General

A Historical Overview of Pumpkin Muffins Pumpkin-based baked goods trace their roots back to early American settlers who used pumpkin as a versatile and accessible ingredient. Pumpkin pies, breads, and cakes became staples, especially in the autumn months when pumpkin harvests were plentiful. Muffins, adapted from traditional English quick breads, gained popularity in the 19th … Read more

A Historical Overview of Pumpkin Spice Cookies Pumpkin has been cherished in American baking since colonial times, primarily in pies, breads, and custards. The rise of “pumpkin spice” as a flavor phenomenon took hold in the mid-20th century with the popularity of pumpkin pie spice blends. By the early 2000s, pumpkin spice became a cultural … Read more

A Historical Overview of Pumpkin Donuts Donuts have been enjoyed in America since the early 19th century, originally introduced by Dutch settlers as “olykoeks” or “oil cakes.” By the mid-20th century, spiced cake donuts became a fall favorite at fairs and cider mills. Pumpkin, long celebrated as an autumn staple, eventually found its way into … Read more

A Historical Overview of Pumpkin Swirl Brownies Brownies first emerged in the United States at the end of the 19th century, quickly becoming a staple dessert known for their rich chocolatey flavor and chewy texture. Pumpkin, a celebrated ingredient in North America for centuries, was traditionally baked into pies and breads. By the late 20th … Read more

A Historical Overview of Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Pumpkin has been a staple ingredient in American baking since the 18th century, when early settlers used it as a naturally sweet and moist base for breads, cakes, and pies. The combination of pumpkin and chocolate didn’t gain popularity until the late 20th century, when pumpkin desserts … Read more

A Little History of Maple Syrup Pie Maple Syrup Pie, or Tarte au Sirop d’érable, is a traditional French-Canadian dessert with roots in Québec. It dates back to the early 1600s when French settlers first began using maple syrup harvested by Indigenous peoples. Made with just a few simple ingredients, this pie was a staple … Read more

A Little History of Blondies Blondies, often called the “blonde cousin” of brownies, originated in the late 19th century before chocolate brownies gained popularity. Instead of cocoa, blondies rely on brown sugar, butter, and vanilla for their signature caramel-like flavor. Over the years, bakers have experimented with countless variations, adding nuts, spices, and fruits. The … Read more

A Little History of Donuts Donuts have a long and delicious history that stretches back to early Dutch settlers in America, who brought with them “olykoeks” or “oil cakes”—fried dough balls often filled with fruit. Over time, donuts evolved into the ring-shaped pastries we know today, popularized in the U.S. during the 19th and 20th … Read more

A Little History of Sticky Toffee Pudding Sticky Toffee Pudding is a beloved British dessert with roots tracing back to the 20th century. Though its exact origin is debated, it became famous in the 1970s at the Sharrow Bay Hotel in England’s Lake District. Traditionally made with dates, brown sugar, and a buttery toffee sauce, … Read more

A Little History of Maple Cookies Maple cookies have roots in North America, where maple syrup has been treasured for centuries by Indigenous peoples as a natural sweetener. Early settlers quickly adopted maple syrup into their baking, creating treats that highlighted its rich, caramel-like flavor. By the 19th century, maple-flavored cookies became a staple in … Read more