Origins of an Iconic American Soda
Dr. John Pemberton invented this syrup in 1886 which was purchased by Asa Candler in the 1890s. Tasters said it was delicious when combined with carbonated water. Although denied by its namesake company, historical evidence suggests the recipe for what was then sold as a tonic combined coca leaf extract with the Kola nut. An early 20th century article in Life Science magazine detailed Asa Candler's diligence as a pharmacist to remove the illegal drug from the recipe. However, scientists were unable to effectively remove all trace psychoactive elements until 1929.
Origins of an Iconic American Soda
She Made Cooking Easier
Her revolutionary cookbook remains popular and continuously reprinted since 1901. Prior to its publication did you know that for hundreds of years meals were prepared following pinches of this or handfuls of that? This method made it extremely difficult to consistently cook a tasty meal. Even more challenging using someone’s recipe for a dish you’ve never seen made! The person you are about to meet was a terrible cook. She did not find her true calling until age 31, when her family and the woman for whom she had been working as a 'Mother’s Helper' encouraged her to enroll in the Boston Cooking School. Discover the identity of our mystery woman who later became known as the “Mother of Level Measurements” and whose popular cookbook remains in print for over 120 years, updated now through now 13 editions.