Meat raffles and Snickers salads with Ben Mandelker
Oct 4, 2023
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Ben Mandelker, a coastal elite exploring Midwestern food, joins the host to discuss misunderstood dishes like meat raffles and Snickers salads. They explore the boundaries of salad, delve into the world of fluff salads, and examine the unexpected combination of sweet and meat. They also discuss food preservation in the Midwest, resourcefulness in cooking, and uncover hidden culinary traditions.
Meat raffles in the Midwest represent a social event grounded in community and resourcefulness.
Snicker salad is a unique dish celebrated for its nostalgic and comforting qualities in the Midwest.
Midwestern salads have a broad definition influenced by Scandinavian and historical food preservation practices, encouraging open-mindedness.
Deep dives
The Tradition of Meat Raffles in the Midwest
The podcast discusses the tradition of meat raffles in the Midwest, where people gather at bars for a chance to win cuts of meat in a raffle. The meat is then taken home and cooked, often used in hot dishes which are popular in the region. The meat raffles are seen as a social event and a way to bring the community together. The practice is rooted in a desire to make food last longer, a tradition that emerged during World War I when people had to conserve resources. Despite being seen as a Midwestern tradition, similar practices can be found in other regions, such as Appalachia. The meat raffles highlight the resourcefulness and sense of community in the Midwest.
The Controversial Snicker Salad
The podcast explores the controversial Snicker salad, a unique dish popular in the Midwest. Snicker salad is made with chopped Snickers bars, green apples, whipped topping, vanilla pudding, and mini marshmallows. Some people find the combination of flavors, textures, and ingredients strange, while others enjoy its sweet and creamy taste. The Snicker salad is often served at gatherings and social events in the Midwest, including weddings and funerals. It is celebrated as a nostalgic and comforting dish, evoking a sense of community and tradition.
The Influence of Scandinavian and Midwestern Culture on Salads
The podcast discusses the influence of Scandinavian and Midwestern culture on the definition of salads in the region. Scandinavian salads, such as herring salad, often include a combination of ingredients like fish, potatoes, beets, onions, and apples, mixed with sour cream or whipped topping. In the Midwest, the concept of salad is broad, encompassing various dishes, including those with whipped topping and gelatin. The region's history of short growing seasons and reliance on preserved and canned foods may have contributed to a more expansive definition of what constitutes a salad. The podcast also highlights the importance of staying open-minded and avoiding snobbery when discussing regional culinary traditions.
The Popularity and Rediscovery of Mid-Century Retro Food
The podcast explores the popularity and rediscovery of mid-century retro food traditions. Many dishes, like Snicker salad and hot dishes, have their roots in early 20th-century post-war America. These recipes often feature processed foods like whipped topping, canned soup, and gelatin, which were embraced as convenient and affordable options during that time. While these foods have sometimes been dismissed in the past, there's a growing trend of celebrating and updating mid-century dishes, often led by contemporary cookbook authors and influencers. By reimagining and modernizing these recipes, they bring a sense of nostalgia and cultural heritage to the present day.
The Impact of Corporate Advertising on Food Perception
The podcast delves into the role of corporate advertising in shaping food perception. It highlights how brands and companies influenced public opinion on ingredients like lard, ultimately leading to negative associations. This manipulation of public perception has long-lasting effects that impact how certain dishes are viewed. The episode also touches on the relation between food and patriotism, as companies adapted their wartime strategies to peacetime consumption, such as utilizing processed foods. Finally, it underscores the need for critical thinking and awareness of the origins and influences behind our food choices.
Exploring Little-Known Culinary Traditions
The podcast emphasizes the importance of exploring and appreciating little-known culinary traditions across the United States. It highlights that there are regional dishes and food practices that may go unnoticed by those outside of specific areas. These unique and often hyper-regional food traditions offer exciting opportunities to expand our culinary horizons. By embracing these lesser-known cuisines, we can gain a richer understanding of the diverse culinary landscape throughout the country.
