Cotija: Worth Its Salt

This fast-food pizza franchise has served up literacy programs, space sponsorships, government-promoted cheese – and a lot of pizzas. Anney and Lauren delve into the deep-dish history of Pizza Hut.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

James Beard is called the dean of American cooking for good reason -- he was a prolific pioneer of local, sustainable food that's celebratory, indulgent, and approachably DIY. In this classic episode, Anney and Lauren explore the life of this sometimes troubled chef, writer, and bon vivant.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This bright-hot stew can come out a number of ways thanks to the many culinary influences that have gone into it. Anney and Lauren marinate on the history and cultures behind vindaloo.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This crumbly mountain cheese may not melt, but it’s the perfect finishing touch on all kinds of snacks, sides, and meals. Anney and Lauren dig into the science and history of cotija cheese. (p.s. Since I forgot to say it in the episode, here you go: BACTERIA POOOOOOOOP --LV)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

These pieces of movie merchandise are far more than a way to hold popcorn. Anney and Lauren dig into the history and popularity of popcorn buckets.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wines in this wide, complicated category are flavored with herbs and spices, stabilized with liquor, and sweetened (a lot or a little). Anney and Lauren dip into the history and cultures behind vermouth.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

These wild members of the onion family have catapulted from local favorite to foodie phenomenon. Anney and Lauren dig into the science and history of ramps.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

These cookies can be light or dense, made with shredded coconut or ground almonds, fancy or plain -- and their history is closely tied to pasta. Anney and Lauren dig into the history and many iterations of macaroons.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pickled cucumbers were Cleopatra's favorite beauty food and the main business of the guy who named the Americas. In this classic episode, Anney and Lauren explore the long history and bacteria-laden science of pickles.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Don’t call it a comeback quite yet, but this seafloor-dwelling fish is doing well in some places across the North Atlantic. Anney and Lauren dip into the biology and history of the Atlantic halibut.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.