Longtime Hartland resident Gail Offen and co-writer Jon Milan have delved deep into Michigan's food and drink history. Their latest book, "Classic Michigan Food and Drink: The Stories Behind The Brands," released in November by Arcadia Publishing, is a treasure trove of facts and stories.

Discovering Michigan's Food Innovations

You might think you know Michigan for Gerber baby food, but did you know Germack in Detroit was the first to import and dye pistachios red? Offen and Milan spent two years traveling the state, uncovering such fascinating facts. They saw how fudge is made on Mackinac Island and learned about jam production in Petoskey. The book covers over 140 brands, both existing and gone. One brand led to another, and their ideas just kept flowing. They discovered how Kowalski invented hunter sausage and how Ryba Fudge fueled Northern Michigan's fudge industry. They also explored how Sanders makes its iconic caramel topping and what makes Better Made potato chips the best.The Wolverine State is home to many notable edibles like Faygo, American Spoon, Jiffy, Sanders, and Vernors. Others, like Awrey's and Twin Pines, may be gone but not forgotten. For example, Ritz Crackers were invented in Jackson but the recipe was sold to Nabisco decades ago. Reading this book can bring a sense of nostalgia.Offen, an adjunct professor at Lawrence Technological University and an award-winning advertising creative director, writer, and branding specialist, has also delved into the underworld with "Michigan Haunts: Public Places, Eerie Spaces." They've written books about the history of Grand River and iconic restaurants in Ann Arbor.

Book Signing Events

The authors will be at a book signing from 1-3 p.m. Friday, Nov. 29, at 2 Dandelions, 428 W. Main St. in Brighton, and from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 30, at Heart of Michigan, 203 W. Grand River Ave. in Howell."I'm proud of this book," Offen said. "It was fun to write. It makes you proud to be from Michigan."— M. Alan Scott is a freelance writer for The Livingston Daily. Contact the newsroom at newsroom@livingstondaily.com.