Episode 29: Betty Crocker and the History of Brownies

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Where did brownies actually come from—and how did they go from a color-themed party trend to one of the most trusted desserts in America? In this episode of True Crime Culinary, Leah Llach explores the surprisingly layered history of the Chocolate brownie—from 1880s “brown” dinner parties and molasses-based proto-recipes to the rise of boxed mixes and the invention of Betty Crocker (who, famously, wasn’t even real). Along the way, we look at how brownies became a global, adaptable dessert—from British traybakes to matcha brownies in Japan—and why their structure makes them one of the most common foods for modification, including cannabis edibles. Finally, we examine a modern case where THC-laced brownies were accidentally served at a dinner party, sending multiple guests to the hospital—raising a bigger question: Why do we trust certain foods without thinking twice? If you’ve ever wondered: * Who invented brownies? * Why are brownies so popular worldwide? * Why are brownies commonly used for edibles? * And how food can become a vehicle for unintended harm… This episode is for you. New bite-sized episodes drop every Thursday. Grab a snack—it’s time to dig in. * THC-Laced Brownie Dinner Party Case [https://www.lewislawwins.com/case-caterer-served-thc-laced-brownies-at-dinner-party/] * Chocolate Brownie – History & Origins (Wikipedia) [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chocolate_brownie] * The Boston Cooking-School Cook Book * Betty Crocker History (General Mills Archives) * Palmer House Hotel Brownie History

Bonus Episode 1: The Sugar-Free Gummy Bear Disaster and the History of Artificial Sweeteners

What happens when food science tries to create candy without consequences? In this True Crime Culinary bonus episode, Leah Llach breaks down the infamous sugar-free gummy bear disaster — from the rise of artificial sweeteners and America’s sugar-free craze to the internet reviews that turned one bag of candy into online legend. Learn the history of sugar substitutes, why sugar alcohols can cause digestive chaos, and how Haribo sugar-free gummy bears became one of the funniest food failures on the internet. Perfect for listeners who love food history, strange internet culture, psychology, and bizarre product stories. References Summary * FDA – Aspartame and Other Sweeteners in Food [https://www.fda.gov/food/food-additives-petitions/aspartame-and-other-sweeteners-food?utm_source=chatgpt.com] Used for the history and regulation of artificial sweeteners in the United States, including saccharin, aspartame, and sugar alcohols. Also used to explain how sweeteners are approved for use and why sugar alcohols became common in sugar-free candy. * The Saccharin Institute – History of Saccharin [https://saccharin.org/history/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] Used for the origin story of saccharin, including its accidental discovery in 1879 and its early role in diabetic and low-calorie foods. Helped provide historical context for the rise of sugar substitutes and the broader sugar-free movement. * Harvard Health – Added Sweeteners / Sugar Alcohols [https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/how-healthy-is-sugar-alcohol-202312183002?utm_source=chatgpt.com] Used to explain what sugar alcohols are, why they are commonly used in sugar-free products, and how they can cause digestive distress when consumed in large quantities. Also used for context on the popularity of low-calorie sweeteners. * Healthline – Sugar Alcohols: Good or Bad? [https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/sugar-alcohols-good-or-bad?utm_source=chatgpt.com] Used for explanations of maltitol and other sugar alcohols, including how they are digested, why they can ferment in the gut, and how osmotic effects contribute to bloating, cramping, and laxative effects. * NIH – Gut Cells Distinguish Between Sugar and Artificial Sweeteners [https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/gut-cells-distinguish-between-sugar-artificial-sweeteners?utm_source=chatgpt.com] Used to discuss emerging research showing that the gut may biologically distinguish between real sugar and artificial sweeteners, reinforcing the episode’s broader theme that sweetness and digestion are not always processed the same way by the body. -> My friend is Dr. Kaelberer :) * YouTube – LA Beast Sugar-Free Gummy Bear Challenge [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L6pJrxmDYEI&utm_source=chatgpt.com] Used for internet culture context surrounding the sugar-free gummy bear phenomenon and the spread of reaction-based content tied to the product’s digestive effects. * Bored Panda – Hilarious Sugar-Free Haribo Gummy Reviews [https://www.boredpanda.com/hilarious-comments-sugarfree-haribo-gummies/?utm_source=chatgpt.com]Used for examples of the viral online reviews that helped turn sugar-free gummy bears into one of the internet’s most famous food disasters. The article helped illustrate how consumers described their experiences in exaggerated, story-driven ways that spread widely online. * Reddit discussions and reposted review threads were also referenced for examples of how the sugar-free gummy bear story continued spreading online years later, particularly through humor, storytelling, and shared “survival story” experiences.

26 de may de 202616 min

Episode 29: Betty Crocker and the History of Brownies

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