Ep 10. Secret Center
- March 9, 2015
- 30 min
In this episode of Unwrapped 2.0, titled "Secret Center," host Alfonso Ribeiro takes viewers on a journey to uncover the secrets hidden inside some of the world's most popular snacks.
The first segment explores the world of Tootsie Roll Pops, revealing the surprise center that lies at the heart of every candy. Ribeiro talks to the company's master candy maker, who shares how they create the iconic candy, and then cuts one open to demonstrate how the center is made. They also delve into the history of the Tootsie Roll Company and how the candy has evolved over the years.
Next up, Ribeiro takes a look at one of America's favorite childhood treats: the Hostess Cupcake. But what many people don't know is that there's more to this dessert than just chocolate cake and creamy frosting. The real secret is the hidden pocket of frosting inside the cupcake itself. To demonstrate this, Ribeiro enlists the help of a Hostess baker, who shows him how to create the signature swirl and then cuts open a cupcake to reveal the surprise center.
The third segment focuses on a snack that has been a favorite of kids and adults alike for decades: Cracker Jack. Ribeiro explores the history of the snack, which dates back to the late 1800s, and talks to a company representative about how they make the classic caramel-coated popcorn and peanut mixture. But the real surprise comes when Ribeiro discovers the hidden toy or prize inside every box of Cracker Jack. He talks to a collector who has amassed a huge collection of vintage Cracker Jack toys and looks at some of the more unusual and rare items.
The fourth and final segment takes a visit to the state fair, where Ribeiro explores some of the more unusual and surprising foods on offer. One vendor offers up a deep-fried Red Bull, which Ribeiro samples before moving on to a booth that serves up fried gator-on-a-stick. He talks to the vendor about how they make the dish and tries it for himself.
Throughout the episode, Ribeiro also shares fun facts and trivia about each of the snacks featured, and introduces viewers to some of the people who make them. He also reveals some of the marketing and packaging strategies that companies use to keep their products fresh and relevant.
Overall, "Secret Center" is a fun and informative episode of Unwrapped 2.0 that will appeal to anyone who loves snacks and enjoys learning about the stories behind the foods we eat.