Taste The Palmer House Brownies For A Bit Of Chicago History

Introduction

• Food is integral to travel, linking places with their culture and history.
• Chicago is famous for its steakhouses, hot dogs, and deep-dish pizza.
• A lesser-known fact: Chocolate brownies were invented in Chicago.

Origin of Chocolate Brownies

• Brownies were created in 1893 at the Palmer House Hotel in Chicago's Loop.
• The original recipe from 1893 is still used today at the Palmer House.
• 2017: The hotel served nearly four tons of brownies.
  • Brownies are sweet, rich, fudgy, with walnuts and an apricot glaze.

Historical Background

• Socialite and philanthropist Bertha Palmer was pivotal in the creation of brownies.
  • She led the Board of Lady Managers for the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition.
  • Directed chefs to create a dessert for boxed lunches at the Women’s Pavilion.
• The dessert gained popularity during the exposition.
  • Initially, these desserts weren't called brownies.
• The 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition:
  • Celebrated the 400th anniversary of Columbus’s arrival in the New World.
  • Showcased Chicago’s recovery from the Great Chicago Fire of 1871.
  • Introduced the first Ferris wheel, moving walkways, Juicy Fruit gum, and Pabst Blue Ribbon Beer.
  • Impacted Chicago's architecture, urban planning, commerce, parkland, and global image.
  • Ended after Mayor Carter Harrison, Sr.'s assassination.

Present Day

• Visitors can experience this piece of history at the Palmer House, now a Hilton Hotel.
  • Located at 17 E. Monroe St., Chicago.
  • Brownies are served at Potters Chicago Burger Bar or Lockwood.
  • Price: $9 with ice cream.
• Option to buy individual boxed brownies as souvenirs for $5.

Conclusion

• The Palmer House brownies offer a delicious taste of Chicago's rich history.
• Available as a unique and tasty souvenir option for tourists.