As you have surely heard, it’s Christmastime! And like millions of happy celebrants all over the globe, you are likely making the rounds of holiday parties and indulging freely in a wide variety of rich foods and lavishly decorated sweets.

What food is a winter holiday mainstay, contains an ingredient with proven medicinal qualities, and is often used as a building material?

This week, we celebrate a American invention that is an integral part of kitchens all over the world, a mainstay for busy parents, college students, restaurants and convenience stores.