Seeing the same surroundings daily can get boring, and that’s when I sometimes act out; and boy, do I get sad when I’m in trouble! I just want to make my humans proud. Since my human knows I get bored easily, they give me many different toys to play with. Playing with different toys keeps me entertained and helps me stay mentally sharp. Sometimes, when I’m feeling a bit down, a new toy or treat can lift my spirits.
Food is central to every culture. The what, why, and hows of culinary history are diverse and fascinating. From the forgotten Roman condiment to the short-lived hot soda, there’s no end to the depth of interesting food facts. No. 1: Double-Dip Faux Pas The nobility of the Ottoman Empire followed a complex but rational code of culinary conduct. After washing with soap and water, they ate primarily with their hands. Once the meal began, they followed rules much like ours. Double dipping and lip-smacking were frowned upon, and eating more than one bite of a dish was rude, too. Luckily, meals had dozens of unique dishes. No. 2: The Lost Condiment The Romans left behind a vibrant legacy. Aqueducts are still used throughout Europe, while their language is the basis of many other languages. One thing that hasn’t stood the test of time is garum. They poured this condiment on almost everything they ate. Made from fermented fish, garum’s salty, fishy flavor no longer appeals to the average Westerner’s palate. No. 3: Hot Beverage Fail Dr. Pepper, like most sodas, is best enjoyed cold. This means there are fewer soda sales during the winter when people opt for comforting, warm beverages. To remedy this, the soda company tried to push hot Dr. Pepper in the 1960s. Meant to be served warm with lemon, they marketed it to magazines, television, and radio. The campaign was unsurprisingly unsuccessful. No. 4: Roaming Ramen Ramen is one of Japan’s most iconic dishes, but it doesn’t actually originate from Japan. The noodle soup comes from China, where it is known as shina soba . It became popular in Japan after World War II. The country had undergone a food shortage for years but had finally started importing supplies. Chinese food was believed to be nourishing and filling, so street vendors offering cheap but delicious ramen became a mainstay. Once instant ramen was invented, the noodle soup became associated with Japan worldwide. Whenever you sit down for dinner, consider how you eat and the odd traditions you unconsciously observe. We’re all part of a marvelous culinary culture and should celebrate what makes us unique. 4 FASCINATING HISTORICAL FOOD FACTS
Going for walks is another favorite activity of mine. Exploring different routes and encountering new smells stimulates my senses and keeps me curious
about the world. Even practicing obedience commands with my humans is a fun mental exercise that strengthens our bond and challenges my brain. Although no dog is perfect, I sure try to be, but overall, I feel so grateful my humans always look out for my mental well-being. We make each other so happy; I make them laugh and smile, and in return, they always take the best care of me to keep my tail wagging with joy.
–Sam
INGREDIENTS • 1 cup rolled oats • 1 cup all-purpose flour • 1/2 lb chicken livers, rinsed and trimmed
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2 large eggs
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1 tbsp vegetable oil, or more as needed
DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 325 F. Grease a 9-inch square baking dish and line it with parchment paper. 2. Add oats to a food processor; pulse until finely chopped, 10–15 seconds. Transfer to a large bowl and mix in flour. 3. Place livers in the food processor and process until smooth, 10–15 seconds. Add eggs and blend until well combined. Add oil and process until incorporated. 4. Add liver mixture to oat and flour mixture; stir until well blended. Spoon into the prepared baking dish and level the top. 5. Bake until firm to the touch but not hard and crispy, 30–40 minutes. 6. Remove from oven and let cool completely before cutting into about 50 pieces.
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