History Between Bites

On this episode Birdie finishes up our journey through the history of pizza. We talk about pizza history in North America and just how many varieties there are, We also critique more than a few weird pizza options. Citations: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_pizza https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pizza_in_the_United_States https://www.seriouseats.com/a-slice-of-heaven-a-history-of-pizza-in-am...

On this episode Sam takes us on the first half of our pizza journey. She will discuss the earliest evidence of pizza, its time in Italy and stint with cholera, and end right before this beloved late night snack makes its way to America. Citations: Alexander, William, 10 Tomatoes that Changed the World: A History, Grand Central Publishing, New York, 2022. Virgil and Robert Fitzgerald. 1990. The Aen...

In this episode Birdie and Sam discuss their religious upbringings, what caused them to question and leave those traditions, and how they found a home in Atheism and Judaism. This episode contains sensitive content. There is discussion of drug addiction, domestic violence, and sexual assault. All experiences and opinions discussed are personal and are not reflective of these religious communities...

This week, Sam takes us on a brief journey through the history of cheese to get to the story behind mozzarella. We discuss the origins, uses, types, and impact of this beloved stringy cheese. Citations: Dalby, Andrew, Cheese: A Global History, Reaktion Books, London, 2009. “This History of Mozzarella,” Italian Tribune, November 2021. (Online article) https://italiantribune.com/the-history-of-mozza...

Sam and Birdie set out on a new podcast adventure with An Atheist and a Jew Walk Into a Bar!

On this episode Sam and Birdie join forces for their first ever combo episode. Taking on both marinara and Italian herb blends they deep dive into the history, uses, and industry that is tomato sauces. Citations: Alexander, William, Ten Tomatoes that Changed the World: A History, Hatchet Book Group, New York, 2022.Grand View Research, “Pasta Sauce Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report by...

This week, Sam gives us a synopsis of the food giant that is the tomato. We dive into issues of colonialism and watch as the tomato makes its way to the old world and back to the Americas to forever change the culinary milieu and solidify its position as the most popular fruit… yes, fruit. Citations: Alexander, William, Ten Tomatoes That Changed the World: A History, Grand Central Publishing, Hatc...

This week, Birdie takes us on a long history of everyone’s favorite vampire repellent, garlic. Please note that we are not sponsored by any of the brands mentioned in this episode: we’re just fans. Citations: “The Ancient Mesopotamian Tablet as Cookbook | Roundtable.” Lapham’s Quarterly , www.laphamsquarterly.org/roundtable/ancient-mesopotamian-tablet-cookbook . “Pašrūtum” Jay, Martha. Onions and...

This week Sam tells us the global story of honey. We explore how ubiquitous this sweet treat is and just how important it has been to the narrative of human history, development, and dare we say progress. Citations:Apicius, Joseph Dommers Vehling, Cookery and Dining in Imperial Rome: A Translation of the Ancient Book Known as Apicius de Re Coquinaria: Now for the First Time Rendered into English,...

This week, Birdie takes us on a meandering journey through the many facets of olive oil. Please note that we are not sponsored by any of the brands mentioned in this episode: we’re just fans. Citations: Fatimah. “Orange Cardamom Olive Oil Cake.” FalasteeniFoodie , June 2023, falasteenifoodie.com/orange-cardamom-olive-oil-cake .>>No changes made to recipeHelmenstine, Anne Marie, PhD. “How to...

Episode 0 is all about what to expect. Meet your hosts, home cook Birdie and historian Sam as we tell you about ourselves, what the podcast will do, and why int he world we want to chat about the history of food.