Wouldn't You Like to be a Pepper TOO?

Did you know that Dr. Pepper was created in Waco, Texas? Also that it is older then either Coca Cola or Pepsi? (created in 1885) I sure didn't! They are celebrating 125 years this year. Before it was called Dr. Pepper it was know as WACO...

These are the kind of service trucks that delivered Dr. Pepper over the years

While in Waco, we took a tour of the Dr Pepper Museum, a place that serves up history, nostalgia, and Waco’s favorite authentic soda fountain drinks. You can even enjoy a Dr. Pepper Float in the ambiance of a restored turn-of-the-century soda fountain. The museum also recreates the soda fountain where Dr. Charles Alderton first mixed the flavors that make up Dr Pepper (none of which is prune juice—a popular rumor about this classic drink.) In this exhibit, an animated, life-size Dr. Alderton tells the story of his invention.

The next exhibit showcases the original Dr Pepper bottling company, including the well from which they drew their artesian spring water, as well as a multitude of historic soft drink bottles and manufacturing equipment, and an interactive study of the pressure in a soft drink bottle.

This is the bottler from the factory and the Artesian well that they got all the water from

These original machinery was used in the beginning of the Dr. Pepper craze. There is a short silent film you can watch of young people actually labeling the and botteling Dr. Pepper.

The second floor of the Dr Pepper Museum shows the evolution of soft drink advertising over the years. The third floor houses the Soft Drink Hall of Fame. Also on the 3rd floor is the story of Woodrow Wilson (Foots) Clements who started out delivering Dr. Pepper and worked his way up to become CEO of the company. A success story that I don't think could happen today.

Check out this horse made of Dr. Pepper bottle caps and strips of cans!

Enjoy the Dr Pepper Recipes I found on the Internet

DPQ (Barbeque) Sauce
•2 1/2 cups Dr Pepper
•1/2 Cup Oil
•1/2 cup lemon juice
•1 cup catsup
•1 teaspoon garlic powder
•1/4 cup dry minced onion
•2 teaspoons salt
•I teaspoon pepper
*1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper

1 teaspoon basil

Blend together on stir speed of blender for 2 minutes. Store in tightly sealed container and refrigerate. Shake well I before using, (Will keep for several weeks in refrigerator.)

*May substitute 1/4 teaspoon red pepper sauce.

YIELD: 4 1/2

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Dr. Pepper Jelly

•3-1/2 cups sugar
•2-1/4 cups Dr. Pepper
•¼ cup lemon juice
•few drops red food color (optional)
•3 ounces liquid pectin
Combine sugar, Dr. Pepper & lemon juice in a large saucepan. Add food color if desired and mix well. Place over high heat* and bring to a boil, stirring constantly.

Stir in liquid pectin at once. Bring to a full rolling boil. Boil hard 1 minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat, skim off foam with a metal spoon.

Pour quickly into hot sterilized jars and seal. Makes 5 (6-ounce) glasses.

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Hot Dr Pepper

Dr Pepper
Thin lemon slices

Pour Dr Pepper into saucepan. Heat* to simmering temperature about 180 degrees F or just below boiling point, (The beverage will appear to be boiling long before if is hot due to the carbonation.) Place a thin slice of fresh lemon in bottom of cup and pour steaming hot Dr Pepper over it.

Serve at once. This drink will be hot - sipping hot or should be about 170 degrees F. when ready to drink.

NOTE: A fresh slice of lemon is required to give the proper taste of Hot Dr Pepper

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Dr Pepper Wings

•2 tsp. cayenne pepper
•1 tsp. White Pepper
•1 tsp. Black Pepper
•2 tsp. Salt
•2 tsp. Garlic Powder
•2 tsp. Onion Powder
•2 tsp. Paprika
•1 tsp. Dried Thyme
•2 tsp. Dark Soy Sauce
•½ Onion, finely diced
•¼ cup Dr Pepper
•3 lbs. Chicken Wing Sections (about 24)
The day before: In large zippered bag, combine all seasonings, the Dr Pepper and onion, mixing well. Add chicken and expel air from bag. Mush chicken around in the bag to distribute the spices and liquid. Marinate overnight in refrigerator.

To bake, turn on broiler. Line a raised cookie sheet with foil.

Place wings on foil and broil about 10 to 12 minutes on each side until crisped and well done, with no pink juices.

Serve hot. Makes 4 to 6 servings.

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Dr Pepper Jell-O

1 box cherry Jell-O ½ cup boiling water 1-1/2 cups Dr Pepper (or Coke)

Dissolve the Jell-O in the boiling* water. Add the Dr Pepper. Use a large container as it foams when you add the Dr Pepper. Chill and eat. Will remind you of an old fountain Cherry Dr. Pepper. Also gives the Jell-O a little tingle!

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We ended this wonderful day by going out to eat at CHUY'S Tex Mex Restaurant...

It is a chain that has Great food and is a fun place...

I forgot to take pictures of the food until it was almost gone...

Go visit these two places too when you are in Waco, Texas.

Until Later... Have FUN, Travel Safe & Enjoy Everyday!