Cotija: Worth Its Salt

This botanical liquor can be made with many things, but often brings flavors like caraway or dill seed to the party. Anney and Lauren dip into the science and history of aquavit.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

These small cephalopods are a huge part of California’s fishing industry. Anney and Lauren dip into the biology and history of California market squid.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

These ricotta-filled, deep-fried pastries are the stuffed stuff of slightly bawdy legends. Anney and Lauren shell out the science and history of cannoli.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This spice is made from tiny fruit that pack a huge wallop of flavor. Anney and Lauren dig into the science and history of allspice. (Correction: The thing in Transformers is the AllSpark. The “AllLife” is a thing that Anney wrote into her D&D campaign. Neither go in a pumpkin pie.)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.