PrintThe Joys of Wonder Bread
Alex Witchel extolls the virtues of Wonder Bread, Kraft Singles, Snickers, and Hostess Sno Balls in today's New York Times:
I believe in God, organic produce, and sustainable foods. I believe that an apple purchased in a Greenmarket will always be better for me than one purchased at a supermarket, even though it may look like a potato with a skin condition.
I will also pay a fortune for almost anything called heirloom or artisanal, knowing that some dedicated soul devoted more attention to a Camembert in a week than most mothers do their own children.
Handmade. Individual. Nurtured. Can't beat it, right?
Well, sometimes I think you can. Into every life some Kraft Singles, Hostess Sno Balls and Snickers bars must fall.
Photograph from iStockPhoto.com
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5 Comments:
Also from this article: "Which is why, all agricultural improvements aside, the taste memory of anyone over 30 cannot be satisfied by Greenmarkets alone."
Well I'm (well) over 30, and I don't share any of these taste memories. I grew up in an Italian-American home, and never had Wonder bread or fake cheese slices, and certainly not Sno-Balls growing up. The occasional Snickers bar perhaps. I didn't grow up with peanut butter and jelly either.
I did try all of these things when I moved out on my own, but never developed a taste for any of them. My taste memories are peppers and eggs on Italian bread, mozzarella sandwiches, and fruit for snacks. I still eat that way today.
Lou at 12:58PM on 04/25/07
Great story. I share many of these taste memories. Even though my wife recoils when I mention the canned Chef Boyardee spaghetti and meatballs of my youth, and I do find myself seeking the best available coffee, bread, eggs, produce, etc., I think we all should get over ourselves and appreciate the ample food that comes our way. Then maybe look we should for a way to help those in need get their next meal.
biscuitbaker at 1:46PM on 04/25/07
Biscuitbaker- I'm right there with you, except mine was SpaghettiOs. Particularly the kind with franks.
Really enjoyed that article. I have to agree that I, too, love the fruit-free chicken salad, and what's even better than that is egg salad. Mmmmmm, egg salad. With Hellman's mayo and white bread. Or how about all of those hors d'oeuvres recipes from the fifties and sixties that use ingredients like Vienna Sausages or Old English Cheese Spread (I have a great one for crab canapes)? I have to admit that I am one of those folks proselytizing to friends and loved ones about the virtures of organic and locally-grown, but even I still can't resist the siren song of Bagel Bites or the occaisonal Suzie-Q.
MoxieJ at 7:30PM on 04/25/07
What a wonderful, thoughtful and well-written piece. Thanks for pointing it out; so busy today I might have missed it.
Deb07 at 9:34AM on 04/26/07
Hellman (Best Foods) mayo, fine.
But Wonderbread? It really does taste bad.
If you want whitey white bread the Japanese bake fantastic white bread (often labeled as "English Bread"). If you long for the long shelf life of Wonderbread, keep your fresh sliced bread in your freezer, and it will keep for months.
peekpoke at 11:45AM on 04/29/07