125th Birth Anniversary of Russell Stover

Russell Stover Candies

Not the candy company, but the man who started it. Russell Stover was born 125 years ago in a sod house in Kansas and became one of the top candy makers in America. His is a true Horatio Alger tale, embodying the tenants of hard work and perseverance. His fortune was initially made by the sales of the Eskimo Pie which was invented by his partner, a school teacher named Christian Nelson. Stover's wife came up with the name, "Eskimo Pie" and the rest is history. The Eskimo Pie, however, was sold by a separate company later on. The Russell Stover company then branched out into candy-making. The company has remained private, although it changed hands in the 60's when Stover's wife sold the company to Louis Ward, whose family still owns and operates it. Russell Stover also acquired Whitman's Chocolates later in the century and today is the third largest chocolate maker in the US. The familiar and ubiquitous chocolates are found in grocery stores, drug stores, and other retailers everywhere. Just an interesting bit of American history.

The Holidays are Upon Us...

Thanksgiving Plate - Public Domain Image by Alcinoe

It's that time of year for grateful gatherings; when tummies are filled almost to bursting, and deep slumbers follow. Those that can still walk the day after Thanksgiving may take a trip to the mall for Black Friday deals. Some will begin decorating for Christmas and get a head start on their neighbors by putting up lights - very efficient! I actually like to begin writing Christmas cards right after Thanksgiving - the Post Office may appreciate those like me who try not to inundate them at the last minute. The Postal Service says that December 17th will be their busiest day this year, so the earlier we get cards and packages mailed the better. But let's not get ahead of ourselves; we still have to enjoy our feast first. The major papers have helpful and enticing websites devoted to making Thanksgiving as delicious as possible. The NYT has a great video archive of Thanksgiving recipes, including traditional favorites as well as unusual dishes. There's a fun interactive Thanksgiving-erator where you can plan your menu if you're not sure what to do. There's also a very useful Q & A of commonly asked Thanksgiving questions. And not to be missed, a wonderful compilation of great vegetarian dishes for everyone. The WP has a nice collection of sweet potato recipes, as well as nice recipes for all those leftovers!


November is National Peanut Butter Lovers Month

Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich by Evan Amos

An almost universally beloved food has its own month - a true comfort for the chilly month of November. Peanut Butter can be eaten in so many ways, in main dishes, desserts, snacks, and straight from the jar. In many ways peanuts are like corn, appearing in a variety of foods as either a main ingredient or as a by product of processing. And it's not just humans who love it; pretty much all rodents eat it (mice, rats, squirrels, chipmunks among others), not to mention many birds. Even those who are allergic to peanuts, (and we must all sympathize with those poor folks) are often drawn to it and find it hard to resist. It's truly tragic that something so tasty and nutritious can be deadly for some. Nevertheless, peanuts are an ancient crop originating in the new world, and its cultivation and consumption have spread world-wide. A number of interesting factoids about peanut butter are presented by the National Peanut Board, including the history and current statistics on peanut consumption. (Did you know that Arachibutyrophobia is the fear of getting peanut butter stuck to the roof of your mouth?)  And later on this month (November 20), we can celebrate National Peanut Butter Fudge Day! For a beautiful and tempting gallery of peanut butter dishes, including recipes, check out Tastespotting's peanut butter page. And one final tasty tidbit, Alton Brown has a very popular recipe for peanut better fudge on the FoodNetwork - yummers!