On January 29 we celebrate, National Corn Chip a day to enjoy those crispy, salty snacks that are made by frying or baking cornmeal into bite-sized pieces. This is one of the popular snacks and that can be eaten and enjoy in many ways. If you are a corn chips lover then this article is for you.
History of National Corn Chip Day
Did you know that, the history of corn chips started around a century ago, in 1932? Where the story goes that C.E. “Elmer” Doolin bought a bag of fried corn chips and enjoyed them so much he pawned his mother’s wedding ring (with her permission, one assumes…) to purchase the manufacturer and the recipe.
After that, he started selling them from his car and now the company he founded is the largest manufacturer of corn chips in the USA, which is the Frito-Lay company.
After that when corn chips were created by Doolin’s and other companies at the time were in the shape of a rectangle, noodle or scoop, another style of corn chip developed in the year 1940s when Rebecca Webb Caranza was searching for a way to use up her misshapen corn tortillas.
So after that, she cut them into triangles and deep-fried them, thus this is how the tortilla chip was created, a subcategory of the corn chip.
Since the year 2002, National Corn Chip Day has been celebrated.
| 1930s (The Corn Chip Is Born) | Corn chips are first made. |
| 1945 (Corn Chips Are First Distributed) | Doolin comes to an agreement with Herman Lay (of Lay’s potato chips) to distribute Doolin’s Fritos across the country. |
| 1950s (Fritos Become Popular) | Fritos becomes a best-selling corn chip in the U.S. |
| 1959 (Fritos and Lays Merge) | The two companies (Frito and Lay) form a merger, after Doolin’s death, known as ‘Frito-Lay. |
Homemade Corn Chips
Ingredients:
- 10-12 corn tortillas
- 2-3 tablespoons vegetable oil or olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder, paprika, or garlic powder for extra flavor
How to make:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Stack the tortillas and cut them into triangles. You can cut them into quarters or eighths, depending on the size you prefer.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Arrange the tortilla triangles in a single layer on the baking sheet. Brush or spray both sides lightly with oil. Sprinkle with salt and any additional seasonings you like.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8-12 minutes, or until the chips are crispy and golden brown. Make sure to check them frequently to prevent burning, as baking times can vary depending on your oven and the thickness of the chips.
- Allow the chips to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. They will continue to crisp up as they cool. Serve with your favorite dips or enjoy them on their own.
Additional Tips for Cooking:
- Oil: Using oil helps the chips become crispy. For a healthier option, you can use less oil or opt for a non-stick cooking spray.
- Seasonings: Feel free to experiment with different seasonings like cumin, onion powder, or even a sprinkle of cheese for a different flavor profile.
- Storage: Store leftover chips in an airtight container to keep them crisp. They’re best enjoyed within a week.
5 Amazing Facts About Corn Chips
-
Chips and dip straight out of the bag- Do you knoww that in some regions, pouring the chili into a bag of corn chips and eating the mixture directly from the bag is a norm?
-
Fritos were the first corn chips- The first corn chip is the Fritos Corn Chip, initially sold in the 1930s.
-
Frito Chili Pi- ‘Frito Chili Pie’ is a type of pie invented in the 1960s by Teresa Hernández, a cook in Santa Fe.
-
Lay popularized Fritos- Fritos became huge after joining up with Lay’s.
-
Fritos had a restaurant in Disneyland- After Disneyland opened in 1955, Casa de Fritos happily opened its doors for visitors to have a taste of Mexican specials like tamales and enchiladas.
Conclusion
In conclusion, National Corn Chip Day on January 29 is a day to enjoy and appreciate one of our favourite snack foods chips corn. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, making a batch of nachos, or simply munching on some chips while relaxing, it’s a day to celebrate the versatility and crunch of corn chips.
FAQs
What is National Corn Chip Day?
National Corn Chip Day is a fun day, unofficial food holiday that is celebrated on January 29 each year. A day dedicated to enjoying and appreciating corn chips, a popular snack made from cornmeal.
What are some popular recipes that include corn chips?
Popular recipes of corn chips include nachos, corn chip casseroles, and corn chip-coated chicken. You can also use crushed corn chips as a crunchy topping for salads or soups.
Can I make my own corn chips at home?
Yes, you can make homemade corn chips by cutting corn tortillas into triangles, brushing them with oil, and baking or frying them until crispy. Season with salt or your favorite spices for a tasty snack.
How can I celebrate National Corn Chip Day?
You can celebrate by enjoying corn chips in your favorite ways—whether that’s plain, with dips like salsa or guacamole, or as part of a recipe like nachos.
Where can I buy corn chips?
You can buy corn chips at grocery stores, convenience stores, and online. Even you can find them in various brands and flavors, from classic to more adventurous varieties.
Also, read more about National Gourmet Coffee Day – January 18, 2025
