Remembering Rootitoot, Canada s Instant Pot Queen
How a Campbell River, B.C. senior built a global and massively loyal Instant Pot fandom without a single TV appearance, media interview or YouTube channel. Isabel Slone Updated Illustration by Chantal Bennett.
Offline, Ruth “Rootitoot” McCusker was a quiet woman who lived in a small studio apartment in downtown Campbell River, B.C. A stroke in 2007 had compromised her balance and resulted in a rare vision disability, leaving her unable to work; her only source of income was a government disability cheque. But unbeknownst to her neighbours, this doting grandmother of three led an invisible double life as an online Instant Pot guru, doling out recipes and advice to a loyal Facebook following nearly 100,000 strong. McCusker named the group “Rootitoot,” after a childhood nickname, and spent multiple hours each day tending to what she called her “secret garden”: responding to recipe questions and offeri
‘Tis the season for hot chocolate, and an especially decadent version of everyone’s favorite holiday drink (suck it, cider) is exploding on TikTok and in suburban communities across the country. A basic-bitch packet of Swiss Miss mix just can’t compete with the visually compelling and viral glory of hot chocolate bombs.
For the unfamiliar, hot chocolate bombs, or glossy chocolate orbs filled with cocoa mix, marshmallows, sprinkles, and other edible baubles, are a truly over-the-top way to level up your cocoa game. Once plopped inside a mug full of warm milk, the bombs open up in dramatic fashion, revealing the goodies inside and creating a decadent cup of hot cocoa once stirred together.