Been There, Ate That

ebook A Candy-Coated Childhood

By Jules Torti

cover image of Been There, Ate That

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Been There, Ate That: A Candy-Coated Childhood is a satiating grab bag of frosted nostalgia. Double-down on the '80s and '90s with big gulps of yellow dye #5, BHT, saturated fat and preservative-laden edible memories.

Jules Torti, a self-appointed junk food historian, shares sugary secrets and tasting notes from the kitchens of her youth. She believes a fond food memory is like the song you crank and put on repeat – it transports you back to a time and place that no longer exists. Been There, Ate That invites readers to revisit dormant tastebuds and return to the carefree era of sugar napalm. Remember when Cool Whip was an acceptable topping for just about anything?

In a sweet tribute to her grandmothers, corner stores candy sections, Quan 99 and cafeteria ladies everywhere, Been There, Ate That reveals a curious menu where the catch of the day includes fried earthworms and sometimes grasshoppers. From the exotica of "Mexican Hats" (her dad's signature dish) to "Fish Eyes" to the merits of "Nan Chapin's Green Fluff," Torti's memoir will make you crave the good ol' days (and the simple joy found in staining your fingers pink with Hostess Ketchup chips).

Been There, Ate That is a full kitchen sink with field notes from her eating adventures around the world (pan-fried piranha, red ant hot sauce, guinea pig and camel stew to name a few), pro tips from Torti's mother with a few leftovers for the doggy bag. Nostalgia never tasted so good! (Yes, even the fried smelts and Fish Eyes.)

Been There, Ate That