Have You Heard this Story About Cookies?

Have You Heard this Story About Cookies?

by vijigermany

Have You Heard this Story About Cookies?

The story of the Cookie Monster stealing from the cookie jar is something we've grown up with. In fact, most of us have been cookie monsters at some point in life. A cookie is one of those all-time favourite comfort foods... as a snack between mealtimes, with tea and that secret mid-night indulgence that can be relied on more than any other food. Why, even jolly old Santa Claus can't resist a quick snack of cookies and milk after an uncomfortable journey down the chimney!

Cookies apparently originated in Persia sometime in the 7th century AD, probably as a travel take-along. Numerous accounts state that they were born as a by-product of cakes! The term cookie itself derives from the Danish word "Koekje" meaning little cake. They were originally made from left over cake batters when cooks would use it to test ovens. Ideal as travel snacks, cookies soon became quite popular with the rich and poor alike. By the 14th century, they were a rage worldwide and every country had it's own version of this delicious treat. This humble everyday snack as we know it today, was in fact made on special occasions in some countries.

The ritual of tea began in the early 19th century when Anna the Seventh Duchess of Bedford requested for tea and biscuits between lunch and dinner - a demand which grew into high tea and later became a social event – and an opportunity for bakers to showcase their latest cookie inventions. And showcase their talents they did! The world saw an abundant variety of these "little cakes" making their appearance everywhere – as simple crispy discs, chewy balls dusted with icing sugar snow, cookies sandwiched with cream, macaroons, rolled cookies, pinwheel cookies, refrigerator cookies, in the form of gingerbread men, fried cookies… even savoury ones later known as crackers!

Why in America, they even became a delicious and fun way of gauging one's fortune by way of Fortune Cookies!

However, though very global a concept, India is not far behind in the cookie legacy. The Dutch and Portuguese gave us the gift of baking – a gift we enjoy even today in the form of fried delights like Rose Cookies, Kul Kuls and Kormolas (Christmas specials shaped like flower buds) and baked goodies like Nankhatai, Macaroons and Osmania biscuits. Shakkarparas, Namakparas and Matthis also qualify as savoury cookies, especially nowadays when they are baked, not fried.

Whatever the technique of making, whichever the ingredients and wherever in the world they are made, cookies bring a delightful smile on the faces of children and grown-ups alike. Every time a child or adult reaches out for the cookie jar, the legend of the cookie monster comes alive….

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