Real Foodies Eat... Hershey Bars?
You might figure that James Oseland, editor-in-chief of Saveur magazine, would have some doozies when it comes to guilty pleasures. And you would be right. Sort of.
We're not talking quail tongues or foie gras gelee here (or even candied bacon ice cream or Mexican paletas, which are actually featured on Saveur's home page right now). No, the man favors milk chocolate Hershey bars.
Oseland (a Top Chef Masters judge and author of a stunning book on Southeast Asian food) told CNN's Eatocracy blog that Hershey's "velvety mouth-feel and subtle, caramel-like sweetness connect to my pleasure sensors (and to happy childhood memories) in an immediate, primal way." And that's not all. The other guilty pleasures in his Top 5 list are Dr. Pepper, Swiss Miss vanilla pudding cups, any barbecue potato chips, and (sharp intake of breath here) McDonald's Filet O' Fish. He told Eatocracy, "I’m sorry, I know it is the height of foodie irresponsibility even to admit to setting foot inside the Evil Death Star that is McDonald’s, but the mega-chain’s Filet-O-Fish sandwiches are perfection on a bun." Check out the whole story here.
I admire his honesty. And I can sort of relate. I'm not all-artisanal-cheese-and-homemade-bread all the time, any more than he's all lemongrass-shallot sambal. I happen to think that Hershey's tastes like brown suet, but I'm not above a Butterfingers when alone in a room with a vending machine. And yes, lips that have touched Swiss Miss vanilla pudding shall never touch mine... because the plasticine chocolate version is more my speed.
I suspect that most of us who love food and cooking have a few similar guilty pleasures. Got any to share? I'll start: That candied bacon ice cream actually sounds great to me, but I'm also rather fond of Good 'n Plenty candies.
What are your guilty food pleasures? Fess up below. No public shamings allowed!
Elizabeth on August 11, 2010 at 02:48 PM
I will never admit to loving Tim Horton's coffee, nor will I own up to an obsession with any candy (gummy or otherwise) available at the corner store. But I will admit to a shameless devotion to Dairy Queen Chocolate Cherry Blizzards. The secret's out!
Meghan on August 11, 2010 at 02:53 PM
I, too, am a BIG lover of the Filet-o-Fish sandwich (and am happy to have good company). And, also (when I'm sick or hungover), Chicken Flavor Top Ramen (but I do add cabbage and loads of black pepper to it).
vanillasugar on August 11, 2010 at 03:38 PM
how interesting. never would have guessed those chemically-laden pudding cups.
my guilty/bad pleasure are those darn cheez its.
Marjorie on August 12, 2010 at 12:42 AM
My shameful secret craving is for Cheetos Puffs, the soft ones that melt in your mouth. Bit-O-Honey Bars are a close second, but I can't find those often. Nuke the bar for 5-6 seconds, a piece of Bit-O-Honey becomes soft and sticky. Yummmm.
Nick on August 12, 2010 at 02:43 AM
I remember growing up as a kid that Drake's miniature Coffee Cakes were absolutely my favorite. Accompanied by a glass of milk.... heaven.
HopeSew on August 12, 2010 at 07:39 AM
Hershey bars have a "velvety mouth-feel"...? Since when?
Discovered Chester's (the Cheetos mascot) butter flavored Puffcorn in NC once and have missed them ever since. Mmmm...chemically altered, extruded, crunchy grain. :D
Dr Alice on August 12, 2010 at 07:38 PM
Oh, thank God. I am not the only Filet-o-Fish fan out there. I eat mine with ketchup (strangely, I don't like ketchup on hot dogs or hamburgers, but I do with Filet-o-Fish). I have eaten them this way since I was five or so. I also must confess to a fetish for Spaghetti-Os, but only the ones with with sliced franks. Again, have eaten them since I was five or thereabouts.
deet on August 13, 2010 at 04:19 PM
I don't understand why any of these things should be considered "shameful" (yes, yes, it's hyperbole) outside of some misplaced desire to appear to have a refined palate.
Being a "foodie" or a gourmand should be about enjoying the experience of eating what you like, and trying new things.
Mmm Chili con Queso made w/Velveta cheese, Summer sausage, Ramen noodles, and Reeses peanut butter cups...
Texan99 on August 16, 2010 at 07:38 AM
TaterTots. Cannot resist. WIth a Sonic rootbeer float, even better.