ckieffaber's User Profile - Atlas Obscura
Hoppin' John
Gastro Obscura
Story
Prepared Foods

Hoppin' John

This New Year's luck-bringer has a controversial contemporary taste.
Gastro Obscura
Chimney Cake
Gastro Obscura
Story
Sweets

Chimney Cake

After rotating over hot coals, the Transylvanian treat unravels in a sweet spiral.
Gastro Obscura
Jell-O Salad
Gastro Obscura
Story
Prepared Foods

Jell-O Salad

Meat covered in gelatinous goo was once a classic American comfort food.
Gastro Obscura
Steamed Cheeseburger
Gastro Obscura
Story
Prepared Foods

Steamed Cheeseburger

For a juicier burger, steam it like a vegetable.
Gastro Obscura
Sourdough Starter
Gastro Obscura
Story
Ingredients & Condiments

Sourdough Starter

A century-old organism creates some of the world's best bread.
Gastro Obscura
Johnnycakes
Gastro Obscura
Story
Prepared Foods

Johnnycakes

The cornmeal patty that Rhode Islanders eat morning, noon, and night.
Gastro Obscura
The Original McDonald's French Fry
Gastro Obscura
Story
Prepared Foods

The Original McDonald's French Fry

The beef fat–fried version that first caught Ray Kroc's eye is now extinct.
Gastro Obscura
Montreal Steak Spice
Gastro Obscura
Story
Ingredients & Condiments

Montreal Steak Spice

Pastrami fans will find the taste of this Canadian spice blend very familiar.
Gastro Obscura
Fry Sauce
Gastro Obscura
Story
Ingredients & Condiments

Fry Sauce

It's so much more than just mayonnaise and ketchup.
Gastro Obscura
Pawpaw
Gastro Obscura
Story
Fruits & Vegetables

Pawpaw

The oldest fruit native to North America is probably the least known.
Gastro Obscura
Salt Cellars
Gastro Obscura
Story

Salt Cellars

These embellished containers didn’t just sit pretty on the table; they determined social standing.
Gastro Obscura
Maine Wild Blueberries
Gastro Obscura
Story
Fruits & Vegetables

Maine Wild Blueberries

The sweet, tiny wild berries are only available for two months each year.
Gastro Obscura
Twelve Grapes
Gastro Obscura
Story

Twelve Grapes

A New Year's Eve tradition of scarfing down 12 grapes for good luck.
Gastro Obscura
Shoofly Pie
Gastro Obscura
Story
Sweets

Shoofly Pie

Mornings in Amish country once called for pie-cake and coffee.
Gastro Obscura
Finger Steak
Gastro Obscura
Story
Prepared Foods

Finger Steak

Idaho's fried specialty makes steak a finger food.
Gastro Obscura
King Cake
Gastro Obscura
Story
Sweets

King Cake

The Carnival cake comes with a hidden baby Jesus inside.
Gastro Obscura
Berliner Weisse
Gastro Obscura
Story
Drinks

Berliner Weisse

Pink or green syrup turns a historic German ale into a tart, sweet delight.
Gastro Obscura
Snow Cream
Gastro Obscura
Story
Sweets

Snow Cream

Ice cream made with fresh snow is a beloved Southern tradition.
Gastro Obscura
Texas Sheet Cake
Gastro Obscura
Story
Sweets

Texas Sheet Cake

Funerals in the Lone Star State call for this comforting chocolate treat.
Gastro Obscura
Egg Cream
Gastro Obscura
Story
Drinks

Egg Cream

A fizzy, chocolate drink that harkens back to the days of Brooklyn soda fountains.
Gastro Obscura
Cincinnati Chili
Gastro Obscura
Story
Prepared Foods

Cincinnati Chili

Spiced meat sauce meets spaghetti, shredded cheese, and beans in a Midwest cult favorite.
Gastro Obscura
St. Louis-Style Pizza
Gastro Obscura
Story
Prepared Foods

St. Louis-Style Pizza

With extra-gooey cheese and a cracker-thin crust, some say it's more like nachos.
Gastro Obscura
Poke Cake
Gastro Obscura
Story
Sweets

Poke Cake

In the 1970s, housewives stabbed their cakes and filled the holes with Jell-O.
Gastro Obscura
Mortadella
Gastro Obscura
Story
Meats & Animal Products

Mortadella

Baloney's predecessor is sweet, delicately spiced, and bigger than your head.
Gastro Obscura