When I was little, I categorically refused to eat Hoppin’ John. At some point I got into my head (I think my dad helped), that Hoppin’ John was not in fact black-eyed peas, but some dude named John’s actual eyes. As a replacement to the annual tradition of eating black-eyed peas my mom cleverly replaced them with jelly beans. And not just any jelly beans, Jelly Belly Jelly Beans; a bag full of all my favorites without a licorice or buttered popcorn in sight. They were shaped the same and had bean in the name, we figured the luck would carry over.
Now at age twenty-six with a kid of my own, I still get jelly beans for the new year. I also eat black-eyed peas, as does my kiddo, but why give up an opportunity for guaranteed Jelly Bellies? This year I took it to a new level. One of Oklahoma’s many Route 66 destinations is a fun little place called Pop’s in Arcadia. (A definite must-stop for anyone who is traveling Route 66, I-35, or passing through central Oklahoma!) Pop’s specializes in bottled soda, the old school kind with metal bottle caps and glass. If you can think of it Pop’s either has it or will order it on request. Thus far I’ve tried Mint Julip Soda, Lenin-ade, Cat Pee Soda, and Rum Soda. But on my most recent trip I spotted Jelly Belly Gourmet Soda. It came in ten varieties all based on popular flavors of Jelly Belly Jelly Beans. I scooped up six of them and immediately commenced planning an experiment.
[Read the rest of JennT’s Jelly Belly soda experiment at GeekMom!]
