A Short History of Desserts

Sweet desserts have existed since the beginning of mankind. It is now enjoyed by people throughout the world in variety of flavors. In the past, only the affluent society folk could afford it while the ordinary people could only enjoy it on special occasions. Advancement of sugar production allowed its more extensive spread and at much more affordable prices to customers. People enjoyed desserts worldwide because of the increased supply of sugar.

Desserts are thought to have originated from a custom to remove the aftertaste of a meal with a sweet taste as they leave the mouth with a sweet flavor. The name confection is derived from a French word 'desservir' which means to clear the table. Thousands of dessert varieties exist today. Ice cream, cakes and pies are some of the popular desserts that have been present around since ancient times.

The origin of ice cream dates back around the 4th century BC, the Roman emperor Nero had ordered his followers to gather ice and add fruit toppings for his dessert. A Chinese king named Tang developed an early form of ice cream by combination of milk and ice. Ice cream was brought back by traders to Europe. Ice cream continued to evolve during history and recipes were soon developed for serving the French and Italian aristocracy.

Ice cream was introduced in America in 1700s. Many states offered ice cream as a dessert. It was served to guests by distinguished figures like Thomas Jefferson, George Washington and Dolly Madison. A caterer from London advertised in a New York paper in 1774 announcing his intentions to sell ice cream in his stores.

The word 'cake' is derived from an old word 'kaka'. The first use of word 'cake' was documented by the Oxford English Dictionary in the 13th century. Cakes eaten in ancient times were very different than today. Early cakes resembled with bread and honey and flavored with dried fruit and nuts. Early Egyptians were the first who used advanced methods in baking. Medieval Europe baked gingerbreads and fruitcakes as desserts. Advancements in baking and availability of cooking ingredients helped in the development of cakes. Round cakes with icing resembling with today's cakes were introduced in the mid 17th century. Modern cakes with baking powder and white flour were used for the first time in the 19th century.

Pies originated as dessert in Neolithic Period in 9500 BC. They were known as galettes which contained honey and different grains, it was baked on hot coals. The origin of pastry was an addition of bakers fruit, honey and nuts for serving the pharaoh. Drawings relating to this practice are decorated on the tomb of King Ramses II. Changes often occurred in the making of pie because of different ingredients and conditions.

Pie recipes were brought by Pilgrim women to America which was used by the Native Americans. A tradition of using round pans for pies were started was started by colonial women. Pies became a part of American culture in the 1700s as it was served as desert by pioneer women. Apple pie became a popular evening dessert for the American children.

Beer Brewing

The History of Good Humor Breyers Ice Cream Company

Good Humor-Breyers is located in Green Bay, WI. It has become the largest manufacture of packaged ice cream and they sell many frozen novelty products in the United States. Breyers, Good Humor, Klondike, and Popsicle are among the oldest brands of frozen desserts. They are all owned now by the Good Humor-Breyers Company.

They are such a huge company in the United States that they have to employ over 2400 people and they have about six manufactories located threw out the United States. They are so big that they have to have more than 200 employees at their headquarters to make all the business decisions. In one year, they produce more than $1.2 billion dollars worth of sales. Can you imagine how many Klondike bars that would be, but the world will do anything for a Klondike.

The Good Humor Company was started by Harry Burt in Ohio. It consisted of a huge fleet of Good Humor men and that's what started their fame. The Good Humor Company was started on purpose, but the Popsicle was made on mishap. It was discovered by Frank Epperson when he left a cup of powered soda and water with a stirring stick on his porch. When he woke up the next day the mixture froze. He marketed the idea and by 1928 had more than sixty million dollars worth of royalties from Popsicle. In 2001, over 1.4 billion sticks were placed in a Popsicle, making Popsicles the most popular flavored ice treats.

To pick the company apart, Breyers was invented by William A Breyer and he made his ice cream with a hand-crank machine. It was made of only natural ingredients, which are mostly just sugar, cream, fruit, nuts, and other natural flavors like vanilla bean. The company started as a small business that sold ice cream to the local Pennsylvanians. The demand for the ice cream grew and the company had to expand. The first Breyers plant opened in 1896.

The logo of the leaf was an honor to Philadelphia because briar bush was very popular in the area. In 1926, the companies become the Kraftco Corporation (Kraft). It then went under the Good Humor division and has become the ice cream that is known today. It still guarantees only natural ingredients and that is why you can say and recognize everything listed on the label.

Popsicle was made accidentally, but it quickly became a favorite. In 1923, it got its name from children asking for "Pop's sicle". In 1925, Epperson sold his rights to Popsicle to the Joe Lowe Company located in New York. Later it became art of the Consolidated Foods Corp and then to the Good Humor Company in 1986.

Today they sell more than thirty different types of Popsicles and the company became one of the top selling novelty brands. FireCracker Double Fudge, Jell-0 Pudding Pops, Creamsicles, Sponge Bob Pop-Ups, Fudgsicles, Lifesavers, Bullets, and Big Foot are few of their products. Some of the new products from Popsicle include Tubular Twists, Dora, Sponge Bob, Diet Soda Pops, and Goal! Soccer Ball. They all can be found at the local grocery store.

What about the other companies? They do own Klondike and everyone is well aware of the Good Humor products.

The new Cyclone ice cream line is part of the Good Humor along with many new cones and tubes of frozen desserts. You may have purchased one of their many sandwiches and bars. Klondike has many bars, cones, and sandwiches as well. Vanilla, Krunch, Chocolate, Whitehouse cherry, Dark Chocolate, Neapolitan, Caramel as well as the original Klondike are available.