Another day in this Three-Day Series.
This is the second day in a three-part series. So delicious the first day, you just had to come back for more.
And now, I bring to you the origins of the wondrous treats that meet our mouths. From the mystery of who made the first s’more to the dentists who invented a popular carnival snack.
• Whoopie Pie
Once again. There is controversy. The origin of Whoopie Pies is contested. A number of U.S. states have given a big whoop over who gets credit for this soft cookie sandwich.
According to Pennsylvania legend, an Amish woman made the first whoopie pies with leftover cake batter and icing and served them to her farmer husband and children, who all exclaimed, “Whoopee!”
But then? Residents of Maine tell the same story, except they give the credit to an unnamed Bangor bakery owner.
In Boston, some people claim a defunct local bakery invented the treat in 1931. Let’s just all agree to eat whoopie pie.
• Cotton Candy
Go figure this one. Cotton candy was created by dentists.
It was first introduced in the 18th century. But here is the thing. Spun sugar was a rare and very labor-intensive back then.
The time was long. And finally, cotton candy was introduced to the masses at the 1904 World’s Fair without the mechanical help of a dentist. Dr. William Morrison. That dentist guy teamed up with confectioner John C. Wharton in 1897 to invent the first cotton candy machine.
Then, in 1921, another dentist patented his own machine, along with the term cotton candy.
Why would dentists manufacture such a treat? To drum up more business, I bet.
• Jelly Beans
Once again. Mystery. Yes. The origin of jelly beans is murky.
According to one doubtful tale, a Boston confectioner named William Schrafft sold jelly beans and encouraged customers to send them to soldiers fighting in the Civil War.
But jelly beans weren’t mentioned in print until 1905. The slang term “jelly bean” wasn’t about candy at all. It was used to refer to dandy fellows who attracted the ladies by dressing well and offering little else. How that became associated with the candy, I do not know.
However, the real deal comes from Turkey. Apparently, the jelly bean’s confectionery predecessor was a Turkish delight. It’s said to have originated in Istanbul in 1777.
And there you have them. The Whoopie Pie, Cotton Candy, and the Jelly Bean. Sweets for the sweet. More for you tomorrow.
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“There is nothing better than a friend, unless it is a friend with chocolate.”
— Linda Grayson
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“Desserts are the fairy tales of the kitchen—a happily-ever-after to supper.” — Terri Guillemets
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“Stressed spelled backwards is desserts. Coincidence? I don’t think so.” — Author Unknown
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