Toll House Inn

Introduction

The Toll House Inn is a significant landmark in the history of American culinary tradition. It is famously known as the birthplace of the chocolate chip cookie, a beloved treat enjoyed by millions around the world.

History

The Toll House Inn was established in the 1930s in Whitman, Massachusetts by Ruth Graves Wakefield and her husband. The inn was named after the toll house where, in the 18th century, travelers would pay a toll, change horses, and have a meal.

The Invention of the Chocolate Chip Cookie

The most notable event in the history of the Toll House Inn is the invention of the chocolate chip cookie. Ruth Graves Wakefield is credited with this invention. The story goes that one day, while making cookies for her guests, she realized she was out of baker's chocolate. She decided to substitute it with chopped up pieces of semi-sweet chocolate, expecting it to melt and spread throughout the cookie dough. Instead, the chocolate pieces retained their shape, creating a cookie with chunks of chocolate throughout.

Legacy

The popularity of the chocolate chip cookie spread quickly. Wakefield's recipe, originally named "Toll House Chocolate Crunch Cookies", was published in a local newspaper. The recipe was later included in her cookbook, "Toll House Tried and True Recipes". The cookie's popularity led to an agreement between Wakefield and Nestle, in which the company bought the rights to the recipe and the use of the Toll House name.

Closure and Current Status

The Toll House Inn burned down on New Year's Eve in 1966 and was not rebuilt. Today, a plaque marking the former location of the inn can be found at the Whitman Town Center.

See Also

• History of cookies
• Nestle Toll House Chocolate Chip Cookie
• Ruth Graves Wakefield

References

• Toll House Tried and True Recipes, Ruth Graves Wakefield
• The Great American Chocolate Chip Cookie Book, Carolyn Wyman

External Links

• Nestle Official Website
• Whitman Town Center Official Website