Day 358

Norman Borlaug

Norman Borlaug, father of the Green Revolution passed away this weekend.    Among his accomplishments are breeding varieties of wheat that has saved millions from starvation in India and Pakistan.

Day 270

Drove to Montreal, Quebec today.  Rained all the way.  This is my second time in Montreal.  The first time around I didn't get to try the poutine- a national dish of sorts comprised of french fries, cheese curds, and a savory brown gravy.  It sounds and looks a little disgusting, but is actually very, very good.  I'm not actually sure why it hasn't caught on in the states.  In my experience, anything smothered in gravy is pretty darn delicious.

Kansas City

I'm in Kansas City to sample some down home KC BBQ.  I'm trying to work out a suitable place to photograph my hankies.  It may have to wait until I'm in St. Louis. 

National Donut Day

Today is National Donut Day, an interesting counter balance the gravity of yesterday's Tienanmen Square anniversary.  

A little history on this day from holidayinsights.com.  I love the part about cooking the soldiers meals inside their helmets.

National Doughnut Day

When : Always the first Friday in June

National Doughnut Day honors the Salvation Army "Lassies" of WWI. It is also used as a fund raiser for needy causes of the Salvation Army.

The original Salvation Army Doughnut was first served by Salvation Army in 1917. During WWI, Salvation Army "lassies" were sent to the front lines of Europe. These brave volunteers made home cooked foods, and provided a moral boost to the troops. Often, the doughnuts were cooked in oil inside the of the metal helmet of an American soldier. The American infantrymen were commonly called doughboys. Salvation Army lassies were the only women outside of military personnel allowed to visit the front lines. Lt. Colonel Helen Purviance is considered the Salvation Army's "first doughnut girl".

Day 255- Texas

The past two days I've been in New Orleans and had my first Oyster Po' Boy and Muffaletta.  I drove across Louisiana to Texas this morning. This is the first time I've been in TX and it has not disappointed yet.  I ate dinner at Virgie's BBQ and had the best brisket and ribs of my life.  The smoke flavor just penetrated the meat perfectly. Delicious.  Tomorrow I'm off to Lulling and Lockhart, TX to sample more Texas BBQ offerings.

Day 251

I'm still in the beautiful state of Tennessee. I left Nashville this morning for Memphis.  There will be plenty of Memphis style BBQ for the next two days.  

Lexington BBQ

Yesterday, I was in Lexington, North Carolina, the BBQ capital of the world.  I had dinner at Lexington BBQ, a family run business that started in the 60's.  I sat at the counter and was greeted by extremely friendly staff and ordered a chopped BBQ plate with a house brewed sweet tea.  I thought I died and gone to BBQ heaven and suddenly fried cracklings appeared, compliments of the proprietor.  Delicious.  My stomach was full and happy and just when I didn't think I could eat anymore, a dish of peach cobbler a la mode appeared.  It was one of the best meals of my life.  Exceptional service and exceptional food. 

 

Day 175

I ate a real Parisian baguette while sitting in front of the Eiffel Tower.  It was delicious.

Day 148

Peanut Corp of America

More peanut woes.  A plant in Plainview, Texas has been shut down.  Thus far 9 people have died and over 600 sickened from salmonella found in products PCA peanuts.  The FDA has a searchable database of over 2000 contaminated products.

I've been wondering how salmonella can get into peanut butter and found this article.  

Grand Slam!

Wow, I finished this one.  Just this morning I genuinely thought I wouldn't even stitch one today.

Time to Breathe

I came across this article after I finished with my class this afternoon.  Denny's Restaurant was giving away free Grand Slam breakfasts this morning.  I have many fond memories of Denny's- sunday breakfast with my family as a kid, a bite to eat after football games in high school, and late night study sessions during college.  Unfortunately there are no Denny's in Boston- a sad, sad fact I lament every time I want to order a Moons Over My Hammy.