The Oregon Origination of the Tater Tot
By Robert Matsumura, For The Clipper Times
The Tater Tot® . It’s hard to resist these crunchy golden-brown potato morsels piled high in a basket, or nestled on a plate accompanying our favorite burger or sandwich. For many of us, “Tater Tot” and “comfort food” go hand-in-hand. It’s ingrained in our culture—at least from a food perspective! But did you know that these world famous potato nuggets were invented in Oregon, and that they were the creative byproduct of potato scraps originally used as cattle feed? The story of the Tater Tot traces back to two young Mormon entrepreneurs named Nephi and Golden Griggs who came of age during the Great Depression. Originally from Idaho, the Griggs brothers were potato farmers like most of their neighbors. Throughout the Great Depression and World War II, the Griggs survived by growing and selling potatoes, but during the postwar years as Americans increasingly turned to convenience foods—frozen foods in particular—the Nephi brothers were certain that
their road to riches lay in servicing this growing demand. Convinced that the future of produce resided in the frozen food section, the two brothers mortgaged their farms to purchase a flash-freezing plant in Northeastern Oregon for $500,000 (approximately $4.5 million today). As the factory was located on the border between Oregon and Idaho, they chose to name their new company Ore-Ida. Corn and potatoes were Ore-Ida’s mainstay and the company soon became the largest distributor of sweet corn in the country, but the real profit lay in french fries. French fries, though immensely profitable, posed certain production problems. Nephi (the leader of the two brothers) described their challenge as follows: “We had a problem separating the fries from the slivers and small pieces of potatoes that occurred when slicing the irregular shaped potatoes.” Instead of wasting the scrap pieces, the brothers had been feeding it to their cattle and other livestock. Despite the fact that their potato scraps were being utilized
See TATER TOT page 2
Photo by Willis Lam.
From Page 1
as feed for farm animals, Nephi Griggs—always focused on efficiency and profit maximization— was bothered by their inability to derive any revenue from the constant flow of potato byproducts. In a letter to an Ore-Ida colleague, Nephi vented his frustration at not putting to better use “product that has been purchased from the grower, stored for months, gone through the peeling process, gone through the specking lines and trimmed off defects, only to be eliminated into the cattle feed.”
An unexpected visit by a representative from an equipment manufacturing company, however, proved to be serendipitous. Although the company representative was there to demonstrate a prune sorter, Nephi and his plant superintendent envisioned utilizing the equipment in a different manner. Instead of sorting prunes, could the machinery be refashioned to sort irregular potato pieces from french fries? To their delight, it could. It wasn’t long before the Griggs and their people at Ore-Ida devised a creative use for the supply of potato scraps. By smashing the bits together using new machinery, then blanching, forming the crushed potatoes into nuggets, and cooking them in oil, a completely new product was created. These
potato nuggets could subsequently be frozen, bagged, and distributed. Although the original idea was for the nuggets to be fried, it was soon discovered that baking them produced equally good results. According to Nephi, a man on their research committee who “traveled the markets playing a ukulele and demonstrating our product,” came up with the name. Unfortunately, the man’s name has been lost to history, though his talent for creative alliteration lives on. The name “Tater Tot” is iconic across the world for fun, palate-pleasing, potato goodness. Nephi remarked in his
notes (which are now housed at the J. Willard Marriott Library at the University of Utah), that a “new product has about a three year jump on the competition.” With this in mind, Ore-Ida rushed to trademark the “Tater Tot” name, purchased additional machinery, and began mass producing their tasty invention. Despite the success of the Tater Tot, the process to create them was a bit of a sticky mess—literally. New equipment had to be fashioned to deal with the starchy potato product. Steel drums the diameter of a human torso rotated continuously filling tot-sized molds with potato. These molded potatoes would then be ejected onto
a conveyor belt and sent down a line for seasoning and subsequent freezing. Ore-Ida’s commitment to the Tater Tot, in spite of production difficulties, proved a gamble worth taking. The Griggs brothers’ promotion of their new product at the 1954 National Potato Convention was a huge hit, garnering interest in Tater Tots throughout the industry. The media was also quick to embrace Tater Tots as a convenient new food for snacks and meals that was tasty and easy to prepare. So successful was the Tater Tot that Nephi referred to it as their “hero profit item,” and cited it as responsible for making Ore-Ida a household name. By the end of the 1950s, Ore-Ida
had captured 25 percent of the domestic frozen potato market. A second plant was opened in 1960, and by 1961 Ore-Ida had gone public. In 1964, despite generating an annual profit of $31 million, problems within the family necessitated the sale of Ore-Ida. The Griggs sold the company to H.J. Heinz in 1965 for $30 million. The Heinz purchase of Ore-Ida was the company’s first foray into the frozen food market. By the time Heinz merged with Kraft in 2015, the Tater Tot was so common of a product that few people realized the name was still trademarked to Ore-Ida. An advertising campaign was even created to differentiate Ore-Ida tots from the competition. The
campaign warned, “Don’t be fooled by Imi-taters,” because Ore-Ida Tater Tots were the “original and only.” Today, as one of America’s cherished food items, Tater Tots have been incorporated in multitudes of home recipes and even elevated to culinary feature items at certain restaurants. There is no end of possibilities when it comes to something as versatile as the Tater Tot! So, next time you find yourself reaching for a crispy golden Tater Tot, think of the Griggs brothers and the Oregonian ingenuity that transformed cattle feed into a delectable treat enjoyed by millions.
Tater tot nachos. Or “tachos”.
Griggs tater tot truck. Photo by Gibchan.
TOT
Feasts of Fat Tuesday
How pagan festivals evolved into a global celebration
By Robert Matsumura, For The Clipper Times
Few celebrations capture the spirit of indulgence and revelry quite like Mardi Gras. Famous for its dazzling parades, vibrant costumes, and festive atmosphere, this iconic event draws millions of visitors to New Orleans every year. But while New Orleans seems to be the hub of all things Mardi Gras, in truth, its origins are steeped in centuries-old traditions that span continents and cultures.
Tracing the roots of Mardi Gras takes us back to the ancient pagan festivals of Europe, particularly those focused on the arrival of spring, such as Saturnalia
in Rome, and Lupercalia in ancient Italy. Featuring feasting, costumes, and public processions, these celebrations were a way to cast off the doldrums of winter and welcome the renewal of life. With the rise of Christianity, these pagan celebrations were integrated into, and reinterpreted by, the Church. Mardi Gras — which translates to “Fat Tuesday” in French — emerged as the final day of indulgence before the solemn 40-day season of Lent. With Lent being a time of fasting and discipline, Fat Tuesday was that last great blowout — a time to enjoy rich foods and pleasures one last time before a long period of abstinence.
Mardi Gras arrived in
WINTER RECIPE
North America via French explorers. On March 3, 1699, Pierre Le Moyne d’Iberville and Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne de Bienville landed near present-day New Orleans and dubbed the site “Pointe du Mardi Gras” in honor of the holiday. By the early 18th century, French settlers in Mobile (modern-day Alabama) and New Orleans had established Mardi Gras traditions, featuring parades, masked balls, and feasts.
At the heart of the Mardi Gras festivities is the krewe system, “Krewe” being an organization or social club that organizes and participates in Mardi Gras parades and festivities. Each krewe has its own theme, traditions, and membership requirements,
features parades, comedic performances, and masquerades, with Cologne hosting one of the country’s largest celebrations. Traditional Mardi Gras foods also capture the spirit of indulgence and cultural richness. King cake, a sweet pastry decorated in the holiday’s iconic colors of purple, green, and gold, often contains a hidden figurine symbolizing luck. Whoever finds it is tasked with hosting the next party. Jambalaya, gumbo, and crawfish boils showcase the Creole and Cajun culinary heritage of Louisiana, blending French, Spanish, African, and Native Amer-
ican influences. Beignets, deep-fried pastries dusted with powdered sugar, are also a beloved sweet treat. More than just a party, Mardi Gras is a living tapestry of history, culture, and community. From its ancient origins to its modern expressions, it lives on as a celebration of joy, resilience and creativity. Whether you’re catching beads in New Orleans or dancing at a samba parade in Rio, Mardi Gras draws everyone into its timeless revelry. And as the locals say, “Laissez les bons temps rouler” — let the good times roll!
contributing to the diversity and vibrancy of the celebrations. The first krewe was the Mystick Krewe of Comus in 1857, where elaborate floats, thematic parades, and nightime revelry were first introduced.
Beyond New Orleans, Mardi Gras is celebrated globally under various names and traditions. In Brazil, Rio’s Carnival dazzles with samba parades, glittering costumes, and massive street parties reflecting Brazil’s cultural fusion of African, European, and Indigenous influences. Venice’s Carnival is synonymous with opulent masked balls and intricate costumes evoking the city’s Renaissance history. Germany’s Fasching or Karneval
Marry Me Chicken
Ingredients
8 ounces spaghetti 3 tablespoons olive oil
4 bonless, skinless chicken breasts
* Kosher salt and black pepper
1 shallot, halved and thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1 jar (6.3 ounce) sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
1 chicken bouillon cube (0.4-ounce)
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1⁄4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1⁄2 cup freshly grated Parmesan
1⁄4 cup thinly sliced fresh basil
Directions
In large pot, cook pasta in boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Heat 2 tablespoons oil in large skillet over mediumhigh heat. Sprinkle chicken with salt and black pepper on both sides. Cook undisturbed until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Cook other side until golden brown, about 5 minutes more. Remove to plate.
Add 1 tablespoon oil and shallot to same skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until just tender. Add garlic, stirring continuously, until fragrant. Add broth and scrape up browned bits. Add tomatoes, bouillon, cream, oregano, red pepper flakes and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Stir until cube dissolves.
Bring sauce to a boil; reduce to a simmer over medium-low heat. Nestle chicken in sauce. Cook until sauce thickens slightly and chicken registers at 165ºF, 5 to 10 minutes. Stir in Parmesan and basil. Serve with spaghetti.
History of Valentine’s Day
By Robert Matsumura, For The Clipper Times
On February 14th each year millions of people around the world exchange cards, chocolates, flowers and express their love. While Valentine’s Day is indeed a cherished tradition, its origins are less widely understood. What is the true story behind this day dedicated to romance? Was there really a Saint Valentine? To answer these questions requires a journey back to Europe during the days of the Roman Empire when Christianity was still struggling to gain a foothold in the West.
The SaintMysterious Valentine
The origins of Valentine’s Day are shrouded in mystery, with at least three different saints named Valentine or Valentinus recognized by the Catholic Church. One widely accepted legend involves Valentine of Rome, a Christian priest in 3rd-century Rome. According to this tradition, Emperor Claudius II banned marriages for young men, believing that single men made better soldiers. Valentine, a Christian priest, defied the emperor by performing marriages in
secret for young couples in love. When his actions were discovered, Valentine was arrested and eventually executed on February 14th about 270 AD. Over the centuries, Valentine became a symbol of romantic devotion and his martyrdom was associated with the holiday bearing his name. However, other accounts suggest that Valentine of Terni was imprisoned for helping Christians escape harsh Roman prisons. While jailed, he is said to have fallen in love with the jailer’s daughter and performed a miracle by curing her of blindness. Legend has it that he wrote her a letter signed “From your Valentine,” a phrase that today has become iconic. Whether fact or folklore, these tales all emphasize Valentine’s courage, faith, and commitment to love.
After much debate over the centuries, a scholarly study was published on the subject in 1966 by priest and scholar, Padre Augustino Amore, which concluded that the only martyred Valentine was Valentine of Terni. According to the study, Bishop Valentine of Terni was the only Saint Valentine to be included in all the oldest martyrologies. In further support of this, in 1927 laborers on a road project in the vicinity of the saint’s supposed burial place, actually discovered fragments from a Christian martyr’s tomb, thus supporting his existence.
Pagan Roots and Christian Influence
Far before Valentine’s Day was officially established, mid-February was associ -
ated with fertility and love in ancient Rome. Celebrated from February 13th to 15th, the pagan festival of Lupercalia was a raucous affair involving sacrifices, feasting, and ritual matchmaking. One notable tradition involved the names of young women being placed in a jar from which men drew at random, forming temporary romantic partnerships—or, sometimes life long bonds. With the rise of Christianity, the Church moved to replace pagan practices with Christian observances. In 496 AD, Pope Gelasius I declared February 14th as the Feast of Saint Valentine, thus, effectively
Christianizing the festivities. This initiative marked the beginning of Valentine’s Day as a religious celebration, though centuries would pass before the holiday became fully associated with romantic love.
Courtly Love and Medieval Traditions
It was in the Middle Ages when the romantic aspect of Valentines Day really gained traction. By this time, Saint Valentine was already regarded as a patron of love, fueled to a great extent by the poet Geoffrey Chaucer. In his 14th-century poem “Parlement of Foules,” Chau -
cer linked Valentine’s Day to the pairing of birds in early spring, a metaphor for courtship and love.
The exchange of love notes and tokens flourished during this period and became a common practice among the nobility. The first recorded Valentine’s note dates back to 1415, when Charles, Duke of Orléans, composed a heartfelt poem to his wife while a prisoner in the Tower of London. His words are preserved to this day in the British Library, serving as a testament to enduring love.
The Rise of Commercial Valentine’s Day
The 18th and 19th centuries saw Valentine’s Day explode in popularity among the general public. Fueled by advances in printing technology, and the development of the postal service, celebration of the holiday really took off. Affordable, mass-produced Valentine’s cards became widely available featuring a plethora of sentimental verses, elaborate designs, and romantic imagery. In the United States, Es -
ther Howland, nicknamed the “Mother of the American Valentine,” played a key role in popularizing Valentine’s cards. Inspired by ornate English designs, Howland began creating and marketing hand-crafted cards during the 1840s. Her efforts contributed to the transformation of Valentine’s Day into a major commercial event, laying the groundwork for the card-exchanging tradition we enjoy to this day. Modern Valentine’s Day: Love in All Its Forms In modern times, Valentine’s Day is a global celebration. In the United States, the holiday has extended beyond romantic relationships to include
Valentine's Day Trivia
1. HISTORICAL BEGINNINGS
Which ancient Roman festival, celebrated in mid-February, is believed to be the origin of Valentine's Day?
2. THE SAINT BEHIND THE DAY
Valentine’s Day is named after Saint Valentine. What is he most famously known for?
A. Marrying couples in secret
B. Inventing chocolate
C. Writing love poetry
3. WORLDWIDE POPULARITY
Valentine’s Day is celebrated across the globe, but which country is known for its tradition of women giving chocolate to men on February 14?
4. THE LOVE LETTER BOOM
Approximately how many Valentine’s Day cards are exchanged each year worldwide?
A. 500 million
B. 1 billion
C. 2 billion
5. SWEET INDULGENCES
Americans love their chocolate on Valentine’s Day. How many pounds of chocolate are purchased annually for the holiday?
A. 10 million
B. 30 million
C. 58 million
6. SYMBOL OF LOVE
What flower is traditionally associated with Valentine’s Day?
7. THE FIRST VALENTINE'S MESSAGE
The oldest known Valentine’s Day message was sent by the Duke of Orleans in 1415. Where was he when he sent this love note?
8. CUPID’S ROOTS
Cupid, the iconic symbol of love, originates from Roman mythology. What is his Greek counterpart’s name?
9. A DAY FOR SINGLES
What Asian country celebrates "Singles Day" on March 14, a month after Valentine’s Day?
10. THE ULTIMATE PROPOSAL DAY
Valentine’s Day is one of the most popular days for marriage proposals. What percentage of engagements take place on this day?
A. 6%
B. 10%
C. 20%
expressions of love and appreciation for friends, family, and even pets. Children exchange cards at school, while workplaces even hold themed events to foster camaraderie. Other countries add their own unique twists to the celebration. In Japan, chocolate takes center stage on Valentine’s Day with women traditionally gifting handmade or store-bought chocolates to men. A month later, on March 14th, men reciprocate the gesture on White Day, gifting women white chocolate in return. In South Korea, the same two days are celebrated, but a third day is added called Black Day, in which sin -
gle friends come together to celebrate being single. The name derives from a noodle dish with black sauce. In Finland and Estonia Valentine’s Day was transformed into Friends Day and includes friends and significant others.
Love in the Digital Age
In the 21st century, technology has taken Valentine’s Day to the next level. Online dating apps help people forge romantic connections, while social media provides platforms for sharing love stories and memories. Virtual gifts and e-cards have also grown in popularity, reflecting the increasing
ly digital nature of contemporary relationships.
A Winning Combination
Over the centuries Valentine’s Day has evolved from ancient rituals and saintly sacrifices to a global celebration of love and connection. The history of this holiday showcases the universal human desire to express affection and nurture bonds. Whether Valentine’s Day means grand gestures or simple acts of kindness for you, take a moment to reflect on the rich history that has culminated in this yearly celebration of love and good will.
Each row must contain the numbers 1 to 9. Each column must contain the numbers 1 to 9. Each set of 3 by 3 boxes must contain the numbers 1 to 9.
SUDOKU by Margie E. Burke
Reel Movie Reviews
Cupid Cinema
By Donovan Darling,
You People (2023)
A fresh and modern rom-com that hilariously and awkwardly navigates the cultural clash between two families, the movie follows Ezra (Jonah Hill), who’s Jewish, and Amira (Lauren London), who’s Black and Muslim. While they’re deeply in love they struggle to bring their families together — a task that proves to be heartfelt, relatable, and funny. Ezra and Amira’s relationship, which portrays a love that feels tender and real, is challenged not by their own doubts but by the prejudices and misunderstandings of their fami-
lies, played brilliantly by Eddie Murphy and Julia Louis-Dreyfus. This familial tug-of-war adds a layer of complexity to the movie, and suggests that love is shaped and tested by what we can’t control. For Valentine’s Day viewers, You People serves as both a cautionary tale and a celebration of the enduring power of love, with all its imperfections. Rated R for strong language and mature themes.
Say Anything (1989)
Few movies capture the essence of young love quite like Say Anything. Cameron Crowe’s cult classic is the perfect combination of passion, vulnerability, and grand romantic gestures. Lloyd Dobler (John Cusack)
is the prototypical lovestruck dreamer, chasing after Diane Court (Ione Skye), the class valedictorian with a complicated family life. What makes this movie so enduringly romantic is its simplicity: love here isn’t flashy but genuine. Lloyd’s now iconic boombox scene — a serenade to Peter Gabriel’s “In Your Eyes” — is pure movie magic and an example of the grand romantic gestures of the past. The movie’s ’80s vibe, with its mixtapes, payphones, and heartfelt rebelliousness, adds a certain nostalgic charm, perfect for those reminiscing about first loves. As a Valentine’s treat, Say Anything reminds us that love is about persistence, honesty, and
embracing imperfection, even in a perfectly imperfect world. Rated PG13 for mature themes.
Elemental (2023)
Pixar’s Elemental is a whimsical love story set in Element City, where fire, water, air, and earth coexist but rarely mix. The movie shines as a celebration of love’s ability to transcend differences. Ember, an obviously “fiery” and passionate character, meets Wade, a gentle, free-flowing water elemental, and their connection grows in spite of social rules and personal hesitancy. Their, ahem, “chemistry,” is both touching and playful, and a play on how opposites attract. Pixar’s hallmark storytelling
Solutions to Valentine’s Day Trivia, Crossword and Sudoku from Page 8
and gorgeous animation bring the relationship to life, from awkward beginnings to heartfelt resolution. Ember and Wade’s journey is a reminder that true love isn’t about finding someone identical to you — it’s about embracing what makes you different. Perfect for kids and the young at heart, Elemental is a Valentine’s Day treat. Rated PG.
• Valentine’s Day, celebrated annually on February 14, traces its origins to the Roman festival of Lupercalia and Saint Valentine, a martyr who performed secret marriages.
• Red roses symbolize love due to their association with
Venus, the Roman goddess of love.
• Globally, over 145 million Valentine’s cards are exchanged annually, making it the second-most popular card-sending holiday after Christmas.
• Love itself has fascinating science: oxytocin, the “love hormone,” strengthens bonds and trust, while dopamine sparks feelings of happiness and attraction. Studies show holding hands can lower stress. Whether romantic or platonic, Valentine’s celebrates the universal power of connection and affection.
For The Clipper Times
