Food and Beverage
The Sweet Legacy of M&M’s: A Crunchy, Colorful Delight
Last Updated on September 21, 2024 by Daily News Staff
What does the name printed on the candy’s hard surface mean? For those of us who can’t resist indulging in a bag of M&M Plain—my personal favorite—it’s much more than just a catchy title; it represents a rich history of collaboration and innovation in confectionery. Let’s take a stroll down memory lane to uncover the origins of this iconic candy.
In the early 1940s, two confectionery entrepreneurs named Forrest Mars and Bruce Murrie crossed paths at a pivotal moment. Forrest, the son of the founder of the Mars Company, had an inventive streak and a passion for candy-making, while Bruce, the son of Hershey Chocolate’s founder, inherited a love for rich chocolate and a flair for flavor.
During World War II, while serving overseas, Forrest noticed soldiers enjoying portable chocolate-covered candies that resisted melting in warm climates. Inspired by this observation, he envisioned a similar treat. Upon his return to the United States, he partnered with Bruce to craft a recipe for a new candy: smooth chocolate coated in a vibrant, colorful sugar shell.
Vintage 1941 picture of M&Ms: Image Credit: N/A – N/A Fair use
In 1941, the first batch of M&M’s was produced in Newark, New Jersey. To honor their collaboration, they decided to name the candy after themselves. Thus, the letters “M” and “M” stand for Mars and Murrie, a brand that would soon delight taste buds around the world.
The Rise of M&M’s
With its whimsical name and colorful design, M&M’s quickly captured the hearts of consumers, becoming an instant favorite and selling millions of packages annually. As the years passed, M&M’s diversified, introducing countless flavors and bright colors, embedding itself in American culture.
Today, the letters M & M symbolize not only the partnership of two visionary candy makers but also a timeless legacy of sweetness that continues to bring joy to millions across the globe.
The Many Flavors of M&M’s
So, how many varieties of M&M’s can you name? Whether you’re a fan of the classic or prefer a unique twist, the M&M family has something special for everyone. Here’s a list of the delicious varieties you might enjoy:
- M&M Plain – The classic chocolate filling, sugar-coated.
- Peanut M&M’s – A crunchy peanut center coated in chocolate and a candy shell.
- Peanut Butter M&M’s – Creamy peanut butter enveloped in a rich chocolate shell.
- Almond M&M’s – An almond center surrounded by milk chocolate and a candy coat.
- Crispy M&M’s – Crispy rice centers covered in milk chocolate and a colorful shell.
- Pretzel M&M’s – Bite-sized pretzel pieces coated with chocolate and a crunchy candy shell.
- Dark Chocolate M&M’s – A rich dark chocolate filling wrapped in the classic shell.
- Caramel M&M’s – Soft caramel surrounded by chocolate and a colorful coating.
- Seasonal Varieties – These might include flavors like Pumpkin Spice, Candy Corn, or even holiday-themed creations!
- Limited Editions – M&M’s frequently introduces unique flavors for a limited time, which may vary by region or special occasions.
The Sweet Impact
Though the colorful, candy-coated chocolate treats carry different names and flavors, they all share the same delightful spirit that ignited their creation. M&M Plain continues to hold a special place in the hearts of candy lovers—simple, satisfying, and undeniably iconic.
As you savor your next handful of M&M’s, think about the sweet history behind these irresistible candies and the creativity that continues to bring new flavors to our favorite shelves today. Now, it’s your turn! How many of these M&M varieties have you tried? Which one is your favorite? 🍬✨
Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M%26M%27s
At our core, we at STM Daily News, strive to keep you informed and inspired with the freshest content on all things food and beverage. From mouthwatering recipes to intriguing articles, we’re here to satisfy your appetite for culinary knowledge.
Visit our Food & Drink section to get the latest on Foodie News and recipes, offering a delightful blend of culinary inspiration and gastronomic trends to elevate your dining experience.
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recipes
Take Sweetness to New Heights In the New Year
Easy Lemon Blueberry Bars are a delightful dessert featuring lemon cake mix, fresh blueberries, and a white chocolate drizzle. Perfect for gatherings and celebrations.
Last Updated on January 31, 2026 by Daily News Staff
Take Sweetness to New Heights In the New Year
(Family Features) Whether you can’t quite give up on the holiday treats or the festivities are continuing into 2026, these Easy Lemon Blueberry Bars offer a light, fruity bite. The melted white chocolate drizzle is just what gatherings with loved ones call for. Visit Culinary.net for more delicious desserts to enjoy this year.
Easy Lemon Blueberry Bars
Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy”
- 1 stick butter, melted
- 1 box lemon cake mix
- 2 eggs
- 1/3 cup fresh blueberries
- 2/3 cup white chocolate chips, divided
- 1/3 cup chopped pecans
- Heat oven to 350 F.
- In bowl, combine butter, cake mix, eggs, blueberries, 1/3 cup white chocolate chips and pecans.
- Butter 7-by-11-inch pan and spread mixture evenly into pan. Bake 30-35 minutes.
- Let cool then melt remaining white chocolate chips and drizzle over bars.
- Tip: If melted white chocolate chips are too thick, add a little oil before drizzling.
SOURCE:
Culinary.net
https://stmdailynews.com/the-fate-of-lucky-supermarkets-in-socal/
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Local Business
Original Tommy’s: How a Chili Burger Became a Southern California Icon
Original Tommy’s, established in 1946 in Los Angeles, is famous for its thick chili burgers and late-night appeal. It remains family-owned, embodying authentic Los Angeles culture and serving as a cultural landmark despite the fast-food industry’s evolution.
In a city famous for reinvention, reinvention was never the point at Original Tommy’s. Since 1946, the no-frills hamburger stand at Beverly and Rampart has served generations of Angelenos the same way: chili dripping, paper wrapped, eaten standing up, usually late at night. Original Tommy’s isn’t just a restaurant — it’s a piece of Los Angeles history.
From a Small Stand to a City Landmark
Original Tommy’s was founded on May 15, 1946, by Thomas James “Tommy” Koulax, the son of Greek immigrants. What began as a modest walk-up stand selling hamburgers and hot dogs quickly gained attention for one reason: chili. Not the thin, soupy kind — but a thick, meaty chili ladled generously over burgers, fries, hot dogs, and eventually tamales.
The location mattered. Sitting just west of downtown Los Angeles, the stand became a crossroads for working-class Angelenos, night-shift workers, musicians, cops, cab drivers, and anyone else looking for something filling at all hours. Long before the phrase “LA street food” existed, Tommy’s was already living it.
The Chili Burger Becomes an LA Staple
By the 1950s and 1960s, Original Tommy’s chili burger had become legendary. The menu stayed intentionally simple: burgers, hot dogs, fries, tamales, and breakfast items — all enhanced by the same signature chili. The stand-up counters, fast service, and absence of indoor seating created a rhythm that felt uniquely Los Angeles.
This wasn’t fast food chasing national trends. It was local food defining a city.
Growth Without Franchising
Unlike many post-war burger chains, Original Tommy’s expanded cautiously. Beginning in the 1970s, additional locations opened throughout Southern California and later into Nevada. At its height, the chain operated more than 30 restaurants.
What made Tommy’s different was its refusal to franchise widely. Remaining family-owned helped preserve consistency — the chili tasted the same, the portions stayed generous, and the experience remained unmistakably “Tommy’s.”
A Cultural Shortcut for “Real Los Angeles”
Original Tommy’s became more than a place to eat — it became a visual and cultural shorthand for authenticity. Filmmakers and TV producers regularly used the location to signal a grounded, working-class Los Angeles. If a character eats at Tommy’s, you immediately know who they are.
- Films: Heat, L.A. Confidential, They Live
- Television: Bosch, Californication, numerous food and travel shows
Musicians, athletes, and actors have long cited Tommy’s as a post-show, post-game, or late-night ritual — a place that didn’t care who you were, only whether you were hungry.
Why Original Tommy’s Still Matters
Nearly 80 years later, Original Tommy’s endures because it never tried to be trendy. It represents a post-war immigrant success story, a city built on late nights, and a version of fast food rooted in place rather than branding.
In a region overflowing with burger options, Original Tommy’s remains singular — messy, unapologetic, and inseparable from Los Angeles itself.
Original Tommy’s: Then & Now
Original Location (1946–Present):
2575 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA — the iconic stand-up counter location that started it all.
Expansion Era:
1970s–1990s locations spread across Los Angeles County, Orange County, the Inland Empire, and Nevada.
Today:
A smaller but focused footprint, still family-owned and operated from headquarters in Monrovia, California.
Also Good to Know
- Original Tommy’s Official History
The chain’s own account of its founding and legacy. - Los Angeles Magazine: Original Tommy’s
A deeper look at Tommy’s role in LA food culture. - Tasting Table: Chili Burger History
Context on how chili burgers became a regional staple. - Time Out LA: Original Tommy’s
Why the stand remains a must-visit for locals and tourists.
At our core, we at STM Daily News, strive to keep you informed and inspired with the freshest content on all things food and beverage. From mouthwatering recipes to intriguing articles, we’re here to satisfy your appetite for culinary knowledge.
Visit our Food & Drink section to get the latest on Foodie News and recipes, offering a delightful blend of culinary inspiration and gastronomic trends to elevate your dining experience. https://stmdailynews.com/food-and-drink/
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Last Updated on January 30, 2026 by Daily News Staff
Each year on January 31st, National Hot Chocolate Day warms up people across the country by celebrating the timeless cold-weather beverage.
National Hot Chocolate Day
Hot chocolate, also known as hot cocoa or drinking chocolate, is a heated drink consisting of shaved chocolate, melted chocolate or cocoa powder, heated milk or water, and usually a sweetener like whipped cream or marshmallows. Hot chocolate made with melted chocolate is sometimes called drinking chocolate, characterized by less sweetness and a thicker consistency.
The first chocolate drink is believed to have been created by the Maya around 2,500–3,000 years ago, and a cocoa drink was an essential part of Aztec culture by 1400 AD, by which they referred to as xocōlātl.[2] The drink became popular in Europe after being introduced from Mexico in the New World and has undergone multiple changes since then. Until the 19th century, hot chocolate was used medicinally to treat ailments such as liver and stomach diseases.
Hot chocolate is consumed throughout the world and comes in multiple variations, including the spiced chocolate para mesa of Latin America, the very thick cioccolata calda served in Italy and chocolate a la taza served in Spain, and the thinner hot cocoa consumed in the United States. Prepared hot chocolate can be purchased from a range of establishments, including cafeterias, fast food restaurants, coffeehouses and teahouses. Powdered hot chocolate mixes, which can be added to boiling water or hot milk to make the drink at home, are sold at grocery stores and online. (wikipedia)
Links:
National Day Calendar: https://nationaldaycalendar.com/national-hot-chocolate-day-january-31/
Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hot_chocolate
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