Sampler Platter: Fruitcake, Mrs. Darwin & sacred steak vaults

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• Cambridge University to publish Mrs. Charles Darwin’s recipes. Roasted dodo not included but turnip cresselly, broiled mushrooms and cheese straws are. BBC

• With his reign as the hot dog king over, competitive eater Takeru Kobayashi vows to conquer the fruitcake. New York Daily News

• It’s an oldie but it’s necessary at this time of year: the history of the martini. (registration required to read full story) The New Yorker

• Pet food, baby formula.... How did the FDA let melamine into the U.S. food supply? Slate

• Meet Kenneth Moravec, who’s stockpiled six years’ worth of food in his Utah basement. Mormon Times

• Enjoy this 360-degree view of the sacred steak vault at the Peter Luger steakhouse. New York Times

• Headline of the Day: ‘Pathetic Suburban Males cook up a good time.’ Southtown Star

-- Elina Shatkin