American Catholic History American Catholic Food
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Jan 8, 2024 Discover how Catholic traditions have influenced American cuisine, from Franciscan friars introducing wine and Monterey Jack cheese in California to the cultural fusion that birthed Cajun and Creole dishes in Louisiana. Learn about Lou Groen's amusing struggle with Ray Kroc over the Filet-O-Fish at McDonald's and the beloved pepperoni roll in West Virginia. The podcast explores the quirky practice of muskrat consumption on Fridays in Michigan, showcasing the rich tapestry of flavors shaped by faith and history.
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Origins of California Wine Industry
- Franciscan missionaries in California began the state's wine industry by planting mission grapes for the Mass.
- Their vineyards laid the foundation for what became California's renowned wine regions after the Gold Rush surge in demand.
Monterey Jack Cheese's Unique Origin
- Monterey Jack cheese originated from Spanish Franciscan friars' queso blanco de país cheese.
- A 19th-century businessman branded this native cheese "Jack's Cheese," giving it its modern name and commercial identity.
Birth of McDonald's Filet-O-Fish
- Lou Groen, a Catholic businessman, created the Filet-O-Fish at McDonald's to address meat abstinence on Fridays.
- After a contest, his fish sandwich permanently replaced McDonald's less popular pineapple Hula Burger in 1963.