Snack Event News: Batter Blaster Pancake World Record

If you’re in the Atlanta metro area tomorrow (Saturday, May 9) come to Centennial Olympic Park and be a part of the circus atmosphere as the geniuses behind Batter Blaster attempt to break the Guinness World Record for most pancakes served in eight hours, roughly 70,000. And yes, the pancakes are FREE! Well, somebody’s gotta eat ‘em.

If Aunt Jemima and Cheez Whiz had a baby, Batter Blaster would be its name. On the market since 2007, this is the pancake/waffle batter in a spray can that’s been featured on “Live with Regis and Kelly,” as well as the “John Tesh Radio Show” website. (I didn’t even know John Tesh had a radio show, much less featured it on the internet! Huh-WHA?)

The “unofficial” current record of 66,549 5-inch cooked pancakes is held by a Lion’s Club in Lubbock, Texas. Good luck, Batter Blaster - there are tons of homeless people in Atlanta eager to gobble up some free food.

Hey Fabio, pass the spray butter and spray syrup!

Snack Interview: Carolyn Wyman, Snack Food Columnist

The staff at Snackerrific appreciates irreverent humor, interesting stories, and above all, honesty when it comes to food and snack reviews. That’s why we’re pleased to welcome Carolyn Wyman, syndicated columnist and author of five food books, including Jell-O: A Biography; Better Than Homemade: Amazing Foods That Changed The Way We Eat; Spam: A Biography; and the forthcoming The Great Philly Cheesesteak Book. Her “Supermarket Sampler” column appears in over 100 newspapers nationwide, and she’s been published in The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Philadelphia Inquirer, and Boston Globe. She spoke with us from her home in Philadelphia.

SN: Besides being a talented and prolific writer, you’re also a self-proclaimed “junk-food fanatic.” How did you meld the two: writing and junk food? Did this evolve or did you set out to write about food from the beginning?

CW: Write about what you know, is a famous and wise piece of writerly advice which I have followed: I grew up the daughter of a newspaper editor (my dad) and a processed food enthusiast (my mom). My mom worked full-time (at a time when a lot of women didn’t) and relied on processed foods to feed her family. More than relied, she loved them. I think she realized she didn’t either have the time or interest or skill to cook as good as Pepperidge Farm or Stouffer’s.

Most people don’t tell you the truth but very few people are willing to admit it. But she was, lucky for me not just personally but professionally because I grew up with an intimate knowledge of how all these processed foods work, how they smell and taste. So when Special K comes out with a new Italian herb cracker like they just did, I can say with some authority, “These are like Keebler’s old Pizza Chips.” Because I ate Keebler Pizza Chips and just about every other processed food that has come down the pike since I was a tot.

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Snack Giveaway: Little Debbie Goodies!

Ever wondered what it’s like to be an official Snackerrific staff member? Well, here’s your chance to find out! The wonderful folks over at Little Debbie have set aside three boxes identical to the one Jim received for his review of Little Debbie’s New 100 Calorie Snacks, and one of them could be yours!

From the anticipation through to the tasty finale, the life of a Snackerrific snacker is never dull. For your chance to experience the same joy (and get a BUNCH of tasty snacks to boot), simply leave a comment telling us your snack-related New Year’s resolution.

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Snack News: Viennetta Returns!

‘Tis the season for tidings of joy, and have I got some joy to tide! That beloved frozen dessert of our (ok, my) childhood is returning, albeit for a limited time. That’s right, people, Viennetta is back!

What is Viennetta, some of you may be wondering. Well, it’s basically layers of ice cream and chocolate shaped like a wavy yule log. It has crispy layers and melty layers and layers of just plain goodness. For a more detailed look, there’s even a YouTube video of the making of Viennetta.

As a kid, I loved seeing the box of Viennetta in the bag when my Mom came home from the grocery store. Needless to say, I’m excited to see it back! Plus, the price is right - only about $3 for a box. The only downside of this re-release is that it’s only until March 2009, so if you’ve been missing it, go get some now and stock up! Both chocolate and vanilla varieties are now available.

Snack Interview: Pro Disc Golf Snacker

The fastest growing sport in the world is also one that most people are only vaguely aware of: DISC GOLF. (Remember the “Summer of George” Seinfeld episode featuring Frisbee golf, or “Frolf”?)

The Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA) has over 16,000 registered members and counts more than 2,700 disc golf courses in the U.S., with more underway. Similar to “ball golf”, players walk an 18-hole course with the goal of recording the fewest strokes (throws) possible. Instead of balls and clubs, disc golfers tee-off with special hard plastic discs, eventually making a “putt” into metal chain-link baskets.

Disc golf is accessible to everyone: men, women, children - and NO GREENS FEES! At the expert level numerous touring pros compete in tournaments throughout the U.S., Europe, and Asia, in all types of weather. Snackerrific is proud to feature one of those professionals. He’s ranked 14th in the world. Yes, IN THE WORLD.

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