Although we think of chocolate chip cookies as our national icon, the brownie was actually created in the windy city of Chicago (1893). Who wouldn’t enjoy a warm brownie on a cold day!?
There are many different versions today, from toppings to inclusions, and allergen free. Although today we just want to talk about the origins and traditional brownies.
The original brownie was made in 1893. You can still try tis original recipe (dated 1893) at the hotel now known as Palmer House, a Hilton Hotel in Chicago. As Forbes describes it “…one of the grande dames of the city’s hospitality industry.” According to Forbes, the hotel served nearly four tons of the brownies in 2017.
Brownie toppings to give it a touch of originality! From apricot glaze to simple shredded coconut, mini marshmallows, or sprinkles for a fun celebration. Whats your favorite?
But the the story…
What’s your favorite topping?
Bertha Palmer , head of the Board of Lady Managers for the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition, is who is responsible for these delight. “She directed Palmer House pastry chefs to come up with a recipe for a dessert that would be easy to transport in boxed lunches at the Women’s Pavilion.”
It was not until several years later did the name “brownies” was used. This dessert was a part of one of the most important events in Chicago history, the the Columbian Exposition, held to celebrate the 400th anniversary of Christopher Columbus’ arrival in the New World, and to showcase Chicago’s recovery from the Great Chicago Fire in 1871.
“The world’s fair is famous for the introduction of many things; the first Ferris wheel, the world’s first moving walkways, Juicy Fruit gum and Pabst Blue Ribbon Beer. It impacted the city’s architecture, urban planning, commerce, parkland and image on the world stage. The fair ended two days after Mayor Carter Harrison, Sr. was assassinated, and a public memorial service was held instead of the closing ceremonies. Some of the buildings remain and much of the city’s history can be linked to the fair.”