Final answer:
A cook-off generally refers to a cooking competition. In the historical context, 'cook-off' seems to misreference the 'kitchen debate' between Nixon and Khrushchev, symbolizing Cold War competition between communism and capitalism. Additionally, advances in refrigeration importantly changed global food storage and transport.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term 'cook-off' is typically used to refer to a cooking competition where participants prepare specific dishes to be judged on various criteria, such as taste, presentation, and originality. However, the question seems to be referring to a historical event known as the 'kitchen debate' which was an impromptu exchange between then U.S. Vice President Richard Nixon and Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev in 1959, during the height of the Cold War. This event was emblematic of the competing ideologies of communism and capitalism, with each side arguing for the superiority of their respective economic and technological systems. In terms of societal developments, refrigeration technology mentioned in the context was also a significant advancement, changing the way foods were stored and transported globally and altering everyday life.