By Dave DeWitt Above, the Sierra Madre, Home of Chiltepins My amigo Antonio swears that the motto of the Sonoran bus lines is “Better Dead Than Late,” and I believe him. The smoke-belching buses were flying by us on curves marked by shrines commemorating the unfortunate drivers whose journeys through life had abruptly ended on this mountain road. We waved …
Dog Days of Summer
By Mike Stines, Ph.B. Frankfurters, franks, weenies, wieners, dogs, red hots, hot dogs, tube steaks, or less-politely, rat sticks—whatever you call them—are traditional fare across the country for summer cookouts and at ballparks. According to the latest statistics from the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council, more than 21.2 million hot dogs were sold in Los Angeles last year (more …
Oldest Known Tabasco Bottle Found
By Dave DeWitt A 135-year-old Tabasco® bottle has been recovered and reconstructed from 21 glass fragments found in an archaeological site of the historic Boston Saloon in Virginia City, Nevada. The recovery of the artifact was announced by Nevada state historic preservation officer Ron James and McIlhenny Company historian Shane Bernard. Ashley Dumas, a graduate student at the University of …
A Chicken in Every Pot, And on Every Grill!
By Mike Stines, Ph.B. Paraphrasing the 1589 coronation speech of King Henry IV of France, President Herbert Hoover promised during his 1928 campaign “a chicken in every pot” if he were elected. Today, a candidate would be wise to promise a chicken on every grill, especially if he were campaigning in the summer. Chicken is so versatile that it should …
Mastering Ceramic Cookers
By Mike Stines, Ph.B. Because of its versatility as a grill, an oven and a smoker, the ceramic cooker is gaining in popularity with backyard cooks throughout the country. More and more folks opt to purchase a ceramic cooker instead of—or in addition to—a traditional gas-fired or charcoal grill. Ceramic cookers are based on the ancient clay pot cookers used …