Eponymous Foods: Snacks and Sweets

Jul 29, 2024

Dive into the rich history behind iconic snacks and sweets, as fascinating tales unfold. Discover the buttery origins of Crepe Suzette linked to Henri Charpentier, and the royal acclaim it garnered. Unravel myths about John Montagu, the Earl of Sandwich, and his culinary legacy. Learn how pralines evolved from elite delicacies to popular treats, and explore the cultural significance of snacks named after prominent figures. These stories celebrate the delicious connections between food and identity.

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ANECDOTE

Crepe Suzette's Accidental Origin

Henri Charpentier accidentally created the flaming crepe Suzette while serving Edward, Prince of Wales.
His quick thinking turned a kitchen mishap into a celebrated culinary invention.

INSIGHT

Earl of Sandwich's Role

John Montague likely didn't invent the sandwich but popularized eating meat and bread informally.
His title lent social acceptability to this convenient food style, creating the sandwich's lasting legacy.

INSIGHT

Sandwich Named by Evolution

The term "sandwich" evolved gradually from slang to common name; it wasn’t a formal invention moment.
Documentation predates Montague for bread with fillings; the Earl’s role was reinforcing its popularity, not inventing it.

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This edition of Eponymous Foods features a beautiful dessert, some myth busting about a very common food’s invention, and a very sweet finish with a much-loved candy.

Research:

“160 Years of Neuhaus History.” Neuhaus Chocolates. https://www.neuhauschocolates.com/en_US/history/History.html
Beaton, Paula. “The Origin of the Crepe is Shrouded in Mystery.” The Daily Meal. June 3, 2023. https://www.thedailymeal.com/1302745/origin-crepes/
“Belgian Pralines: A sweet but not so short history.” Discover Benelux. https://www.discoverbenelux.com/belgian-pralines-a-sweet-but-not-so-short-history/
Charpentier, Henri and Boyden Sparkes. “Life à la Henri: Being the Memories of Henri Charpentier.” Modern Library. 2001.
Fertel, R. “praline.” In “The Oxford Companion to Sugar and Sweets.” Oxford University Press. 2015. https://www.oxfordreference.com/view/10
Grosley, Pierre Jean, and Thomas Nugent (tr). “A Tour to London, Volume I.” Lockyer Davis. 1772. Accessed online: https://archive.org/details/bim_eighteenth-century_a-tour-to-london-or-ne_grosley-pierre-jean_1772_1/mode/2up
“John Montagu.” American Battlefield Trust. https://www.battlefields.org/learn/biographies/john-montagu
“Maison de la Prasline Mazet.” France Today. June 14, 2012. https://francetoday.com/food-drink/maison_de_la_prasline_mazet/#fm-popup-modal-close
“Making Crepes Suzette.” Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts. July 31, 2014. https://www.escoffier.edu/blog/baking-pastry/making-crepes-suzette/
“The main ingredient of Crepe Suzette.” Le Parisien. March 20, 2016. https://www.leparisien.fr/archives/l-ingredient-principal-de-la-crepe-suzette-grand-marnier-mais-pourquoi-grand-20-03-2016-5642685.php
“Sandwich celebrates 250th anniversary of the sandwich.” BBC. May 12, 2012. https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-kent-18010424
Stradley, Linda. “Sandwich History.” What’s Cooking America. https://whatscookingamerica.net/history/sandwichhistory.htm
Sybertz, Alyssa. “What are pralines, exactly?” Readers Digest. July 17, 2023. https://www.rd.com/article/what-are-pralines/
Toussaint-Samat, Maguelonne. “A History of Food.” Blackwell. 2008.

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