Listen here!!

The most infamous prison in all of American history served its inmates some seriously shocking food. Tune in to find out what made it on the plates of history's most dangerous criminals! 

Have you ever wondered where America's favorite candy bars come from? FAILURE is where, but boy, oh boy, did Franklin and Forrest Mars turn that around!!

Have you ever wondered why Hershey, Pennsylvania is called that? Or why Hershey's Kisses are called 'kisses'?! Well, we answer all of that and WAY more in today's emotional dive into the history of Milton Hershey! 

The role that food played in the hierarchy of this prolific ocean-liner is one for the books, but thankfully I won't make you read about it. Have a listen!  

The history of pizza in America is a wild story and involves two different sets of brothers creating two of the largest chains in the entire world at the same time, but in different parts of the country!! Oh, and there's an explosion! 

The Costco food court is the one of the largest pizza chains in the world, and sells more hotdogs than any baseball stadium! Listen to this episode to find out how they do that!

Have you ever wondered which famous food mavericks came through Ellis Island or cooked for the president? You can mark Ettore Boiardi (or Hector "Chef" Boyardee) down for both! 

Have you ever wondered how Abraham Lincoln, The Pillsbury Dough Boy, and Betty Crocker are all connected?! No? Well, you're wondering now! 

Have you ever wondered what temperature a Krispy Kreme is supposed to be eaten at? Or what building demolition has to do with doughnuts?? Well, listen to this episode to answer your questions!!  

Have you ever wondered why a mermaid is Starbucks' mascot, or what famous book they created their name from? Or how they're connected to Alfred Peet and Milan, Italy?! Well, stop wondering and start listening!☕️ Leave a review telling me what your go-to Starbucks order is! ☕️⭐️ Leave a five-star review and a comment letting me know what you might like to hear in the future!

Have you ever wondered why Death Row inmates get a last meal, what they order, or where the tradition even came from? This week wanted answers to all of the questions that I always wondered about this strange and ominous culinary phenomenon.    

This week I wanted to share 40 crazy food facts with you that range anywhere from potatoes basically being the same as humans to peanut butter making diamonds. I KNOW. You just have to listen - I promise

 Have you ever wondered how a restaurant gets a Michelin star, or what they even are? Well, today we dive into their history, how they're related to the Michelin tire company, and how much you have to pay to get Michelin to even CONSIDER coming to your area! ⭐️⭐️ Leave a review if you have ever dined at a Michelin star restaurant ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Leave a five-star review and a comment letting me know what you might like to hear in the future!