History of Food

BRINGING HOME THE BACON

The origin of the expression "bringing home the bacon" is uncertain. It might come from the English custom, which originated in the 12th century, of giving a young couple bacon if they were still happy after a year of marriage. Maybe it comes from the 'greased pig' competition at fairs, the winner bringing home the bacon (the pig). Or maybe bacon is meant to represent all food, since it is very ancient, having been a favorite of the early Romans and Greeks.

Another possibility sent in by a website visitor, November 2003:
European peasants c. 1500's could only sometimes obtain or afford pork, which made them feel quite special. When visitors came over, they would hang up their bacon to show off. It was a sign of wealth that a man 'could bring home the bacon.' They would cut off a little to share with guests and would all sit around and "chew the fat.”

Food History from ‘A’ to ‘E’

A la mode - What is A la mode?

A Matter of Taste - The foods that people choose to eat or not to eat is an interesting subject of study. If humans developed in a vacuum, free of all external influences, we would probably consume what naturally appealed to us. Read more.

Animal Crackers - History of the animal crackers.
Apalachicola - Apalachicola is oyster, shrimp and seafood heaven
Apples - The Big Apple History
Apple Brown Betty - History of Apple brown betty

Bain Marie - What is Bain Marie?
Baked Alaska - History of the cake "baked Alaska"
Balsamic Vinegar, Traditional - Ever heard of this type of vinegar?
Banana Bread History - History of banana bread
Bavarian Cream - what is bavarian cream?
Beans - History & Nutrition
Bring home the bacon
Bubble & Squeak

Caesar Salad, Caesar Dressing - History of your favorite salad.
Canning - A History of Canning
Cans, Extreme Shelf Life
Celery, A History
Chateaubriand
Cherries History
Chicken a la King
Chuckwagon History
Chutney

Corned Beef History

Delectable Chocolate and Cocoa
History of Corn
Creme Bavaroise
Crepes Suzette: Suzette, Woman of Mystery
Deep Dish Pizza
Eclairs - What is Eclair?
Eggs Benedict
Eighty Six
English Muffins History

Food History from ‘F’ to ‘Z’

Forks, A Short History
Garum
Granola - History
Gumbo
Key Lime Pie
Ladies of the Evening
Land O'Lakes History
M & M Candies
Maple Syrup History & Making
Muffins History
Mulligatawny Soup
Napkins, A Short History
New Orleans Classics

Sun Dried Lifestyle - New
Onions, A History of Onions
Oysters Rockefeller
Peanut Butter History
The Poison Squad
Modern Potato Origin
Quiche
History of Rice
Salisbury Steak History
Salt History - A Precious Commodity
Sandwiches - The Origin of sandwiches
Steak Diane - Legacy of the Huntress
Stew, A History

Strawberries, A History (Sci4kids)
Stuffing - food history
Tomatoes - Taxonomy
Turkey History & Facts
Vegetables & Fruits Of The New World
Walnuts - Up Against the Wall
Waring Blender's Unusual History
Whipped Cream - History of whipped cream