Desert Island Dips

#40: Sweet & Sour Sauce

May 15, 2019 07:48 - 38 minutes - 89.1 MB

The confusion fusion that is Sweet & Sour sauce! We learn how it became a Chinatown staple and racist immigration policies of the US from the 19th century. It's crazy. We meet Robert C. Baker the hero who invented the chicken nugget. Guess how much money he made off of that venture? It's a stunner. Emily shows off her knowledge as an unofficial McDonald's historian. We tour (via an article) the zero-rated restaurants in Swindon. Disclaimer: This is not a vegetarian friendly episode.

#39: Henderson's Relish

May 01, 2019 04:00 - 36 minutes - 83.1 MB

Henderson's Relish. The pride of Yorkshire! Hendos has a loyal fanbase for a reason: it is a lovely condiment. An institution in Sheffield, we meet Henry Henderson the inventor and namesake of the relish. People STAN #Hendos so we look at the fandom and Sean Bean can't stop talking about it at press junkets. Plus, find out why Nick Clegg had a fight in the House of Commons over Henderson's Relish. Who doesn't want to listen to this episode! People of Yorkshire - we're coming for your ears!

#38: Mojo

April 17, 2019 10:03 - 36 minutes - 84.3 MB

Mojo! A staple condiment of the Canary Island's tries to land a spot on the island. You've probably had this on holiday and didn't even know it. Get ready for a history lesson in the Canary Islands food culture and Emily talks about potatoes for a while. Tom corrects Emily's constant mispronunciation of Spanish words and talks about witches. We meet a Canarian that's bringing mojo to the UK with his company Noda's Food. AND! A PROMO CODE! Go to nodasfood.com and type in DesertIslandDips20 to...

#37: Aioli

April 03, 2019 07:30 - 33 minutes - 75.8 MB

Aioli! The tastier cousin to mayonnaise finally gets it's very own episode! Tom introduces us to it's Roman roots and Pliny the Elder. We're working on our Pliny the Elder merch. Tom also informs Emily he's -shock- in a band and is a cunning linguist! Sorry. Emily's been watching too much Drag Race. He just studied linguistics. Also, Emily feels really old as she recounter her employment history. There is much debate over whether aioli gets on the island.

#36: Marinara

March 20, 2019 07:58 - 37 minutes - 85 MB

Marinara. The Italian sauce with humble beginnings as a sailors dinner to pizza crust sidekick. Emily talks about the inception of the sauce and offers many Pizza Hut based confessions of her misspent youth. Tom weighs out his relationship with Papa John's. And, buckle up for one bizarre corporate showdowns in pizza history. We find out why #CaptainMarvel is packing marinara wherever she goes and meet the former Trump and current marina-heiress.

#35: Frank's RedHot

March 06, 2019 05:00 - 35 minutes - 82.3 MB

There are a lot of Franks is the story of Frank's RedHot and one elephant named Jumbo. Tom introduces us to all the Franks and discovers how one traveling salesman from Cincinnati changed the way we eat. We take a trip to Buffalo NY to talk about the holy union of chicken wings and Frank's Red Hot and meet another Condiment good guy. But, like not a physical trip. We don't have that kind of budget. And we discover why Philadelphia has abandoned the Wing Bowl. Spoiler: It is not because they ...

#34: Curry Sauce

February 20, 2019 05:00 - 40 minutes - 93.2 MB

Curry Sauce. There are so many layers to this episode. From the OG Nigella from the 18th century named Hannah Glasse where curry powder made its way into our diets, to the fish and chip shops in Salford from where Curry Sauce was created in the 1960s to the Chinese takeaways that made their own rival. We've got a lot to cover. And let's not forget German curry sauce! We meet Alan Pearce from Kerry Foods Service - the all knowing historian of Curry Sauce. And Emily goes on her first foreign...

#33: Piccalilli

February 06, 2019 07:30 - 37 minutes - 85.4 MB

Tricky to spell, easy to eat: it's piccalilli's turn to fight for a spot on the island. Tom talks about the indian origins of this pickled wonder and it's american cousin chow-chow. Meanwhile Emily gets distracted by oversharing a story about a woman in Waitrose who was panic buying piccalilli on Christmas Eve and gets nostalgic for electric typewriters. PS: I know Emily's voice sounds weird. But I couldn't figure it out. So deal.

#32: Salsa

January 23, 2019 09:30 - 38 minutes - 88.7 MB

Will Salsa dance it's way on to the Island? I assume that's how Salsa moves. It salsas. That looks weird. Oh right, episode description. Emily talks about a "Salsa Dynasty" that has all kinds of DRAMA. They put the picante in Pace Picante Sauce. Salsa is also a magical healing agent for Major League Baseball player Matt Carpenter. Naturally, we'll question modern medicine. AND! AND! AND! Old El Paso employees break records with stuff and stand tacos and so we gotta talk-o about that. Maybe T...

#31: Condiments: A Year In Review

January 09, 2019 09:00 - 38 minutes - 88.8 MB

Emily goes deep into her Google search history to bring some weird condiment based news that didn't make it into the past 30 episodes of Desert Island Dips. Things like: a Long Island school district that's limited condiments to two sachets per child and a crime involving a landscaper, a sex tape and maple syrup. OH! And a Melbourne hacker space that has created a Saucebot. Then in SPORTS! Tom talks about his love of American football and Patrick Mahomes' love for Heinz ketchup.

#30: Bread Sauce

December 24, 2018 08:58 - 29 minutes - 68.6 MB

Bread Sauce! Dogs! Porpoises! This episode has it all. What is Bread Sauce? And more importantly - who eats it with their roast dinner? Emily and Tom start a campaign to save the environment by using more bread bowls and bread plates. This podcast the perfect Christmas companion so that you can avoid your relatives and then wow them with facts about how peasants used to eat before being a celiac was a diagnosable medical illness. Also, bring on the Egg Nog pancakes.

#29: Christmas Sandwich Special

December 12, 2018 00:38 - 33 minutes - 77.4 MB

Emily and Tom talk with their mouths full for 30 odd minutes. Six Christmas sandwiches purchased in one afternoon are ready to be reviewed. Who will become the Desert Island Dips Christmas Dinner and which will be disqualified for not being Christmas-y enough. Tesco, Sainsbury's, Waitrose, M&S, and Pret A Manger. Get ready for deep nerd talk about Meal Deal sandwiches and the condiments they contain. #LiveEveryDayLikeYouAreEatingAVienettaOnYourLunchBreak

#28: French Mustard

November 28, 2018 07:00 - 32 minutes - 74.1 MB

Tom completes the holy mustard trilogy with French Mustard. We learn about how even a Pope has to find a job for his lazy nephew. Emily ponders a historical career as a condiment hawker while Tom has his eyes on a traditional mustard boutique. Plus, spoilers on Christmas presents for our parents. Tom shares his love for Wayne's World en francais. #TakeMeToTheBookDisco

#27: Oyster Sauce

November 14, 2018 09:00 - 34 minutes - 78.7 MB

Oyster Sauce! Or the story of how one accident spawned global family empire with a 1,000 year business plan - THAT YOU'VE NEVER HEARD OF! Emily talks about the history of this great Chinese food staple and bestows the best piece of trivia you will find in a podcast. Tom fantasises about how much gherkin he could eat. And we talk vintage Ken Hom and the wok Emily stole from him. Get ready to meet the Lee Kum Kee family!

#26: Peri-Peri

October 31, 2018 01:39 - 34 minutes - 78.2 MB

Peri-Peri might as well be called "Nando's sauce" but this podcast refuses to let that happen. We learn all about its Latin America via Africa via Portugal roots. Tom tells us what number of dates it takes for him to take a lady to Nando's. We virtually visit the first Nando's in the UK. Tom goes on the hunt for Peri-Peri bants. While Emily gets distracted by about the mysterious Nando's Black Card legend and the REAL black card issued by the Dumpling Truck in Spitalfields Market and dreams ...

#25: Houmous

October 17, 2018 20:42 - 38 minutes - 87.7 MB

Houmous or Hummus? Who knows. But, we do know it is a magical thing. Tom and Emily talk about the great Houmous Wars. The fact houmous is an aphrodisiac and the time Emily called a guy a "Chubby Paul Rudd" (it was meant as a compliment). And did you know that sweet houmous is a thing? Oh and there is more jibber-jabber that we've come to expect from the best podcast about condiments you've ever heard. AND! we are in the midst of a houmous shortage!

#24: Mint Sauce

October 03, 2018 07:00 - 31 minutes - 72.2 MB

Emily comes back from the honeymoon bearing gifts and her 85 year-old Granny makes her podcasting debut. Tom takes us on a journey of mint sauce wonders with a Minthe the Nymph, a Roman Heston Blumenthal-type, and Elizabeth I (who jumpstarts the mint sauce revolution). BONUS: We get to learn all about Tom's childhood French classes. What a confusing time that was.

#23: Maple Syrup

September 05, 2018 04:30 - 35 minutes - 81.4 MB

A true battle as Tom Wiggins is a big meanie who does believe that sweet condiments are a thing. Sorry Tom. You are wrong. And this is why you shouldn't trust me (Emily) to write the episode descriptions. Because I'm getting the last word in this passive aggressive way. Also, we talk about a badass woman whose maple syrup biz in the 1700s was endorsed by King Louis XVI and the largest robbery in Canadian history: the Great Maple Syrup Heist.

#22: Sh** the Bed with Renae Bunster

August 22, 2018 07:37 - 26 minutes - 61.4 MB

Sh** the Bed is a hot sauce. Yep. That's the name. Creator Renae Bunster joins us to talk about it from Perth. Renae tell us the inspirational story of walking away from journalism to pursue her dreams: making a condiment. She gives us our first exclusive! I know! We're breaking news on this podcast! Plus we talk about stalking celebrity clients (Kristen Bell, Natalie Portman, Gordon Ramsey) and Renae tells us what would be on her desert island.

#21: Horseradish

August 08, 2018 08:22 - 32 minutes - 75.1 MB

Horse + radish = condiment. Tom tells us what noise a radish makes. We learn all about the healing properties of horseradish. (Ladies, time to fight UTI's with the power of horseradish!) Emily readies her entry into the Little Miss Horseradish competition. Tom remembers his brief career meeting famous rappers.

#20: Salad Cream

July 24, 2018 09:00 - 32 minutes - 75.2 MB

The much awaited Salad Cream episode. Is Salad Cream going to disappear? A controversial name change is pitched for the sauce but will it stick? What else? Oh, Salad Cream, according to Tom, is condiment that even Nazis don’t like. Emily gets a deeper understanding of why her Nanna loves it. Tom stumbles across the 'Salad Cream Challenge' as he fell down a YouTube hole. Emily says 'no' in disgust A LOT.

#19: Ajika

July 10, 2018 15:17 - 27 minutes - 63.9 MB

A mystery sauce is delivered to Emily's Russian hotel room and turns out it's a game changer. It's all about Ajika on this episode. And while you probably don't know what it is, buckle up. we've got a story to tell about sheep farmers/shepherds, Doncaster and sanctions! Plus, the World Cup makes a cameo. Kinda.

#18: Ranch

June 27, 2018 05:00 - 32 minutes - 73.7 MB

Plumber Steve Henson retired at 35 and then invented a condiment that would turn into a multi-million dollar industry: Ranch dressing. It's a beloved condiment of the U-S-A, U-S-A. But why? Should it be eaten on cereal and with Oreos? Some say yes. Also, Chrissy Teigen has firm stances on the rules surrounding Ranch and is now a dream guest. And then we fall down the rabbit hole of condiments with pizza and a Dallas pizza place that put a $1,000 price tag on a side of Ranch. Tom learns in Am...

#17: Branston Pickle

June 13, 2018 05:00 - 36 minutes - 83.5 MB

Branston Pickle is an outstandingly British condiment that Tom loves. Tom goes into the history of the brown stuff and Crosse & Blackwell while Emily asks him to convert historical currency into today's money off the top of his head. What's the difference between pickle and a chutney? Oh, we discuss that. And there is a thing called a 'Briem Egg' which sounds tasty. Tom plays with his copper pipe. How's that for a tease!

#16: Soy Sauce

May 30, 2018 04:00 - 37 minutes - 86.3 MB

Soy Sauce! Did you know an ancient goddess is responsible for handing over this recipe to an emperor? It's way more complicated than that but for the sake of this intro blerb, you should listen to find out more. We hand out the first Desert Island Dips Iconic Bottle Award. Emily talks about the fascinating history of the soy sauce sachet. Tennis star Genie Bourchard dips her pizza in soy sauce. Is she on to something?

#15: American Mustard

May 16, 2018 06:36 - 33 minutes - 76 MB

Part two in the mustard trilogy: American Mustard. Yep. Trilogy. Tom fanboys over the 1904 St Louis World Fair. Emily finally learns the reason American Mustard is good at staining your clothes. And we debate what is the most kissable condiment.

#14: Tartare Sauce

May 02, 2018 07:00 - 36 minutes - 83.6 MB

Is Tartare Sauce named after the Tartars? Emily goes to the British Library and maxes out her library card to look at the history of tartare sauce with limited success. We look at the first fish and chips shop and meet the Cincinnati heroes who finally got 'National Tartare Sauce Day' on the calendar. Then, there is the story of Misty, the woman who is addicted to tartare sauce and the lengths a reality TV show goes to cure her of her addiction. Hint: It involves a 40 gallon drum and a kiddi...

#13: Tabasco

April 18, 2018 07:25 - 40 minutes - 91.6 MB

Tom Wiggins has lots of facts about tabasco sauce and Avery Island from where it came from. He also has limited facts about the museum associated with it. We also learn about the medical uses of tabasco and risk a lawsuit from 'Big Tabasco'. And Emily can't stop talking about Beyonce. Come on our show Beyonce.

#12: Wasabi

April 04, 2018 05:00 - 35 minutes - 80.4 MB

Emily & Tom explore the rich history of Wasabi which quickly turns into talking about a Wasabi Fire Alarm. Tom humble-brags about interviewing Craig David about his unusual invention. Inspired by a TV chef Tom has never heard of, a game of Wasabi Roulette breaks out.

#11: Worcester Sauce

March 21, 2018 05:00 - 36 minutes - 84 MB

Tom makes the case for Worcester Sauce. We learn four alternative histories to Lee & Perrins and meet "the fattest young man in the British Army." Tom explores the special relationship with worcester sauce and cruise ships. With special guest: Maple Syrup.

#10: Sriracha

March 07, 2018 06:00 - 35 minutes - 82.2 MB

SRIRACHA! All Caps. We talk about David Tran, the brain behind the Huy Fong Foods brand. The condiments that made it to the International Space Station. Emily tells a weird story about getting milked poured all over her. (You're welcome Mum & Dad.) And, there is a giving of gifts!

#9: Burger Sauce

February 21, 2018 05:00 - 34 minutes - 78.2 MB

Was burger sauce invented a mormon burger chain or a Nobel prize winner? Tom tells the debated history of the flesh coloured condiment. Big Mac sauce makes an appearance. And, you get a chance to enter an anti-climactic contest.

#8: BBQ Sauce

February 07, 2018 05:00 - 33 minutes - 77.1 MB

The southern staple BBQ sauce visits the island but will it stay? We learn the sauce's roots in slavery and meet the father of Kansas City BBQ. Emily sends a lot of emails. Tom laughs at her. Plus, there is 'Nugzilla'- a 1.5 kg nugget. But which BBQ sauce pair with it?

#7: Vinegar

January 24, 2018 05:00 - 32 minutes - 74.8 MB

Tom introduces another Good Guy in the condiment world to the podcast. Emily gets too excited about regional geography of old vinegar distilleries. And! we discuss dying at work. Plus, we talk about vinegar. A lot.

#6: Guacamole

January 10, 2018 05:00 - 31 minutes - 73 MB

Tom and Emily debate the status of guacamole as a condiment. We learn about the family that lost out on an avocado fortune. Emily has beef with 'Saved by the Bell' star Tiffani Thiessen. And! There is a woman named Pamela Wang who found the world's largest avocado. Tom can't handle it.

#5: English Mustard

December 27, 2017 05:00 - 30 minutes - 70.7 MB

Tom and Emily tackle the most feminist condiment: English Mustard. Tom asks whether you should eat english mustard with a pop tart and Emily prepares to sew mustard seeds into her wedding dress.

#4: Cranberry Sauce

December 13, 2017 05:00 - 31 minutes - 72.6 MB

Tom & Emily explore the history of the festive condiment. Cranberry Sauce comes in a can and a jar, but which is best? Plus: Emily sends a lot of emails to get the true history of the Christmas sandwich. And Tom points out things that happened in 2005.

Desert Island Dips

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