I don't think they're doing as much good food writing today as there used to be.

I think it's more crazy splashy stuff that doesn't really make a whole lot of common sense.

I like common sense.

This is the Sportful.

It's not for foodies, it's for eaters. I'm Dan Pashman.

Each week on our show we obsess about food to learn more about people.

The last few weeks have been pretty big for Minnesota.

The state's governor is not the Democratic candidate for vice president.

He's been displaying his Minnesota charm and rallies all over the country.

And the Minnesota State Fair just opened. Over 12 days, more than a million people will descend on the

twin cities for rides, livestock

exhibitions, live music, and a lot of food. Back in June you may recall I talked

with Yia Vang who opened the first Hmong food stall at the State Fair a few

years ago. Yia's presence at the fair shows you just how much Minnesota's culinary scene has changed.

My guest today, B. Ojekangus, has also cooked at the Minnesota State Fair,

where she got her first taste of culinary fame back in 1946.

B turned 90 this year.

In her illustrious career, she's written an astounding 32 cookbooks and invented a frozen

food that's been an American icon for more than a half century.

On top of all that, there's a pretty good chance she's the person who first brought popcorn to Finland.

So as the Minnesota State Fair kicks into high gear, we think it's the perfect time to share her story.

B's family has been in Minnesota for generations since her grandfather Joel came from Finland in the late 1800s,

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