Part 1/4:
The Unsung Heroine of American Desserts
When one thinks of iconic American desserts, the chocolate chip cookie undoubtedly takes center stage. Yet, behind this beloved treat lies a remarkable story of innovation and persistence by one remarkable woman: Ruth Wakefield.
The Birth of the Chocolate Chip Cookie
In 1938, Ruth Wakefield was not just a baker; she was also the owner of the Toll House Inn located in Whitman, Massachusetts. It was here that she would create a culinary masterpiece that would go on to become a staple in households across the nation. The invention of the chocolate chip cookie is sometimes described as an accident, with tales suggesting Wakefield mistakenly added chocolate to her cookie dough, expecting it to melt into a rich chocolate flavor.