What do caramels, college, and ice cream have in common? You guessed it; fudge! If you have a sweet tooth, odds are you love fudge. This sweet treat is easy to find on store shelves or as a recipe.
It’s hard to imagine not having fudge, but once upon a time there wasn’t any. So which confectionary wizard brought us fudgy magic? The truth is, there are theories, but the true origin of fudge is unknown.
BEFORE FUDGE WAS CANDY
Before fudge was a candy it meant something completely different. It might have been altered version of the word ‘fadge’ from the 1500s. ‘Fadge’ meant to something fit together well.
In the 1700s ‘fudge’ meant that something was put together badly or was nonsensical or annoying. So basically, ‘fudge’ was the opposite of ‘fadge’.
This may explain why ‘fudge’ is sometimes used in place of swear words. It also meant dishonesty, possibly because of it’s association to Captain Fudge, who had such a reputation for dishonesty that he was sometimes referred to as ‘Lying Fudge.’
CARAMEL
The most popular theory about fudge’s origin begins in America. Some historians believe fudge – the treat we all know and love – was invented on February 14, 1886. Chocolate caramels had existed since the 1860s, and someone was trying to make a batch when they made a magical mistake.
The caramels went wrong, but the result was delicious. Fudge was born! Just think, without this happy accident fudge might not exist. (Okay, the confectioner was NOT a wizard but that turned out great for us!)
COLLEGE
Emelyn Battersby Hartrige’s letter became the first documentation of fudge. She wrote about a schoolmate’s cousin who made fudge in 1886 in Baltimore and got the recipe. In 1888 Hartridge made 30 pounds of the sweet treat for the senior Auction at Vassar College in New York.
The fudge is said to have been such a hit that Vassar students for years after would try to cook it over alcohol stoves or redirecting gas from their lamps in their dorm rooms. The colleges Wellesley and Smith later made their own fudge recipes.
HOT FUDGE AND ICE CREAM
Remember when I mentioned there was a time when no one had fudge? Imagine a time without ice cream sundaes with hot fudge poured on top. Before 1906, this treat was non-existent.
The credit for inventing the hot fudge sundae goes to CC Brown’s, an ice cream parlour on Hollywood Boulevard. Instead the usual syrups CC Brown’s poured hot, undercooked fudge over their sundaes and a new dessert was invented.
MY THOUGHTS
Is it just me, or should every college have a signature fudge? Seriously, fudge is so fantastic and college can be stressful, so why not kick back and enjoy the college fudge? Or each academic success could be rewarded with the magical goodness of fudge. Food’s the best kind of motivation.
Heading back to 1886 for a sec, I gotta say (assuming that theory is correct) that’s possibly the best mistake in history. Don’t get me wrong, I love caramels too but hey! we have fudge now, so that was a beautiful mistake. It’s also a reminder that mistakes can be good things.
What is your favourite accidental invention? Let me know in the comments!
CONCLUSION
Who invented fudge? Long answer: we’re not totally certain, but most people think it was the Baltimore confectioner, with the later help Emelyn Battersby Hartrige, who grew its popularity.
Short answer: probably some confectioner in Baltimore in 1886 who messed up in the best way. Remember that next time you ‘fudge up.’
However it happened, the accidental invention of fudge changed the world candy forever. Whether it’s store-bought or made at home, fudge is a delicious sweet treat for everyone to enjoy. Next time you’re enjoying some fudge just think how we might not have it, except for one little mishap.
Ever Wondered...? 