National Peanut Butter Fudge Day, celebrated on November 20, is the perfect time to whip us a tasty batch of fudge. There are plenty of peanut butter fudge recipes available online and elsewhere, and they all share a few things in common: they are quick to prepare (sometimes in just minutes) and require only a few simple ingredients that many of us already have at home. Plus, peanut butter fudge is easier to make than chocolate fudge since it doesn’t require melting chocolate to a precise temperature with a special thermometer.
History of National Peanut Butter Fudge Day
Fudge has been around since the 1880s. According to popular belief, it was “invented” when a European pastry chef’s attempt to make caramel went wrong, leading to the exclamation, “Oh, fudge?”- a phrase that stuck as the name.
Some story versions suggest that the sticky batch was spilled on the floor and salvaged to avoid waste. Regardless of its origins, peanut butter fudge has become a favorite flavor for many. Celebrating it the week before Thanksgiving is a great way to enjoy this delicious treat.
In the late 19th century, fudge began to appear in print, with advertisements for fudge shops popping up in popular tourist spots like Michigan’s Mackinac Island. Fudge recipes also started appearing in periodicals and cookbooks.
Interestingly, fudge-making became especially popular on women’s college campuses, such as Smith and Vassar. For instance, in 1895, the New York newspaper “The Sun” published a recipe titled ‘Fudges at Vassar.’
As fudge grew in popularity and became more widely available, it was only a matter of time before peanut butter joined the mix as a flavor. Americans’ love for peanuts and peanut butter is unbelievable. More than 75% of households have a jar of peanut butter, and the average American child eats over 1,000 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches by the time they finish high school.
While the exact moment when peanut butter was first used in fudge is unknown, its inclusion was a natural progression. We certainly enjoy the confection and are glad it’s been a part of our treat options for so long!
Moreover, The National Peanut Board established November 20 as National Peanut Butter Fudge Day. In 2015, the organization’s chairman, Bob White, remarked, “I’m not certain anyone knows for sure why Americans have named so many days or months for U.S.A.-grown peanuts and peanut butter. But it doesn’t surprise me that America’s favorite nut is top of mind all year long.” We couldn’t agree more!
| 1880s (Do You Believe in Accidents?) | Whether by chance or by design, an American chef happens upon the recipe for fudge, a crystalline but creamy confection, and opens the door to the gustatory delight. |
| 1917 (A First Time for Everything) | A Girl Scout unit in Muskogee, Oklahoma, first sells cookies at their high school, paving the way for the production of Tagalongs and Do-Si-Do’s to consume 230,000 pounds of peanuts per week of baking. |
| 1976 (Filling Some Very Large Shoes) | Jimmy Carter is elected President of the U.S., the second peanut farmer president in history after Thomas Jefferson. |
| 2020 (Take Me Out to the Ball Game) | A heavily abbreviated Major League Baseball season produces a huge surplus of peanuts, encouraging alternate uses of the legume (hint, hint). |
5 Amazing Facts About Peanuts
Packed with Power: Peanuts have the highest protein content of any nut, offering seven grams per serving for sustained, healthy energy.
A Lot Goes In: It takes approximately 540 peanuts to produce a 12-ounce jar of peanut butter.
“Shelling” It Out: Americans spend around $800 million annually on peanut butter.
Good, and Good for You: Peanuts are a superfood, containing over 30 essential vitamins and nutrients.
A Kernel of Truth: The phrase “working for peanuts” was coined by Harry Mozley Stevens in 1895, when his company used peanuts as payment for ad space in New York Giants game programs. Stevens and other stadium staff then resold the peanuts to fans during games.
Conclusion
In conclusion, National Peanut Butter Fudge Day on November 20 offers a delightful opportunity to indulge in a classic treat that combines the rich history of fudge with the beloved flavor of peanut butter. From its serendipitous origins in the 1880s to its evolution into a cherished confection, peanut butter fudge represents a sweet slice of American culinary tradition.
The simplicity and accessibility of this treat, paired with its enduring popularity, make it a perfect addition to the holiday season’s festivities. As we celebrate this day, it’s worth appreciating both the historical journey of fudge and the special role that peanut butter plays in our snacking habits. Whether enjoyed as a homemade creation or a store-bought delight, peanut butter fudge is a testament to the timeless appeal of this versatile ingredient.
Frequently Ask Question
How is peanut butter fudge different from chocolate fudge?
Peanut butter fudge is easier to make than chocolate fudge because it doesn’t require melting chocolate to a precise temperature. It typically involves fewer ingredients and can be prepared quickly, often in just minutes.
What is the history behind peanut butter fudge?
Fudge has been around since the 1880s, and the term “fudge” reportedly originated from a European pastry chef’s failed caramel attempt. Peanut butter fudge became popular as an extension of the original fudge recipes, adding the beloved flavor of peanut butter to the mix.
Why is National Peanut Butter Fudge Day celebrated on November 20?
The National Peanut Board established November 20 as National Peanut Butter Fudge Day to celebrate the popularity of peanut butter and its integration into fudge. The date is strategically placed a week before Thanksgiving, making it a fitting time to enjoy this sweet treat.
How did fudge become popular in the U.S.?
Fudge began appearing in print and advertisements in the late 19th century. It gained popularity on women’s college campuses, with recipes appearing in periodicals and cookbooks. As it became more widely available, different flavors, including peanut butter, were introduced.
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