That's an interesting observation. Mr. GCCC. Even though I invented the dough in my kitchen and entirely made up the story around my fictitious Luftschiffengelfolk, it seems to be solidly related to real food. Mayhaps s type of cultural telepathy? I'll have to work the Bavarian - Czech alternative historical connection.
I just thought it might be the inspiration, what with you being in the Hill Country, and all. Less cultural telepathy than subliminal? Either way, it's genius, and perfect food for aeronauts and busy ground dwellers alike.
Since my question was based on where I live, I got to thinking what might be Steampunk fast food elsewhere in the 19th Century...
West Coast (USA): Flying fish tacos.
Texas: Pleurocoelus chili.
New England: Kraken chowder.
Australia: Fried bunyip.
Meiji Era Japan: Flying Squid Ikayaki.Ikayaki (definition, Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ikayaki)Ikayaki (いか焼き, イカ焼き or 烏賊焼?, baked or grilled squid) is a popular fast food in Japan. In much of Japan, the term refers to simple grilled squid topped with soy sauce; the portion of squid served may be the whole body (minus entrails), rings cut from the body, or one or more tentacles, depending on the size.[1] Ikayaki is served in many izakayas and a grilled tentacle on a stick is popular at Japanese festivals.Flying Squid Ikayaki became popular among Japanese airship crewmen during the Meiji Period, especially in the last decade of the 19th.C, when obsolete Sumptuary laws were finally abolished. Tentacle Ikayaki and sushi were previously type of snacks available only to the Emperor, but local Shoguns illegally used to feast on it. As it was forbidden by Sumptuary laws among the Shogunate, it was also not available to common people.
But all that changed with the Japanese constitution of 1889, when Emperor Meiji abolished the Shogunate and declared that his subjects could also consume many of the delicacies forbidded by Sumptuary laws. Most famous among the vendors of Tentacle Ikayaki was "Old Man of Nagano," Ishikawa, Akane, who became famous for mooring his steamboat restaurant and casino along the shores of the Shinano River. Enjoying of much success, Ishikawa expanded his business to a fleet of 10 Steamboats and 5 Airship restaurant/casinos with the blessing from the Emperor.
Empress Shōken visits one of Ishikawa's ships (undated, C. 1892)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L0mxHIcaug0#Ikayaki vendor at Ueno ParkNow you have to decide which part of this story is real and which is fictitious
