Five Funny Food Origins

Don’t give me that look. I know it’s been two weeks since I blogged. But here I am now, with another list of historical happening for your amusement. Please accept this as my apology.

And now, without further ado, Five Funny Food Origins!

The Earl of Sandwich. And a sandwich.

No. 1 - The Sandwich

In the 1700s, the Fourth Earl of Sandwich gambled for 24 hours straight, so engrossed by the game that he refused to leave the table. Unfortunately, his stomach didn’t share his enthusiasm. It grumbled about having no dinner until the Earl called for something to eat.

The cook brought him a piece of meat between two slices of toasted bread. The new dish was a hit with English aristocracy, retaining the name sandwich in honor of its creator.

It should be noted that variations of the sandwich had existed years prior to the incident. But this is what made it popular, and gave it the name we all know today.

No. 2 - Sirloin

One day in 1617, King James was served a magnificent loin of beef. Oh the juiciness, the meatiness, the gravy-ness! He was so enraptured by the dish that he ordered a couple of pages to bring it before his throne. James drew his short sword and knighted it Sir Loin--a name that meshed over time into sirloin.

Historians are divided on the authenticity of this legend. But whatever the case, I think it’s an interesting story.

No. 3 - Popsicle

In 1905, 11-year-old Frank Epperson let his drink freeze on the patio overnight. The next morning he yanked the block of ice out, gave it a lick, and found it delicious. It was an experience he never forgot. When Frank grew up he acquired a patent and shared the recipe with his children, who called the strange new treat Pop's 'Sicles.

No. 4 - Pretzels

Soft-dough pretzels were invented by a frustrated Italian monk in the 7th century, who hoped to use them as bribes for his catechism students. In fact, the middle pretzel loop is supposed to resemble a child’s arms folded in prayer.

No. 5 - Tea Bags 

Thomas Sullivan created tea bags on accident in 1908 when he distributed samples of his tea in little silk sacks. Some consumers, supposing that the sacks were like metal infusers, dropped them into the water. The result was just as good as traditionally steeped tea, and soon Sullivan was bombarded with orders for this new convenience.