Tuesday, June 4, 2024

Oreo Cookies and Mallomars

 


While I was doing research for my next release, I happened upon the fact that Oreo cookies were introduced in 1912 and Mallomar cookies in 1913. 

Perfect!

My story is set in 1914, and I love to incorporate everyday historical things into my books. Having the characters enjoy these newly invented treats was such a fun addition to my sweet romance.



America's favorite cookie was first developed and produced by the National Biscuit Company (known as Nabisco) in 1912 at the Chelsea, New York City factory. The sandwich cookie consisting of two cocoa cookies stuffed with a sweet fondant filling was introduced in March 1912.

The original design on the face of the cookie featured a laurel wreath around the edge with the name OREO in the center. In the United States, a pound of the cookies in a metal canister with a glass top were sold for 25 cents. The first Oreo was sold March 6 to a grocer in Hoboken, New Jersey. 

Although it is often believed the Hydrox cookie was a copy of the Oreo, it was Oreo that imitated it, since they were introduced in 1908, four years before Oreo made it's debut.. However, Oreo proved far more successful.

No one is completely certain how the cookie got its name. Some believe it derives from the French word for gold, or the Greek word for nice. A food writer, Stella Parks, claims the name was derived from the Greek word Oreodaphne, a genus of the laurel plant family. Others believe Oreo was a short, easy to pronounce word and good for marketing purposes. 

Regardless of the name, Oreo has been popular for more than a century. In 1921, it was renamed, "Oreo Sandwich" and in 1948, that changed to "Oreo Crème Sandwich." In 1974 it became "Oreo Chocolate Sandwich Cookie." 

Today, Oreo cookies are sold in more than a hundred countries and is the highest-selling cookie brand in the world. 



Mallomars were introduced in 1913, also from the National Biscuit Company (Nabisco). A graham cracker circle is overlaid with a mound of marshmallow, then coted in a shell of delicious dark chocolate. The first box was sold in West Hoboken, New Jersey to a grocer there. 

Because of the tendency of the chocolate coating to melt in the heat, the cookies were only sold from September through March. That tradition continues. If you want to eat these wonderful cookies, stock up in the fall and early spring. 

Reportedly, 70% of all Mallomars are sold in New York, which was spot-on for my story, because my heroine, Luna, is from New York.




She’s searching for peace and grace

He’s ready to step into his next big adventure

Haunted by memories of the fateful day that changed her life, Luna Campanelli seeks a fresh start in Pendleton, Oregon. Life in the wild western town is nothing like she imagined, although the rugged beauty of the area soothes her troubled spirit. An unlikely friendship with one of the area ranch hands lifts her hopes, until she discovers the cowboy isn’t who he’s led her to believe.

Hunter Douglas didn’t intend to hide his identity from the woman he met on the train, but when she assumed he was his sister’s hired hand, he didn’t correct her. He never anticipated forming such a deep connection to her, especially when thoughts of her continue to infiltrate his carefully made plans. As a recent college graduate with an inheritance he intends to use to start his own ranch in Pendleton, Hunter must decide if he is willing to open his heart and include Luna in his future.

Will they embrace the unexpected love that has blossomed between them, or let fear tear them apart?

This sweet and wholesome romance is a story of love, healing, and the power of hope in a delightful western setting. Join Luna and Hunter on their journey as they discover what it truly means to love unconditionally.




After spending her formative years on a farm in Eastern Oregon, hopeless romantic Shanna Hatfield turns her rural experiences into sweet historical and contemporary romances filled with hope, humor, and hunky heroes.

When this award-winning author isn’t writing or covertly seeking dark, decadent chocolate, Shanna hangs out with her beloved husband, Captain Cavedweller.

Shanna loves to hear from readers. Follow her online at:

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3 comments:

Julie Lence said...

While I'm probably the only person on the planet who doesn't like Oreo's, I thoroughly enjoyed learning the origin of the cookie, and the Mallomars cookie. Thank you for sharing, Shanna. And Congratulations on your new release!

Kristy McCaffrey said...

So interesting! My daughter named her dog Oreo. I recently learned graham crackers were invented in 1898. We take for granted how long these things have been around. :-)

Ruthie Manier said...

I love Oreos! I like to eat them with a glass of milk. I had no idea about there origins though. Or they had been around so long. I had not heard of the Mallomars cookie before this blog and now I'm itching to try one.