Since I’m a bit of a “foodie” I thought I’d do a little research about food. I started my day watching an oldie-but-goodie, an episode of the original Iron Chef program from Japan. I now know everything I need to know about the preparation and consumption of pork belly. Let’s get on with this . . .

• Did you know that the cereal Post Toasties was originally named Elijah’s Manna. The name was changed in 1904 after objections were received from the clergy.

• The country of Norway consumes more spicy Mexican food than any other European nation.

• The literal meaning of the Italian word linguine is “Little tongues”.

• Margarine was originally called “Butterine” when first marketed in England.

• The top two selling spices in the world are pepper (top seller) and mustard.

• Peter Cooper, best know for inventing the locomotive “Tom Thumb”, also patented in 1845 a gelatin treat later marketed as “Jello”.

• There are 12 flowers embossed on an Oreo cookie, four petals on each.

• The standard pretzel shape was created by French monks in 610 a.d. and made to resemble a little child’s arms in prayer.

• Canned herring are called sardines. The process for canning originated in Sardinia where herring were first canned.

• When the Birdseye company first introduced frozen food in 1930, it was called “Frosted Food”. The name was changed shortly thereafter to “Frozen”.

Now you know. I also strongly recommend taking some time to visit the Roku Channel and the Iron Chef program. I loved it way back in the day and it still remains an all time favorite.

EAT, DRINK, AND DO MARY