Sally Analyzes USA TODAY’s Daily Crossword Puzzle, Ab Initio

There are spoilers ahead. You might want to solve today’s puzzle before reading further! Ab Initio

Constructor: Malaika Handa

Editor: Amanda Rafkin

What I Learned from Today’s Puzzle

• YOTAM (20A: Ottolenghi who wrote “Plenty” and “Plenty More”) YOTAM Ottolenghi is a chef, restaurateur, and food writer. Known for his vegetable-centric cookbooks, “Plenty” (2010) and “Plenty More” (2014), Ottolenghi writes about food for The Guardian. Born in Israel, he now lives in London and co-owns several delis and restaurants with Sami Tamimi. I am excited to explore his recipes and check out his cookbooks at the library.
• RAE (38A: Delta ___ (folk rock band)) Delta RAE comprises siblings Ian Hölljes, Eric Hölljes, and Brittany Hölljes, along with Elizabeth Hopkins, Mike McKee, and Grant Emerson. Their music blends gospel-tinged country rock, blue-eyed soul, and Americana. The band’s albums “The Light” (2020) and “The Dark” (2021) were funded via Kickstarter after they parted ways with Big Machine Label Group.
• CUDI (43A: Kid ___ (“Entergalactic” rapper) Released in 2022, “Entergalactic” is Kid CUDI’s eighth studio album, which coincided with an animated TV special of the same name. The visual companion piece was launched by Netflix, describing it as “The greatest love story you already know but have never seen. Or heard.”

Random Thoughts & Interesting Things

• AUDRE (21A: “The Master’s Tools Will Never Dismantle the Master’s House” author Lorde) AUDRE Lorde (1934-1992) was a Black, lesbian, mother, warrior, and poet who used her talents to combat various forms of injustice. Her essay “The Master’s Tools Will Never Dismantle the Master’s House” is part of the 1984 book “Sister Outsider: Essays and Speeches.”
• SOLE (27A: Red part of a Louboutin shoe) Christian Louboutin’s high-end stilettos are characterized by their signature shiny red-lacquered SOLE. Fun fact: Author Danielle Steele reportedly owns more than 6,000 pairs of these shoes.
• MIA (35A: “The Princess Diaries” protagonist) “The Princess Diaries” series by Meg Cabot features Amelia Mignonette Grimaldi Thermopolis, Princess of Genovia, known as MIA. Anne Hathaway portrayed MIA in the movie adaptations, a role that remains one of my favorites of hers.
• ANDRE BRAUGHER (39A: Actor who portrayed Captain Holt in “Brooklyn Nine-Nine”) While I’m not an avid TV watcher, I did follow “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” thanks to my daughter. ANDRE BRAUGHER played Raymond Jacob Holt, the first African American gay police captain in NYPD’s 99th precinct. The role earned him two Critics’ Choice Awards and various nominations. ANDRE BRAUGHER passed away in 2023 at the age of 61.
• APPLE BUTTER (57A: Jamlike condiment often made in the fall) Hooray for apple season! I recently visited my local orchard to stock up on apples for applesauce. I might return to make some Apple Butter as well.
• SAM’S (67A: ___ Club (Costco competitor)) SAM’S Club was recently mentioned in another puzzle.
• SON (71A: Bronny, to LeBron) Bronny James, basketball player for the NBA’s Los Angeles Lakers, is the son of NBA player LeBron James. Bronny and LeBron are the first active father-son duo in the NBA.
• OHIO (2D: Cleveland’s state) Cleveland, located in northeastern OHIO along Lake Erie, is home to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
• FORT (3D: Structure that might be made of pillows) I loved this clue as I am a fan of pillow FORTs.
• HESTER (12D: ___ Prynne (“The Scarlet Letter” protagonist)) “The Scarlet Letter,” a novel by Nathanial Hawthorne set in the 1640s Puritan Massachusetts Bay Colony, tells the story of HESTER Prynne, who must wear a scarlet “A” after bearing an illegitimate child.
• OAHU (34D: Honolulu’s island) OAHU, Hawaii’s third-largest island, is where the state capital, Honolulu, is located.
• PRAY (59D: Say a Hail Mary, for example) The Hail Mary is a traditional Catholic prayer directed to Mary, the mother of Jesus.
• Additional clues I found enjoyable include:
• TAMPON (10D: Alternative to a diva cup)
• PADDINGTON (30D: Fictional British bear who enjoys orange marmalade)
• STRAW (32D: Tube sometimes made of paper)

Crossword Puzzle Theme Synopsis

• AIR BUBBLE (17A: One might come out of a snorkel)
• ANDRE BRAUGHER (39A: Actor who portrayed Captain Holt in “Brooklyn Nine-Nine”)
• APPLE BUTTER (57A: Jamlike condiment often made in the fall)

AB INITIO: Each theme answer includes the initials A.B.: AIR BUBBLE, ANDRE BRAUGHER, and APPLE BUTTER.

AB INITIO, a Latin phrase meaning “from the beginning,” indicates that the initials A and B appear at the start of each answer. The word INITIO hints at a focus on initials, aiding in deciphering the theme. This puzzle offers an intriguing and educational experience. Thank you to Malaika for creating it.

Source: USA TODAY