From century-long feuds to crispy comfort, food has a way of telling stories and warming the soul during the winter season. Explore age-old rivalries, comic book bravery, and traditional twists that shaped flavors enjoyed all around the world.
Peppermint Chocolate Whoopie Pies (browneyedbaker.com)
The whoopie pie’s origins are shrouded in mystery, in a constant tug of war between Pennsylvania and Maine. In 2011, Maine’s state legislature named the whoopie pie as its official state treat, stirring outcry from Pennsylvanians. NBC Philadelphia replied scathingly: “Whoopie Pie is Ours, Stick with Lobster.” Although we may never know where this delectable treat truly originated, we’re still able to make them right here in our home state of California— with a wintery twist. With cream filling sandwiched between two chocolatey cake pieces and garnished with crushed peppermint, whoopie pies are sure to brighten your day!
Pesto Parmesan Potatoes (reciperunner.com)
A lesser known Italian Disney comic book series follows the adventures of Paperin Pestello, a duck that discovered America before Christopher Columbus. Named Paperin, Donald Duck’s Italian dubbed title, and Pestello after the iconic Italian pesto sauce, the resourceful duck navigates the New World throughout seven comic installments. Just as Paperin brings an Italian twist to his adventures, you can bring a touch of Italy to your own table with dishes inspired by the same vibrant flavors, with crispy, golden potatoes tossed in fragrant pesto and doused in creamy parmesan.
Sujeonggwa (mykoreankitchen.com)
Although its beginnings can be traced as early as the Joseon Dynasty in the late 18th century, the usage of cinnamon and persimmons in sujeonggwa started nearly a century later. These spices, along with honey, were not native to Korea and very expensive, meaning this treat was mainly found in the luxurious banquet halls of Korean nobility, celebrating important events such as the Chuseok harvest festival. Nowadays, its ingredients are readily accessible in our pantries, making sujeonggwa’s sweet cinnamon and spicy ginger the perfect kickstart to your winter arc.
