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Today, January 29th, is National Corn Chip Day in the United States. To be clear, I’m talking about corn chips (Fritos), as opposed to tortilla chips (Doritos)The corn chip or friotes are not to be confused with the tortilla chip. Both are made from cornmeal which is baked or fried in oil.
According to the National Day Calendar:
Differing steps for processing the corn separate the tortilla from the corn chip. The corn for a tortilla chip is soaked in a lime-water solution that breaks down the hulls. This process creates a crisper, milder chip. A corn chip is sturdier with a stronger corn flavor. Both were popular snacks originating in Mexico.
We have a couple of gents to thank for corn chips’ existence. In 1945, Elmer Doolin was also traveling in San Antonio and was enjoying friotes. According to the story, he paid $100 for the recipe. Experimenting in his home until he created the ideal chip, Doolin then started selling them from the back of his Model T Ford. When he began mass-producing them under the name of Frito Corn Chips, they were a hit. Then he met Herman Lay (Frito Lay, eventually) and they partnered to make Fritos. The companies merged after Doolin died in 1959.
So, how can we celebrate today, National Corn Chip Day? Do you have a preferred dip or use for Fritos? Personally, I feel that Fritos are the best, in the bottom of a bowl, filled with delicious, homemade chili, with some onions chunked in there. Nothing beats a Frito Pie!
How do YOU like your corn chips? I’d like to know.