Discover the Chicago Hotel That Created the Iconic Brownie in the 1800s!

Brownies are a classic American dessert that combines rich chocolate flavor with a convenient shape. These treats steal the show at bake sales and barbecues. Making brownies is easy, whether you’re aiming for a fudgy or a cakey texture. You can even elevate them with unique ingredients. But did you know brownies have a fascinating history?

The story of the brownie begins in the late 19th century at the Palmer House hotel in Chicago. This hotel was a wedding gift from Potter Palmer to his wife, Bertha. Unfortunately, it burned down just 13 days after opening due to the Great Chicago Fire but was rebuilt and reopened in 1873.

In 1893, as Chicago prepared for the World’s Columbian Exposition, Bertha, who was involved in organizing the event, wanted a new dessert for the Women’s Pavilion. She asked pastry chef Joseph Sehl to create something similar to a chocolate cake but more portable—a dessert that could be enjoyed in a box lunch. This request sparked the invention of the brownie.

Sehl’s original recipe is still a secret, but it’s packed with quality ingredients. It features butter, sugar, eggs, flour, baking powder, and dark chocolate. The brownie batter is topped with walnuts and brushed with a syrup made from apricot preserves. This special touch ensures each brownie has a unique flavor.

Fast forward to today, you can still enjoy the Palmer House Brownie at the hotel’s dining spots, like the Lockwood Restaurant. They even offer fun twists, such as Bertha’s Brownie Pancakes and a Brownie Old Fashioned cocktail, which combines rye whiskey, Frangelico, and crème de cacao, garnished with cherries and mini brownies.

Interestingly, the term “brownies” first appeared in a Chicago catalog in 1898, but Fannie Farmer’s 1896 cookbook contained the earliest recipe with something called brownies, though it lacked chocolate. The dessert’s popularity surged after an updated recipe was published in 1906, cementing the brownie’s place in American culinary culture.

The name “brownies” is believed to have been inspired by a popular children’s book from 1887 titled “The Brownies: Their Book,” featuring playful little creatures that enjoyed treats.

Today, brownies remain a favorite. They even sparked social media trends, with countless recipes, from traditional versions to gluten-free adaptations. Whether enjoyed plain, topped with ice cream, or incorporated into other desserts, brownies continue to delight.

For those interested in their rich history and evolution, you can read more about it here. You might find yourself inspired to bake a batch of these timeless treats!

Source link

Palmer House, brownie recipe, Chicago, Chicago, couverture chocolate, fudgy brownies, Bertha