Lunchbox Envy

Ken Albala, a food historian and author, dives deep into the fascinating world of offal and nose-to-tail eating. He explains its historical significance and surprising uses, like Lancashire calamari and Mrs. Beeton’s tripe cures. Ken shares stories of extreme culinary experiments, including cooking moose nose jelly. The conversation touches on the cultural distancing from meat, the tragic waste of animal parts, and the legal ban on haggis in the U.S. Finally, Ken offers insights on how to start cooking offal, recommending heart as a tasty entry point.

Who built a car out of beans? Can you put out a fire with beans? How do you measure the fartiness of a bean?

How many calories are there in a gram of uranium? What is the Sleeping Beauty diet? What do you have in common with a doughnut?

In this discussion, Jake Bardwaj, a comedian and quiz master, dives into the quirky world of pub culture and food. He explores the origins of the beloved pub, from Roman times to Victorian class distinctions. Unpack the mystery of the 'Third Condiment' and the curious history of the Scotch egg. They also unravel the myths around pub snacks like crispy pork scratchings and the nostalgic Smith's Cheese Moments. Get ready for an amusing journey through Britain's flavorful pub scene!

One more for the road? Merry Christmas!

What is a live fish doing in your bath on Christmas Eve? Who tried to cook their turkey via electrocution? Where can you find roast reindeer on the menu? Merry Christmas from Lunchbox Envy! 

Why would you oven bake a laptop? Which day of the week can your oven switch itself on? Who cooked himself in a bread oven just to see what would happen?

Discover the peculiar blend of vodka and gunpowder, and what a doctor might really prescribe it for. The hosts delve into vodka's medieval medicinal origins and its role in Russian state finance. Learn about vodka's value as an informal currency during economic turmoil. From quirky filtering methods to cooking tips with penne alla vodka, they explore its culinary magic. Unique vodkas like milk and wasp add an adventurous twist. Join this spirited conversation packed with humor and fascinating facts!

How do you Twizzle a Turkey? Where did Ancient Spartan kids get their packed lunch from? Who used to give their schoolchildren wine?

How do you make a Frogeye Salad? When was eel on the Thanksgiving menu? Who can you call when your turkey won't defrost?