Remembering That Guy Who Made Checking Food Temperatures Easier

Today marks the death in 1736 of Daniel Gabriel Fahrenheit. 

And, if you guessed that he had something to do with thermometers, you'd be right! 

Fahrenheit was a German inventor who made his mark by developing his own thermometers, which were more accurate than what was currently available. Using Fahrenheit thermometers, users could reliably compare temperatures. 

He also created the first mercury-filled thermometer, which was more accurate than the alcohol-filled versions that were common. — Dan Taylor

Dan Taylor is the editor/publisher of The Hungover Gourmet and never gave any thought to where the Fahrenheit temperature scale came from, despite being really concerned about under cooking things like chicken, pork and fish.

Hanger is Real — Science Says So!

Hanger is real! On this day in 2011, the University of Cambridge published research confirming that "[f]luctuations of serotonin levels in the brain, which often occur when someone hasn’t eaten or is stressed, affects brain regions that enable people to regulate anger." 

So, the next time somebody tries to tell you that "being hangry isn't a real thing," you can tell them they're wrong. Because science says so! — Dan Taylor

Dan Taylor is the editor/publisher of The Hungover Gourmet and suffers from chronic hanger.

Wishing You a Happy National Eat a Hoagie Day!

It's National Eat A Hoagie Day! 

I'm not sure how today differs from National Hoagie Day, which is celebrated on May 5th. Maybe you don't eat a hoagie that day, you just worship it, sorta like the mutants at the end of BENEATH THE PLANET OF THE APES. 

"Glory be to the Salami, and to the Holy Provolone. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be. Sandwich without end. Amen." 

Anyway, if you'd like to read waaaayyyy more about hoagies, their history, various theories about the origins of the name "hoagie" and more, check out A History of Philadelphia Sandwiches by Mike Madio. This DelVal native and Philly sandwich lover gives it five soft pretzels! 

Since National Eat a Hoagie Day falls on a Sunday this year, I have picked up a Wawa hoagie and a Diet Half & Half or two to enjoy during the Ravens game. 

More importantly, GO BIRDS! – Dan Taylor

Dan Taylor is the editor/publisher of The Hungover Gourmet, and he thinks the hoagie is the second best sandwich to originate in Philadelphia, after the roast pork with provolone and greens. His favorite is from Ioannoni's in New Castle, DE, where a large is as big as your arm.

Happy Birthday to Milton Hershey (1857)

Chocolate lovers, rejoice! Today marks the birthday of Milton Hershey (1857), the man who is largely credited with the popularization of chocolate candy around the world. 

Trained in the confectionary business, Hershey started a successful caramel business which he sold in 1900 for $1 million (roughly equivalent to $38.5 million in today's market). Hershey took the proceeds from the sale, purchased farmland near his birthplace, and started the Hershey Chocolate Company. 

Working from his own formula, Hershey introduced the Hershey Chocolate Bar in 1900, Hershey's Kisses in 1907, and the Hershey Bar with Almonds in 1908. 

Are you a milk chocolate or dark chocolate fan? I'm Team Dark. — Dan Taylor

Dan Taylor is the editor/publisher of The Hungover Gourmet. Every year for Father's Day and Christmas, he would give his dad a large dark chocolate Hershey bar as a present. His dad would break off a square and put the rest in the freezer. Occasionally he'd treat himself to a single square. Dan wishes he had that kind of self control.

Waffles and Chocolate Milk Shakes ... Celebrate Accordingly

So, let me get this straight. 

Waffles get an entire week of celebration and appreciation (September 7-13), but Chocolate Milkshakes only get one day (September 12)?

I suppose it makes sense. There's only so much I can do with a Chocolate Milkshake. But I can do a lot of things with a waffle ... 

1. Waffle with Syrup and Sausage
2. Waffle with Peanut Butter and Fruit
3. Waffles and Chicken
4. Waffle with an Egg
5. Waffles with Ice Cream (this was my mom's idea of an ice cream sandwich)

Okay, I can think of five things I can do with waffles. Which is four more than I can do with a Chocolate Milkshake. 

Hot Take: I really only like chocolate milkshakes if they have peanut butter and/or banana in them. I prefer vanilla or strawberry shakes. — Dan Taylor

Dan Taylor is the editor/publisher of The Hungover Gourmet. Today is his 22nd wedding anniversary and he and his wife are returning to the "scene of the crime" for dinner. Ciao!

Remembering the Inventor of the Graham Cracker

Today marks the passing of Sylvester Graham in 1851. A vegetarian who also promoted temperance, Graham is best remembered for introducing the Graham Cracker in 1829. 

Want to know s'more? In addition to advocating for vegetarianism and the use of coarse, whole grain flour, he was against the consumption of potatoes, tobacco and alcohol, coffee and tea, chocolate and pastries. Not surprisingly, Graham was hated by butchers and bakers, as well as liquor and tobacco companies. — Dan Taylor

Dan Taylor is the editor/publisher of The Hungover Gourmet. Graham Crackers and milk were a frequent afterschool snack when he was growing up.

Happy National TV Dinner Day!

Happy National TV Dinner Day! 

Though there is some dispute about when Swanson introduced their first TV Dinner (as well as who truly came up with the idea), there's no arguing that when most people think of TV dinners, they think of Swanson. 

The story goes that Swanson exec Gerald Thomas came up with the idea when the company had a ton of leftover turkey from Thanksgiving. The poultry was packaged with stuffing and gravy, sweet potatoes and peas, and an icon was born! 

TV Dinners were a rare treat in our home, and I was also a sucker for the Fried Chicken with mashed potatoes, corn, and the brownie or apple cobbler dessert. 

What was your favorite TV dinner? When was the last time you had one? — Dan Taylor

Dan Taylor is the editor/publisher of The Hungover Gourmet and he is highly suggestible. In fact, he will be spending the next half-hour searching for available tv dinners in his local grocer's freezer.