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Your Weekly Serving of Flavor, Fun & Local Food Finds!

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Cereal City Tasty Times
Your Weekly Serving of Flavor, Fun & Local Food Finds!
Catch up on Glizzy Fest, new recipes, and cocktail trends taking over Battle Creek.
Smiling Stu Sutherland

Smiling Stu Sutherland

Oct 30, 2025

Trivia Question❓

Legend has it that in the bustling streets of ancient China, a chef accidentally spilled black soybean paste into a pot of boiling water, creating a savory liquid that would later be known as a popular condiment. What is this umami-rich sauce that adds depth and flavor to Asian dishes?

Answer at the bottom of the newsletter

Fiesta Mexicana offered a warm welcome on a quiet Saturday night, making us feel right at home from the moment we arrived.

 

Three friendly staff members quickly showed us to a cozy booth, setting the stage for our evening.

 

We started with the Chori Queso, a creamy, flavorful blend of melted cheese and spicy chorizo that was perfect for dipping.

 

I chose the Monterey Burrito, loaded with steak, chicken, and shrimp, and topped with vibrant green, white, and red sauces.

 

My wife enjoyed the Chicken Enchilada, which arrived hot, fresh, and beautifully presented.

 

We appreciated attentive service throughout the meal, with food arriving fast and served with a smile.

 

Generous portions and bold, satisfying flavors meant we had leftovers to take home.

 

It was a delightful evening of great food, friendly faces, and exceptional value—we can’t wait to return.


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Interesting Facts
  • The "toxic" part of a potato - the green skin and sprouts - is actually caused by exposure to sunlight, which triggers the production of solanine, a naturally occurring chemical that can be harmful if ingested in large quantities.


  • Pineapples were originally known as "ananas", a term derived from the Guarani word for the fruit. The name was eventually changed to "pineapple" due to its resemblance to pine cones.


  • The practice of using salt to season food dates back to ancient times, when it was considered a precious commodity. In fact, the word "salary" is derived from the Latin word "salarium", which was an allowance given to Roman soldiers to purchase salt.


Searching for a quick and healthy weeknight dish? This cabbage stir-fry delivers bold flavors in just 30 minutes, transforming simple ingredients into a satisfying side or main course.

 

Thinly sliced cabbage gets lightly charred before mingling with sautéed leeks, garlic, and fresh ginger.

 

A savory blend of sesame oil, soy sauce or tamari, mirin, and rice vinegar infuses every bite with a robust, umami kick.

 

Finish with green onions, cilantro, and your choice of protein for a complete meal.

 

Add in carrots, mushrooms, or bell peppers for more color and nutrition, or top with sesame seeds for crunch.

 

Prep veggies and sauce ahead to make dinner even faster.

 

Keep leftovers fresh up to four days in the fridge—perfect for meal-prep or next-day lunches.

 


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Szechuan Chicken brings together tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a bold, spicy sauce inspired by China’s Sichuan province.

 

Known for its vibrant flavors and the tingling heat of Szechuan peppercorns, this stir-fry is both quick and easy to prepare at home.

 

Begin by slicing chicken breasts thin and marinating them in soy sauce, cornstarch, and sesame oil for maximum tenderness.

 

Chop colorful vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or snow peas for added crunch and freshness.

 

The sauce combines soy, rice vinegar, sugar, and chili paste—customize the heat to your taste.

 

Brown the marinated chicken, sauté the veggies, then toss everything in the sauce until it thickens.

 

For authentic flair, add whole dried chilies and Szechuan peppercorns to deliver that special numbing sensation.

 

Serve over jasmine rice or noodles, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds for a deliciously satisfying meal.


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Secret Little Hack

Marinate your meat in a mixture of pineapple juice and soy sauce to tenderize it and add great flavor.

Grocery shoppers across the U.S. are facing sharp price increases on beef, bananas, and coffee beans due to a mix of climate pressures, tariffs, and supply chain headaches.

 

Ground beef now tops $6 per pound, a record, as cattle herds hit 75-year lows—pushed down by drought and costly feed.

 

Demand for beef is holding strong, driving prices up even further, while additional tariffs on imports from Brazil and Canada could worsen the spike.

 

Coffee also isn’t spared. U.S. shoppers now pay up to $9.14 per pound after extreme droughts in Brazil and Vietnam, plus new tariffs, crippled supplies.

 

Banana prices have climbed to 67 cents a pound, squeezed by trade restrictions and a devastating fungus threatening the world's leading variety.

 

These rising costs are likely to stick around as challenges mount for both producers and consumers.


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Tip of The Day

Remember to rotate your menu items regularly to keep customers interested and excited about trying new dishes!

Bill Knapp's remains a sweet staple of Michigan nostalgia, even after its restaurants closed in 2002.

 

Devoted fans can still savor the beloved chocolate cake, orange bread, and other classic desserts thanks to partnerships with Awrey’s Bakery and a renewed retail presence.

 

Founded in 1948 by Clinton B. "Bill" Knapp in Battle Creek, the brand built its reputation on comforting homestyle food and irresistible baked goods.

 

Today, a newly opened Bill Knapp’s Bakery Outlet in Ann Arbor’s Airport Plaza, along with a Grand Rapids location, offers fresh access to these family favorites.

 

Michigan residents also find Bill Knapp’s treats at local grocers like D&W Fresh Market and Busch’s, while larger chains including Kroger and Meijer distribute them across 30 states.

 

The continued popularity of Bill Knapp’s baked goods brings the taste of tradition to old fans and new, keeping a treasured Michigan legend deliciously alive.


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Secret Little Hack

Marinate meat in a mixture of pineapple juice and soy sauce to tenderize it and add flavor.

Battle Creek locals gathered at Glizzy Fest 2025 in Kellogg Arena, where even late arrivals were met with a lively, friendly crowd and a bustling atmosphere.

 

The festival featured a variety of vendors and spirited karaoke performances that kept energy high as the evening wound down.

 

Highlights included savoring a pulled-pork slider from Saint Samuels and nacho cheese pork chips, both brimming with flavor.

 

Conversations with the team from The Cricket, a Battle Creek favorite, and other local vendors rounded out the night before festivities concluded.

 

Glizzy Fest’s 2025 winners included Bill’s Lakeside Grille (Coney Dog, People’s & Judge’s Choice), On the Roll (Loaded Dog, People’s Choice), and Chef’s Playground (Loaded Dog, Judge’s Choice).

 

Congratulations to all participants for making Glizzy Fest a memorable, flavor-packed celebration.


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Q/A Questions

Q: What is the safe minimum cooking temperature for poultry?

A: 165°F (73.9°C)


Q: How long can perishable food be left out at room temperature before it should be refrigerated?

A: 2 hours


Q: How should you properly thaw frozen meat?

A: In the refrigerator, under cold running water, or in the microwave on the defrost setting

As autumn arrives, mixologists are embracing the season with inventive cocktails inspired by fall’s cozy spirit.

 

Smoked and toasted garnishes, like gently smoked cinnamon sticks, provide earthy aromas and create an immersive, multi-sensory drinking experience.

 

Spiced and herbal infusions are thriving, with cinnamon, clove, and star anise infused into syrups, and savory notes from herbs such as rosemary and sage balancing each drink.

 

Pumpkin spice has expanded beyond lattes, appearing in creations like Pumpkin Spice Espresso Martinis and Old Fashioneds, blending classic flavors with a seasonal twist.

 

Apple and pear cocktails celebrate the harvest with crisp juices and brandy, evoking the essence of autumn without excessive sweetness.

 

Warm drinks like mulled wine, Hot Toddies, and boozy teas with fall spices are making a welcome comeback, offering comfort throughout cooler nights.

 

This season’s creative trends promise a festive and flavorful experience for every palate.


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Quote Of The Day

"All happiness depend on a leisurely breakfast." - John Gunther

💡 Answer to Trivia Question:
Soy sauce.
Cereal City Tasty Times

© 2026 Cereal City Tasty Times.

This newsletter is all about celebrating our local flavor: 🍔 The best restaurants and hidden gems 🍽️ 🚚 Food trucks and festival favorites 🎉 🍩 Photos, reviews, and foodie tips from YOU 🥳 We’re building a place where food lovers, local chefs, and hungry friends can come together to share what makes eating in Battle Creek so much fun. 💡 To kick things off, introduce yourself below! Tell us: 1️⃣ Your favorite local spot to eat 🍕 2️⃣ Your go-to comfort food 😋 3️⃣ A food event you never miss 🎊 Can’t wait to see your recommendations (and drool over your food pics 🤤). Let’s make this group the go-to spot for all things delicious in the Cereal City!

© 2026 Cereal City Tasty Times.

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