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The Stories Behind Food Names

Ever wonder how your dessert or dinner got its name? Sometimes, history is responsible. Just consider:

Sandwich – The sandwich, as we know it today, was named after John Montaug, the fourth earl of Sandwich, a British first lord of the Admiralty during the American Revolution.

The Earl of Sandwich was addicted to gambling, refusing to stop for meals during card games. On one such occasion in 1762, he gambled without stopping for 24 hours straight. To keep from going hungry, he ordered meats and cheeses to be served between slices of bread so he could eat with one hand while playing with the other. Thus the sandwich was officially named, per his food request.

Shoofly Pie – This uniquely named dessert pie originated in Pennsylvania Dutch country, most likely in the early 1700’s. The gooey, sweet ingredient in this pie is molasses.

The pies were baked indoors and often paced on a windowsill to cool. Flies were attracted to the sweet molasses and were ‘shooed’ away. Thus, the pie's name was born.

Travelers to Pennsylvania Dutch country can still enjoy shoofly pie to this day.

Spoon Bread – This is a rich and thick corn bread casserole containing cornmeal, milk, eggs and butter or shortening. It must be served with a spoon, hence its name. This dish dates back in popularity to the Civil War and Revolutionary War.

Although spoon bread is considered a southern dish, its origin is actually an Indian porridge that had a consistency of pudding.

Virginia Spoon Bread was one of George Washington’s favorites and often served at his table in Mount Vernon.

For more stories, see “The Stories Behind Food Names,” in the 2007 issue of the Farmers Almanac. You'll find intriguing historical accounts of waffles, hush puppies, fiddleheads and more!

©By Deborah S. Tukua , Author of Pearls of Country Wisdom www.hollycreekbooks.com