French fries are delicious. They are also world record holders
You’ve consumed a fry or two in your day, but we’re betting you’ve never had one as long or eaten them as fast as some of the world record holders. Read on to learn a few fun facts about french fries, perfect for dipping in and out. When you’re done, check out our list of fun facts for kids.
1. The most considerable helping of fries was served at Twin Oaks Farms in Eagle, Idaho on Sep. 20, 2014. It weighed 1003 lbs. It used 1256 lbs. of raw potatoes and 110 gallons of oil to fry them up.
2. In many parts of the world, French fries are known as American fries.
3. The world’s longest French fry is 34 inches, discovered at Taffy’s Hot Dog Stand in Buffalo, NY by diner John Benbenek in July of 2010.
4. Thomas Jefferson is said to have requested that the White House chef, a French man, prepare for him “potatoes served in the French manner” for a dinner party. These are believed to be some of the first French fries in the United States. The year? 1802.
5. Here’s a fun fact about French fries—the Belgians eat more fries per capita than any other European country.
6. Hugh Rutherford of Oakland, CA set a record on Aug. 25, 2011, for eating a medium-sized order of fries (from Burger King) in a record-breaking one minute and 46.40 seconds. In 2013 in Hamburg, Germany, a woman known only as Caroline E. ate 20 french fries in 2 minutes, and 21.70 seconds without using her hands.
7. We call potatoes spuds after the spade-like tool once used to harvest them by hand.
Heading out of the country and sampling international foods has been put on the back burner as of late. Luckily, you don’t even have to leave your kitchen to get a head start on enjoying some of the best dishes the world has to offer. From savory meat dishes and sweet breads, to hearty soups and fondue, keep scrolling to see some of our favorite recipes from around the world.
Get this easy German Chicken Schnitzel on the table in no time thanks to Curious Cuisiniére's recipe! This thin-sliced chicken recipe cooks quickly and is easily served with traditional German sides, or along your fave veggies, too.
Chilly night? Time for some Vietnamese Phở! While this traditional soup can take quite some time to prepare (it's all about the broth!), this recipe from Gimme Some Oven gives some easy shortcuts that gets in on the table in 45 minutes. Kids will love putting in their own veggies and meat, while cutting their noodles with a pair of scissors.
Turkish gozleme is a cheese and spinach stuffed bread that is irresistible. The traditional street food can be yours by following Give Recipe, which uses a super easy dough recipe that's then packed with a savory filling and fried.
The Daring Gourmet's Cuban Ropa Vieja recipe is so easy, it will quickly become a part of your menu rotation. Made with flank steak, veggies and lots of fragrant spices, this traditional shredded beef dish easily pairs with rice and beans—things even picky eaters like! Dinner is served.
Time for a new spin on your regular chicken and rice recipe! This traditional African recipe uses Jollof rice, which is basically a blend of tomato puree and rice, and adds savory chicken and veggies. Recipes from a Pantry gives you the easy details for this baked recipe that makes dinner a breeze.
Make sneaking in the veggies a breeze with Food Fanatic's Indian Vegetable Biryani! While this recipe does have quite the ingredient list, your kiddos will hardly notice their scarfing down carrots, green beans and peas.
No Greek meal is complete without a slice of baklava. And while the layered dessert may seem difficult, it actually requires just a few ingredients and a little patience. Kids will love the sweet flavor and counting all those layers. Check out Spatula Desserts to see how easy it is!
Also known as Hokkaido milk bread, this Japanese specialty is a soft and springy bread that has a slight sweetness. It’s the perfect weekend project since you’ll need to let it rise twice. Head toSimmer + Sauce to get the recipe.
Many countries have their own version of the dumpling, but Chinese dumplings are a well-known and traditional food for families to make together for Chinese New Year. Depending on the type, they may be steamed, boiled or pan-fried, with different shapes and fillings—and they’re all tasty! Introduce your kids to this easy dumpling recipe. Meat, scallions and soy sauce combine to make these savory bites, and they're simple to make with a wonton wrapper. Try making them with the sweet and salty dipping sauce on the side.
Fondue
Angela Pham via Unsplash
Fondue is fun to eat, and kids will love the idea of dipping chunks of bread, meat and veggies into a big pot of gooey, melted cheese. This Swiss dish dates back to the 17th century, but we’re still digging it today! Have your own family fondue party with this recipe from Genius Kitchen. Want something a little sweeter? Try a chocolate fondue for dessert, and use fresh fruit and chunks of pound cake for dipping.
Take an imaginary trip to Paris when you whip up a batch of these yummy paper-thin pancakes. Originating in the northwest region of the country, creperies are now found all over France and offer both sweet and savory variations. Kids can easily help by mixing up the batter and selecting the fillings: Go classic with ham and cheese or sweet sugar and lemon, or get adventurous with your own ideas. Need some inspiration? Try this easy crepe recipe by Catherine McCord of Weelicious.
If your only experience with ramen is a ten-cent crinkly package from the grocery store, it’s time to try the real deal version of this popular Japanese dish. The nourishing broth packed with slurp-worthy noodles and endless variations of toppings is a definite kid-pleaser. Your kids can help you make this hearty version full of tofu, veggies and a bit of ginger.
Meaning “mixed rice,” this amazing dish from Korea is the ultimate rice bowl. On a bed of warm rice, you might find a combo like fried and raw veggies, seasoned grilled meat or tofu, a red chili paste called gochujang and a fried egg added on top. Bibimbap is a great way to introduce kids to new ingredients, and an even better way to use up those extra veggies that are hanging around. Check out this mouthwatering recipe from Rasa Malaysia complete with an extensive list of suggested toppings.
Turn your kids into big-time sushi lovers! Simple veggie sushi rolls are easy, healthy and just the right size for little hands. It’s fun to make and eat together at home, and even not-so-adventurous eaters will want these egg, edamame and rice rolls from hello, Wonderful. Start with basic flavors that they’ll love, and then slowly expand the sushi repertoire to include more adventurous foods and textures.
Besides being flavorful and nutritious, eating Ethiopian food is a community experience. Food is often eaten with hands and served on a large shared plate, along with plenty of injera, a spongy and slightly fermented flatbread that’s perfect for sharing. This recipe from Lighter has great tips for adjusting the flavors for kids who don’t love a ton of spice. Authentic injera takes several days for the fermenting process, but you can take the easy route and make this quick recipe in about an hour!
For a casual meal, put together tasty nibbles and make a meze platter. Made up of a variety of foods served small-plate style, meze is common throughout the Mediterranean and the Middle East, and offers the perfect opportunity for little foodies to sample new foods, like creamy hummus and baba ghanouj. Try making this gorgeous Mediterranean-inspired meze from Kitchen Treaty, and watch it disappear.
This juicy chicken made with yogurt and spices and grilled on skewers is a yummy introduction to Indian cuisine. Let the kids help in the kitchen by mixing up the yogurt and curry marinade for this quick chicken tikka that’s sure to become a new family favorite.
You can’t talk about the foods of the Caribbean without bringing up Jamaican jerk. Moist, spicy and smoky, this memorable seasoning and cooking method produces some of the most flavorful food around. Although traditional jerk can be a bit spicy for little palates, this modified version by This Week for Dinner gives you the signature flavors without as much heat.
Empanadas
Bakd&Raw by Karolin Baitinger via Unsplash
Flaky, portable and delicious, there are endless combination ideas for these perfect pastries that work for breakfast, lunch or dinner! Whether you go savory or sweet, you’re definitely in for a treat. Bring some of the flavors of South America right to your table with these homemade beef empanadas from Laylita’s Recipes.
The only thing that could make that comeback any sweeter? Chocolate Dunkaroos! This summer, you can snag your own epic duo of vanilla cookies and chocolate frosting. The Dunkaroos official Instagram account dropped the good news on April 26.
Dunkaroos were first introduced in 1992 and then discontinued in the US in 2012. The delicious dipping treat are available in grocery stores and major retailers now! Packs retail for $1.79.
Pair a pack with a Surge and a few episodes of Full House for a day from your childhood dreams.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently announced a voluntary recall of Sabra Dipping Company, LLC 10oz. Classic Hummus due to a potential Salmonella contamination concern.
The current recall includes 2,100 cases of the 10oz. Classic Hummus with the UPC code 300067 produced on Feb. 20, 2021 between 6:00 p.m. and 12:00 a.m. with the “Best Before” date of Apr. 26, 2021.
There are currently no reported illnesses or consumer complaints related to the recalled products. The FDA did find the presence of Salmonella in one tub of the hummus during a routine screening, prompting the voluntary recall.
Hummus distributed to the following states are included in this recall—Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Florida, Indiana, Mississippi, Maine, Missouri, Nebraska, North Carolina, New Jersey, Utah, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin.
If you have the recalled Sabra Classic Hummus, don’t eat it. Return the affected products to the place of purchase for a reimbursement.
Direct recall-related questions to Sabra Consumer Relations at 1-866-265-6761, Mon. through Frid. from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET. Visit the FDA’s website here for more details.
—Erica Loop
Photos courtesy of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration/Feature photo: Pexels
Waffle irons: they aren’t just for waffles! The versatile kitchen gadget is here for your savory and sweet cravings, too. From excellent egg dishes and crispy cauliflower to crave-able cookies, these easy waffle maker recipes will take your breakfast, lunch and dinner to the next level.
Why settle for a simple tater tot waffle when you can make a tater tot waffle grilled cheese instead? This easier than easy recipe involves adding frozen tots to a waffle maker and smushing into a crispy waffle before adding your cheese and other fixings. Get the recipe at Kirbie Cravings.
You don't have to settle for soggy or greasy hash browns when you use your waffle iron. Simply pour them on and let the magic happen! They make the perfect side or add-in for your breakfast burrito. Get all the details at Averie Cooks.
You don't have to worry about perfecting your omelet flipping skills when you make it in a waffle iron! Premix your eggs, cheese and other toppings before pouring it in the waffle maker and cooking to perfection. Breakfast is done! Get the recipe at Growing Up Gabel.
French toast and waffles meet in this delightful breakfast treat. Bread is dipped in egg custard, breadcrumbs and cooked to delightful crispiness. Head to Savory Nothings to get all the instructions and ideas for dipping sauce!
Great for cool autumn nights, these cornbread waffles are a nice twist on the traditional treat. Add in your fave savory sides like bacon and cheese to make this entree-worthy recipe a complete meal. Get the recipe at My Gorgeous Recipes.
Oh, hello mac and cheese! This perfect for adults (kids, too) recipe involves chipotle mac and cheese, bacon and panko crumbs to get this to-die-for toasty treat. Get the full recipe at Kevin Is Cooking.
Trader Joe's Cauliflower Gnocchi is already a hit, but take it for a spin in the waffle maker, and it's unstoppable! Microwave the tiny pillows before adding to the iron and heat for four minutes before completely enjoying. Get the easy recipe by @bellshappyfood.
If you're looking for a quick quesadilla that offers crispiness the microwave can't offer, look no further than you waffle iron! The easy process is speedy and perfect for little ones to master in the kitchen. Find the recipe on Lovely Indeed.
Just when you thought brownies couldn't get any better! Perfect for those who love the crispy edges, this recipe involves boxed brownies and whips up in a flash. Get the recipe at Rachel Cooks.
This delightful dessert recipe doesn't require an oven! You'll use a traditional dough recipe, but cook the cookies in your waffle iron before dipping them in a homemade glaze. Get the full recipe from Sprinkles for Breakfast, then enjoy with a cup of coffee!
Disney Parks are well on their way to opening but as we gear up for safely returning to the magic, the company is releasing a new recipe that’s perfect for Father’s Day. Get ready to feast on Honey-Coriander Chicken Wings!
The recipe, which hails from ‘Ohana at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, is a mixture of spicy, nutty and sweet which means everyone in the family will enjoy. On the stickier side, it’s great served a la carte or with a delightful dipping sauce!
photo: Disney Parks
Some of the flavorful spices in this recipe include paprika, black pepper, turmeric, ground cinnamon and cayenne pepper. Disney has shared the recipe for both the wings plus a honey sauce that is a must.
Click here for a printable version of this finger-lickin’ recipe.
If you’re looking to keep off the “quarantine 19” but still enjoy a few sweets here and there, then you’ll love the newly released Disney recipe for plant-based Cookie Fries. In an effort to keep the magic alive, Disney Parks have been releasing fan-favorite recipes and this one looks to be the tastiest yet.
The Cookie Fries are normally found at Disney Beach Club Resort’s Beaches & Cream Soda Shop. The sweet treat is part of a revamped menu that includes several new plant-based items.
photo: Courtesy of Disney Parks
The recipe calls for dairy-free products like plant-based margarine, egg substitute and molasses and makes up to 32 sticks. At the resort, each order is served with plant-based dipping sauces like chocolate, strawberry and marshmallow but you can substitute with your own fave sauces at home.
What’s better than dipping a chocolate bar into a jar of peanut butter? Now you can enjoy this treat straight out of your Easter basket. Russell Stover Easter Milk Chocolate Dip-It Rabbit is a peanut butter lovers dream come true.
target-chocolate-easter-bunny-peanut-butter-dip
This delicious 6 oz. solid milk chocolate Easter bunny is made to break apart and dip into a cup of Jif to Go Creamy Peanut Butter that is included with each rabbit.
This bunny was spotted at Target and online for $3.99
Sometimes you need to get crafty and creative without making a run to the store, and National Cereal Day is the perfect day to take advantage of what’s in your cupboard. From crispy fried chicken to science experiments, we’ve found 10 interesting ways you can amuse your kids with cereal. Scroll down to see how!
1. Make a Fruit Loop necklace. Fruit Loops are perfect because they are colorful, but you can just as easily use a Cheerio or other round-with-a-hole-in-it cereal. This is less about the cereal and more about the hand-eye coordination involved making them.
2. Snack Necklaces. Since you’ve got that string out, add cereal and a few pieces of dried fruit and make an on-the-go snack. We love this easy, boredom-busting activity from Blair Lonergan. Get the details at The Seasoned Mom.
3. Crunchy Baked Chicken Tenders with Cereal Flakes Cereal: it’s not just for breakfast anymore! This genius recipe from Jessica Gavin swaps out the traditional breadcrumbs for super crunchy Honey Bunches of Oats. Kids will go crazy for the golden-brown coating, and the zesty orange dipping sauce adds an extra punch of flavor. Click here to get the recipe.
4. DIY Surprises. Using Ziploc “snack sized” or smaller baggies, put little items in the cereal box to surprise the kiddos. It can be as simple as a note or a joke or a little trinket or plastic ring. Be sure and seal the bags well and watch little ones who might not know or notice.
photo: Momtastic
5. Upcycle like the Royals. Keep that empty box around and make your kiddo a crown! Find out how Momtastic did it here.
6. Grow a cereal tree. This one is fall themed but you can use any kind of cereal to change the “seasons.”
7. Or a cereal treat! Nothing beats a gooey cereal treat. We love the Salted Honey Rice Krispie variation from Raspberri Cupcakes. Get the recipe here.
8. Go low. Transform a cereal box into a low-tech “TV” that plays a “film strip” with this tutorial by The Cheese Thief.
9. Perform some cereal science. Find out how “fortified with iron” your cereal actually is with this cool experiment from Rookie Parenting. Click here to get the scoop.
10. Feed the birds! String together a simple, low-sugar cereal (like Cheerios) with berries and make a decorative garland bird treat for an outdoor tree.
The 46-piece set has everything your sushi chef needs to make their fave rolls and sashimi. For just $40, you’ll get sushi pieces with self-stick tabs, fish and vegetable slices and sticks, rice blocks, felt nori wraps, ginger and of course, wasabi.
The adorable kit also comes with a rolling mat, wooden serving tray, soy sauce dipping bowl, chopsticks, in addition to a reusable menu card that labels the pieces and gives rolling and wrapping instructions. Also included is a display/serving counter which holds all the ingredients little chef’s need for making maki rolls, nigiri, and temaki.
Though we’re just now finding this gem of a play set, according to the Melissa & Doug website, it has actually been around since 2017. Either way, it’s a must-have for budding chefs.
