American Food History

History

The History of the Doughnut

A look back at the men, women and machines that made America’s favorite treat possible

At the Smithsonian

The KitchenAid at 100

Even celebrity chef Julia Child said that the sleek appliance made mixing 'marvelous'

At the Smithsonian

In 1976, California Wines Bested France's Finest

Forty years ago, a Copernican moment took place in viniculture when the world realized the sun didn’t always revolve around French wines

History

Thanksgiving and the Start of TV Dinners

The birth of the TV dinner started with a mistake

At the Smithsonian

¡Salud! to the Mexican-American Wine Revolution

Ceja Vineyards breathes new life into Napa Valley’s wine industry

Hungering for Halloween?

Smart News

Candy Corn Hasn't Changed Since the 19th Century

The Halloween sweet was invented in the 1880s

Travel

Festivals of the Dead Around the World

In the United States, Halloween is mostly about candy, but elsewhere in the world celebrations honoring the departed have a spiritual meaning

Arts & Culture

The Halloween Tradition Best Left Dead: Kale as Matchmaker

Be happy this Scottish tradition is passé, your future marriage may have depended on it

Arts & Culture

Barmbrack, Toffee and Other Around-the-World Halloween Treats

This weekend’s celebrations extend beyond snarfing down Hershey and Mars bars

Savoring Thanksgiving Day

History

How the Pumpkin Became a Thanksgiving Treat

The history of Cucurbita pepo has a surprising connection to the abolitionist cause

Smart News

The Woman Who Invented the Green Bean Casserole

Dorcas Reilly came up with the iconic American dish in the 1950s

Arts & Culture

This Man Made the First Canned Cranberry Sauce

How Marcus Urann's idea revolutionized the cranberry industry

Smart News

Even Colonial Americans Liked Pumpkin Spice

A recipe for pumpkin (or rather, “pompkin”) spice appears in America’s oldest cookbook

Fabulous Finds for Your Holiday Fare

Smart News

The Long, Rich, Boozy History of Eggnog

This December, we’re exploring the drink’s storied history

Arts & Culture

Why Japan Is Obsessed With KFC on Christmas

Thanks to the successful “Kurisumasu ni wa kentakkii!” (Kentucky for Christmas!) marketing campaign in 1974, Japan can't get enough KFC on Christmas Day

Smart News

The Un-Christmassy Origin of Gingerbread Houses

This tradition dates back to the story of Hansel and Gretel

Smart News

A Brief History of Figgy Pudding

The dense, spicy dish has been giving good cheer for centuries