When I turned 8, I determined that my culinary palate had reached it’s peak. I had tried all there was to try and there wasn’t going to be anything better than pizza, chicken fingers, mac & cheese, burgers, and hot dogs. Almost 30 years later I’ve come to the conclusion that… I was absolutely right. To this day I continue to eat those clean, all-natural, healthy foods, just the way god intended.

For some reason I am constantly made fun of for my ‘childlike’ palate. Which never made sense to me. Sorry that I know what I like? I apologize for eating the best foods while you pretend broccoli and kale are delicious. Making fun of someone’s palate is like making fun of someone’s musical tastes. Why do you care what someone else listens to? For me, I discovered The Beetles, Led Zeppelin, Rolling Stones and Tool of food at an early age and kept going back to them. 

It is the same people that make fun of others about their palate, or lack thereof, that are overly braggadocios about their spice tolerance. How they can handle the spiciest of foods. They just love spicy food, and nothing is too spicy for them! These people wake up in the morning and pour hot sauce on their cereal, they do lines of ghost peppers for lunch, and make sweet passionate love to a jalapeño for dessert. They brag about how even Asian/Mexican restaurants are impressed with their ability to handle spice. 

To the people that brag about their ability to handle spice, I have one message for you… We don’t care. No one cares about your ability to eat spicy food, it doesn’t make you special or important. It isn’t a talent! It’s more likely a indication of some medical malady. Probably some sort of onset stroke or gastrointestinal disease. Your taste buds are awful at doing their job bud, you need a shit ton of flavor to even taste anything. Nothing to be proud of.

For those of you that need further explanation, I’ve come up with some more famous BBC’s analogies to help you out.

-> Opposite of Too Hot = Brain Freeze – The opposite of eating something hot/spicy is eating something cold, right? Imagine going around talking about how great you are at eating cold food, how you just love experiencing brain freeze and your tolerance is way better than everyone else. For me the uncomfortableness of eating something really hot is equivalent to getting brain freeze but it just last way longer, so why would anyone ever brag about it?

-> Your Workout = Your Spice Tolerance – It’s the same as bragging about how much you can bench or your CrossFit workout. No one cares. Some people are born genetically stronger. They can run faster or lift more weights or have normal palates and don’t need to put tabasco sauce on their nipples to feel something.

-> Like Lactose Intolerant – One of the worsts things about spicy-food-people is that they always want you to try how spicy their food is. Even if you protest, they need you to try it, and once you do and feel immensely uncomfortable, they say, “oh you think that is spicy?” Would you do the same thing to someone that is lactose intolerant? ‘Try this cheesecake, c’mon you’ll like it’. The comparison doesn’t end there because spicy food and being lactose intolerance both make for uncomfortable bathroom trips.

Long blog short, no one cares about your ability to eat spicy food.

P.S. I love the show Hot Ones, and I’d quit after the first or second wing.

The Underrated Eats section we cover off on underappreciated foods and food joints. For those that like their food hot and their takes even hotter!

With school now officially back in session, let’s focus on the best part of every school day or any work day for that matter: lunch. I know some of you got to buy school lunch everyday which could either be amazing (chicken finger & curly fry day) or terrible (any day they served bean/some other unidentifiable gruel). But we’re talking about brown bag lunches. Side note – If you had a cool lunch box I don’t trust you/ I was (am still) super envious.

Half of the fun of getting handed a brown bag was the mystery of what was inside, we’re breaking down the best possible lunch snacks.

Top 5 Lunch Snacks

5. Cut Up Apples & Peanut Butter

Kicking things off with one of the healthier options, dipping apples and peanut butter rules. It really didn’t feel like a healthy snack, it was more like a high-brow Dunkaroos. Luckily in my day they didn’t restrict peanut butter in lunches like they do now, those with peanut allergies had to tough it out and get mentally stronger. The world isn’t going to just cater to all your weaknesses and needs! They didn’t slow everyone else down in English class just because I could barely read (although that would have been nice – did I mention this is a book club site?)

Sorry for getting side-tracked, the two biggest keys for this snack are 1. the apples must be cut up, we’re not savages here, how else are we going to dip them in the peanut butter? 2. The peanut butter has to be Skippy’s. I do not fuck with JIF or any organic bullshit. Here at the BBC we are only brand loyal to a few things: Heinz Ketchup and Skippy being two of the most important.

4. Cheez-Its (Preferably Extra Toasty)

Pair some Cheez-Its with an ice cold chocolate milk and it brings me right back to my school days or to yesterday afternoon when I had this combination at lunch. We’ve already written a full blog on why Extra Toasty Cheez-Its are the best snack in the world, so not a lot to add to this one. But really there is no better salty snack out there, give me Cheez-Its all day, every day.

3. Chocolate Chip Cookies

Chocolate Chip cookies are a classic for a reason. I myself was a Chips Ahoy man, but really any chocolate chip cookie with a carton of milk really tied together the whole meal. There is a deli near me now that gives out chocolate chip cookies anytime you buy a sandwich, and to be honest the sandwiches are just okay, but any business that gives a free cookie out is one I want to fully support. Other businesses should start doing this, imagine pulling up to a gas station and getting handed a warm chocolate chip cookie after you filled up, I’d suddenly become really excited to get gas.

2. Chocolate Pudding aka Snack Pack

Nothing really reminds me more of school lunches as much as a chocolate pudding in a snack pack. Obviously this is highlighted quite well in Billy Madison. You got a couple of these bad boys on ice and you’ll be the king of the cafeteria, like having Kevin Durant as a trading chip.

1. Fruit Snacks

Fruit snack are by far the best thing to pull out of your lunch bag. Great in any situation, the envy of every classmate. You almost had to keep your fruit snacks secret otherwise classmates around you would want to ‘try one’ or have you ‘pull off a piece’. For shame. Here is a ranking within a ranking of the top fruit snacks, a little rankings Inception: 

5) Welch’s Fruit Snacks – I think these we’re deemed ‘healthy’ fruit snack option so great excuse to convince your parents to buy them

4) Fruit Roll-Ups – Stuck to your teeth for days but was worth it

3) Gushers – Fruit snack + liquid sugar explosion? Yeah, sign me up.

2) Fruit by the Foot – I think the reason people become cocaine addicts is because they’re trying to catch the high they got while rolling out a line of Fruit by the Foot

1) Shark Bites – Undisputed champ, I could down 12 packs of these and be ready for more, unfortunately no longer produced, Rest in Peace

Relevant Long P.S. One of my favorite jokes: 3 construction workers are on the top of a skyscraper, they open their lunch pales up. The first worker, Joe says,  ‘ham again? If I get another ham sandwich I’m jumping off this skyscraper.” Second guy, Fred, opens up his lunch, “another turkey sandwich, I’m jumping if I get this again”, Third guy, Dylan, opens up his lunch, “salami again, I’m jumping if get this one more time.” Next day, Joe, Fred and Dylan open their lunch pales, and once again Joe gets ham, Fred gets turkey, Dylan gets salami. They all take the plunge and jump from the building and die. At the funeral Joe and Fred’s wives are there crying by their caskets, Dylan’s wife is looking angry. Joe’s wife between tears says, “if only Joe had told me he wanted something different for lunch!” Fred’s wife agrees. Dylan’s wife still looking angry says, “Dylan made his own lunch.”

The Underrated Eats section we cover off on underappreciated foods and food joints. For those that like their food hot and their takes even hotter!

I’m a bit new to the coffee game, I’ll admit it, I’ve always been more of a tea guy. Before you make fun of me, just know that as an American, and someone who appreciates history, I honor our American history by throwing a bag of tea into a harbor (hot cup of water), as a way to pay homage to those American revolutionists that partook in the Boston Tea Party. I slowly steep said bag of tea while muttering, “No taxation without representation.” 

Anyway, a tradition of mine is indulging in an extra caffeine boost and grabbing a coffee on the weekend. That’s how I discovered what Starbucks was doing.

I like to visit local coffee shops and because I’m not a psychopath, I obviously need to also treat myself and get some sort of snack to pair with the coffee. There is something special about checking out all the pastries and treats, and deciding what will be most delicious with my coffee. I’ve ordered a lot of different snacks/treats over the years and think I have come up with a pretty comprehensive list for what pairs best with Coffee. Here goes:

Best Coffee Pairings

5. Bagels

This one is pretty obvious to anyone that grew up in the Northeast. Bagels are a breakfast staple. A Bacon Egg and Cheese (on a bagel) is the holy trinity of breakfast. However, having lived down south, and on the west coast the bagel is some how underrated. This is a tip of the cap to the hard working under appreciated breakfast go to.

4. Scones 

I have since revised my opinion on scones, since we’ve chatted about them on the Inheritance Games episode. I’ve had a few very solid once as of late and they are quite delicious. Biggest thing really is they need to be warmed up. Ever eat a really dry scone and all you have is a hot coffee to wash it down? You need to keep gulping hot coffee in order to get the scone down your throat. No good, no good. I actually disagree with Larry David on the matter, (however I do love Latte Larry’s and his spite coffee shop):

3. Toast & Eggs

Most of the items here savory – had to go with a classic. Yeah I know you can’t just get eggs and toast at a regular coffee shop, but this is one of the easier things to make at home, and my go-to order at any diner is still hot diner coffee, eggs over easy, toast, and bacon. So I’d be remiss if I didn’t have this on the list.

2. Monkey Bread Or Cinnamon Cake/Muffin/Bread/Donuts/Roll

Cheating a little with this one since I couldn’t decide which variation was the best. All I know is cinnamon products are awesome with coffee. It’s also strange that cinnamon is obviously sweet but its mostly exclusively used in breakfast items. I’m not making that up right? Why is it not used more for dessert?

1. Chocolate Croissants

The perfect combination of chocolate and buttery flaky goodness. Is there anything better than a warm gooey chocolate croissant? Nothing like sipping on my cappuccino, eating a croissant, and wearing my beret.

Bonus Coffee Pairing – Pup Cups

For your goodest boy in the world. Or you tell the coffee shop you’re bringing a pup cup home for your dog, but in reality you don’t have a dog, you just want a hit of whip cream. 

CoVo™ has been discussed numerous times on the podcast, but even the avid BBC listener may not totally understand what this world-changing beverage is all about. For all of those listeners dying for more information, we’ve laid it out below.

Origin Story

It was a lazy hungover Saturday afternoon, a day like any other really for a debt riddled, job-hating, 20-somethinger. That night was a charity event. What the event lacked in entertainment, drinking games, and general good times, it made up for in small talk, $10 glasses of chardonnay and general uncomfortableness. A typical 6 Busch Lights pre-game would not suffice that night. Nay, something extra was needed to avoid the general malaise that would soon be upon us. Something that lifted the spirits (pun intended), that rallied the troops. Something that would inspire hope more than a combination of Lil Jon + William Wallace. But what could possibly provide that? That night CoVo™ was born.

Why Coffee Vodka?

One may suggest some form of illicit drugs to help provide that extra boost, but the only thing I smoke is clowns like you on the bball court. The only time I’m snorting is when I’m hearing a particularly good quip from D-man on the BBC podcast. As someone that doesn’t drink a lot of coffee (tea all day errryday), coffee has superpower drug-like-effects. It provides that much needed lift similar to a vodka + redbull, but tastier and cheaper than alternative options. Coffee being the base is great for caffeine and it’s bitter taste can easily hide vodka (like cranberry vodka). Now, I completely understand why a regular coffee drinker would have a hard time believing it would taste good. But it’s very similar to green eggs in ham, everyone initially doesn’t like the idea but once you try it you quickly change your opinion, and would be more than willing to drink it on a boat and with a goat, and in the rain and on a train. 

Since it’s inception CoVo™ has become more than just a drink. It’s a lifestyle choice. It’s a rally cry, it’s the pick-me-up you didn’t know you needed. In short it’s an instant good vibe bringer.

Tag Line: “We doing CoVo’s tonight?”

Recipe Variations

The Original CoVo™

This version is not for the faint of heart. This is fastball down the middle, take it or leave it. This is the utilitarian version of the CoVo™. May not taste the best but the hot coffee and caffeine give you an immediate boost.

Use Case: Prefect for a quick pick me up on a cold night or when you have limited mixers/options.

Ingredients: Hot Coffee + Vodka. Add cream or milk as desired.

Added Suggestion – Vanilla flavored vodka gives this a nice little twist 🙂

The ‘On the Go CoVo™’

Want a delicious cold version of CoVo™ that you can’t mess up? Very simple, pick up your favorite pre-packaged coffee from a local convenience store. These are already have the requisite cream, sugar and taste. Pour this and some vodka over ice and you will not taste the vodka. Tastes like a milk shake and gives you that much needed boost.

Use Case: Looking for something more tasty and cold? This is the easy go to.

Ingredients: Prepackaged Coffee Drink + Ice + Vodka

Added Suggestion – I’ve found that Starbucks are the best tasting for these – but if you’re most interested in caffeine consumption stick with cold brew versions:

‘Impress Your Friends’ CoVo™

Realistically the more sugary/creamy you make your CoVo™ the better it will taste, so cream/baileys, whip cream, sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, flavored vodkas, blended coffee ice cream are your friends (and will impress your friends). Realistically you can take any ‘Irish Coffee’/Espresso Martini recipe and substitute where you see fit and you’ll be set.

Use Case: First time introducing someone to CoVo™ – this is your best bet, The Original (see above) is not for everyone.

Ingredients: Here are some good variations of what you can make. 

Added Suggestion – On a budget? Find an empty bottle of Grey Goose or higher end vodka pour a shitty $12 handle into the bottle. Tell everyone you’re pulling out the ‘good’ vodka for the occasion. None will be the wiser. I did this in college but did always preface it with: “alright I’m pulling out the expensive vodka, this is definitely not shitty vodka I put into this bottle if that is what you’re thinking”. 

The Underrated Eats section we cover off on underappreciated foods and food joints. For those that like their food hot and their takes even hotter!

On todays edition of underrated eats we’re talking cornbread and corn muffins. We’ve already alluded to the brilliance of cornbread in our Boston Market blog, but cornbread needs it’s own callout. For whatever reason living on the west coast it’s almost impossible to find cornbread/muffins.  As my girl Taylor Swift once said, “People say you don’t know what you’ve got till it’s gone, but the truth is you just never thought you’d ever lose it.” So true Taylor, so true.

Cornbread has a long history originating as a Native American delicacy, and a staple of southern food. It can be enjoyed in many ways, personally here is my favorite ways to consume cornbread/muffins:

1. Grilled Corn Muffin From a Diner – Some sentimentality on this one, but I had these growing up and I don’t think there is anything better. Perfectly heated, gold brown, buttery deliciousness, if I had a grilled corn muffin and diner coffee every morning to start my day, Buddy Book Club would be the biggest site on the internet.
2. Southern BBQ Joint Cornbread – These can be hit or miss, but if a BBQ place is known for cornbread, don’t think, get it. They also don’t mess around, this type of cornbread will not need butter and it will be moist for days and so will you.
3. Dunkin Donuts Corn Muffin Warmed with Butter – Unfortunately, Dunkin’s doesn’t carry corn muffins out here in California because I guess they hate Native Americans. But a Dunkin’ hot chocolate and warmed corn muffin is the best winter combo ever. Give it a try on a cold winter day and tell me I’m wrong.
4. Sweet Cornbread/Muffin at a Bakery- Some corn muffins are made more desert style – they’re sweet almost like a cupcake, typically found at bakeries, while this may not be for every day consumption these are delicious in their own way.
5. Homemade Corn Muffins/Bread – Honestly it’s rare to have good homemade corn bread, maybe that is the reason for the lack of popularity.

Lot to love about cornbread and the many styles places to get them, but here are a few other reasons they are under appreciated: 

1. Versatility – It’s great for breakfast, it’s a great snack, it’s a great side dish, it can be a desert. It’s filling. It goes great with bitter things (coffee), it goes with sweet things (hot chocolate/milk), it goes with spicy and salting things (BBQ) it’s an every down food item.
2. So Much Better than Scones – Scones are just a stale, dehydrated cookie-biscuit-saltines, yet somehow they are everywhere instead of cornbread…Why?! (We actually discussed this on our Inheritance Game podcast). Big Scone must be great at lobbying. Replace scones with cornbread!
3. It’s Healthy – it’s made of corn, which is a vegetable so yeah, it’s obviously healthy. That’s why I usually indulge and throw some butter on it, no need to suffer, you’re already getting great nutritional benefits. Don’t fact check me on that, let me live my life.

I think I’ve made a pretty convincing argument for why we need to see more cornbread in our lives. But before I leave you I need to address something. There is one mortal sin of cornbread, and that is putting actual corn in the cornbread. 

This is gross. Whoever came up with this idea and has somehow spread it to a few crazy followers, shame on you. There is absolutely nothing worse than biting into a nice uniform piece of corn bread only to pop a piece of corn when you’re not expecting it. It’s an awful texture, gets stuck in your teeth, adds nothing in the way of flavor, and frankly and anyone that adds it cannot be trusted. You want to add honey, jalapenos, cheese, go ahead knock yourself out, they at least add a flavor and don’t disturb the texture, but don’t you dare add pieces of corn. It’d be like drinking apple juice with junks of apple in it, or having chunks of tomatoes in your ketchup (Heinz of course), or a baked potato in vodka (although I’m surprised us Irish haven’t done this).  Either way, don’t do it.

The Underrated Eats section we cover off on underappreciated foods and food joints. For those that like their food hot and their takes even hotter!

Here at the Buddy Book Club, we’re not known for hyperbole. We don’t do ‘hot takes’.  So when we tell you that we’d murder a gaggle of Padawan’s for a box of Extra Toasty Cheez It’s, you know we’re just spitting facts.

I am an avid original Cheez-It fan (Cheez-Its > Gold Fish all day). The Original Cheez-It’s of course, always had some variability box to box, and some Cheez-It’s were better than others. But the overall experience was so good I’d let the chips Cheez-It’s fall where they may.

That was until a genius at Kellogg’s decided ‘hey, why don’t we give you the best, most flavorful, perfectly toasted, Cheez-It every time?’ And to you good sir or ma’am I say thank you.

See, I’ve never been a fan of the under cooked or medium-rare version of Cheez-It. You know the one where it doesn’t crunch right or its a bit too flaky. These are most commonly found in the individual bags in vending machines.

It just doesn’t hit the same. Getting that perfectly crisp Cheez-It is crucial, it’s like getting the pink flavor in a bag of Starbursts. You seek it out. But with a whole box of Extra Toasty, every handful is perfect.

We asked the Buddies out there (the thousands of fans that listen to the podcast) and they agreed as well. Numbers don’t lie:

Fans were so inspired, that they wrote in to express their joy for the new Cheez-It variation, here are some direct quotes:

“I’m a food science PhD, there is a unique salivary amylase response while eating Cheez-It’s, and other similarly crunch/salty products. I would be happy to come on the podcast and discuss but it is likely that my knowledge and education is far below that of the Buddy Book Club and the millions of listeners”

“Thank you for bringing this up! I love the Extra Toasty version. I just wish the hole was a little bigger, so I could show them my true appreciation :).”

“I love to press the Extra Toasty Cheez-It’s to the roof of my mouth and let the natural mouth enzymes break it down. Then I make the Hannibal Lecter slurping sound. Let’s meet in person.”

As always we appreciate fans writing in, keep the comments coming!

P.S. 

One of my most unpopular opinions is that eating Cheez-Its, chips, carrot sticks and other crunchy foods with your mouth not completely closed makes them taste better. You need a little air in there to let the flavors breathe. I know this is a super annoying move and people absolutely hate it, but give it a try and tell me I’m wrong. 

The Underrated Eats section we cover off on underappreciated foods and food joints. For those that like their food hot and their takes even hotter!

Boston Market (known as Boston Chicken to the real OG’s) is an American fast casual restaurant chain with 340+ locations in the US.

There is a lot to love about Boston Market, from the delicious chicken (white or dark), the plethora of sides, and the overall speed and affordability.  But here are the things that really separate Boston Market from your typical chain:

1) Transparency & Accountability

You see that delicious hot food right in front of you? Unlike other questionable establishments, Boston Market has nothing to hide. You go to a typical fast food chain and some days the fries are overcooked or the chicken nuggets look/taste stale. But how would you know that? Boston Market just whips it out and shows you what they are working with. There is no mystery, the onus is on you to review your options and make an educated decision. You’re just as culpable as they are. Can you imagine if Taco Bell had the audacity to show you what their ground beef (I use the term ‘beef’ loosely) looked like that day? They’d be out of business tomorrow.   

2) Scouting & Variability

The portions at Boston Market are always variable. That’s half the fun. You never really know how much of everything they’re going to give you. This is where scouting comes in. They typically have a few people dishing out the food – you gotta line yourself up with the person who is most likely to go in on the chicken and side portions. Each person has a different scouting method, but personally I avoid managers at all costs, you don’t want some bean counter giving you portions. The person with the shirt tucked in and new to the job – hard pass on him or her. The go to is finding the guy that is calling everyone ‘buddy’ or ‘boss/bossman’ (really this works at any establishment). Or someone that just doesn’t give a fuck/is high. Now the next step is crucial… polite banter. Give a warm greeting maybe ask how they’re day is going or talk about your local sports team, dealers choice. Then immediately rattle off your order, no dilly dallying. If you did it right, you’ll see heaps of chicken and extra sides coming your way. Sometimes extra cornbread. You’re welcome in advance.

3) Butter & Gravy

Boston Market has never and will never fuck around with butter and gravy. They throw butter in, on, around, under everything, just the way God intended. I want my corn to be treated like movie popcorn, salted and buttered to the nines. I want my mash potatoes to be drowning in gravy. The best part of Boston Market is you can trick you brain into thinking all of this stuff is healthy too. Chicken and vegetables? Way better than McDonalds right? *Pro tip you can say this about literally anything – ‘should I really finish this whole box of girl scout cookies in one sitting? Well It’s better than eating at McDoanlds.’ Easy decision.

4) Sides

Sides in the name of the game. This is what makes Boston Market, Boston Market. Here is a quick power rankings:

1. Mac & Cheese – basically crack, I’d argue the best cheesy Mac & Cheese in the game
2. Mashed Potatoes (w/gravy) – I don’t actually like regular mashed potatoes, but the butter and cream added in these bad boys makes them unreal
3. Corn – This is the only corn I’ve ever had that has rivaled corn on the cob
4. Sweet Potatoes – I’ve never had these but they look great and I’m tempted every time, however, the top 3 on the list are too hard to pass up on
5. Cesar Salad – this is a sleeper pick, good quantity and value for those that like Cesar salads

Last is Fresh Steamed Vegetables – as far as I know, they only keep this as an option to identify the psychopaths.

5) Cornbread 

Cornbread/Corn Muffins will likely end up as an underrated eats for a future blog. I love me some cornbread. One of the most underrated foods in the game. What really makes Boston Market special is that they give out cornbread automatically with each meal. It’s not treated as a ‘side’ like most places. Cornbread brings the whole meal together and puts a bow on things, plus their cornbread is delicious.  They could easily upcharge you for them, but they don’t. You don’t find that kind of customer appreciation any more, it’s special. And it’s a simple and delicious reason why Boston Market is special.

**P.S. For those that don’t like cooking or have a smaller gathering for Thanksgiving, they crush it for pre-made meals on Thanksgiving as well.

Agatha Christie’s popular novel And Then There Were None is one of the most successful mystery novels selling over 100 million copies. But the real mystery is not who the killer is, but instead why are they obsessed with tongue in this book? As we chatted about on our podcast canned tongue was all the rage:

Now it’s nearly impossible to find canned tongue despite it being eaten all over the world. And most American cookbooks had tongue recipes until the 1950.

It’s supposedly tastes similar to lamb shank, filet mignon, or flank steak, but is fatter and more mild. Sign me up, right? So what happened?

I think the real reason we’ve seen a drop in popularity is simply it’s marketing.  No one wants to eat something that they can imagine or is on the human body. It’s all in the name.  Pig stomach? No thanks. Bacon? God yeah. Baby Cow or Sheep? Nah, I’m not evil. Veal Parm or Lamb Chops? Sound delicious. Cow Ass/rump? Uhh no, I’m not eating ass. Well, actually I won’t go that far…

What Tongue needs is a rebranding. That’s where the Buddy Book Club comes in. Here is what I propose: Cow and Ox Tongue should change it’s name to “Lingualy” (deriving from the medical term for the tongue region). Lingualy is a delicious red meat on par with filet mignon.  Season it, grill it up and serve this new(ish) delicacy. Just don’t tell people what they’re eating. Look at that this picture, looks delicious!