Refried Beans……..

Refried beans are only fried once

The reason for this misconception is a translation error.  The originals are frijoles refritos which actually means “well fried beans” – not re-fried. (Wikipedia)

Salt……….

Only 6% of the salt used in the U.S. is used in food; another 17% is used for de-icing streets and highways in the winter months (Wikipedia)

Saffron…….

Saffron is the most expensive spice in the world, reaching prices beyond $2,000 per pound (depending on season).  Saffron is the three stigmas and style of the crocus flower.  Each stigma and style must be picked by hand and it takes thousands to make a single ounce of the spice.  Brightly yellow in colour, the spice is used for colouring and subtle flavouring of food.  It has a bitter taste and a hay-like fragrance. (Wikipedia)

Foie Gras…….

Second to caviar, foie gras is one of the finest western foods available.  It is the liver of ducks (foie gras de canard) or geese (fois gras d’Oie).  It is produced by a method called gravage, which is force-feeding of the animal of grain via a tube down the throat.  Ducks and Geese have an anatomy that makes this painless.  The liver expands to many times the normal size and contains a great deal of fat.  The texture of foie gras is very similar to that of butter with a very earthy flavour.  Foie gras is generally eaten as a raw pate, but is can be lightly cooked to give it a greater depth of flavour.  Unfortunately this delicacy is surrounded by controversy and the sale and consumption is banned in some American cities (such as Chicago).  It is freely available in all parts of Europe and the rest of the world. (Wikipedia)

Calzones……

Calzones get their name from their less-than-glamorous looks: calzone means “trouser leg” or “drooping sack” in Italian.

Cobb Salad……

The Cobb salad was invented by Robert H. Cobb,founder of the Brown Derby restaurant chains. He threw the salad together for Sidney Grauman,owner of the Chinese Theatre in Hollywood as a midnight snack based on ingredients in his refrigerator.

Popsicle……

The first  Popsicle was created in 1905 by accident. Frank Epperson, 11 years old left a glass of soda powder and water outside with a mixing stick in it. The temperature dropped over night and when Frank found his cup the stick was frozen in the drink.He then took it in the house and ran hot water over the sides of the cup. The frozen drink loosened. Today the Popsicle sells millions of frozen treats yearly. It was introduced to the public in 1922.

Hush Puppies……

Years ago, pieces of the fried batter were fed to hungry dogs that begged for food. After the scraps were given to the dogs, the owner would say  “Now hush, puppy.”