Tollhouse Pie Recipe: A Classic American Comfort Food
Introduction
Tollhouse pie is a classic American comfort food that has been a staple in many households for generations. This creamy, rich, and indulgent dish is made with a buttery crust, a creamy cheese mixture, and a layer of chocolate chips. Its origins can be traced back to the early 20th century, and it has since become a beloved treat for many. In this article, we will explore the history, ingredients, preparation, and variations of Tollhouse pie, and discuss why it remains a favorite among food enthusiasts.
History of Tollhouse Pie
The story of Tollhouse pie begins with the Toll House Inn, a bed and breakfast in Whitman, Massachusetts. In the 1930s, Ruth Wakefield, the owner of the inn, created a chocolate chip cookie recipe to serve to her guests. However, she ran out of baking chocolate, so she chopped up a Nestlé chocolate bar and used it in the recipe. The cookies were a hit, and the chocolate chip cookie was born. Later, she decided to create a pie using the same ingredients, and Tollhouse pie was born.
Ingredients
The key ingredients of Tollhouse pie include a buttery crust, a creamy cheese mixture, and a layer of chocolate chips. The crust is typically made with flour, butter, salt, and sugar, and is baked until golden brown. The cheese mixture is made with cream cheese, sour cream, sugar, and vanilla extract, and is spread over the crust before the chocolate chips are added. Finally, the pie is topped with a layer of chocolate chips and baked until the cheese mixture is set.
Preparation
Preparation of Tollhouse pie is relatively simple. First, the crust is mixed and rolled out, then placed in a pie dish and baked. While the crust is baking, the cheese mixture is prepared by beating together cream cheese, sour cream, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. The mixture is then spread over the baked crust. Next, the chocolate chips are sprinkled over the cheese mixture, and the pie is baked until the cheese mixture is set. Finally, the pie is allowed to cool before being served.
Variations
Tollhouse pie has many variations, including chocolate chip cookie dough pie, caramel chocolate chip pie, and peanut butter chocolate chip pie. These variations add a unique twist to the classic recipe, while still maintaining the rich and creamy texture that makes Tollhouse pie so popular.
Nutritional Information
While Tollhouse pie is a delicious treat, it is also high in calories and fat. One serving of Tollhouse pie can contain up to 500 calories and 25 grams of fat. However, it is important to remember that Tollhouse pie is a dessert and should be enjoyed in moderation.
Health Benefits
Despite its high calorie and fat content, Tollhouse pie does have some health benefits. For example, the cheese mixture is rich in calcium and vitamin D, which are important for bone health. Additionally, the chocolate chips contain antioxidants, which can help protect against heart disease and cancer.
Conclusion
Tollhouse pie is a classic American comfort food that has been enjoyed by many for generations. Its rich and creamy texture, combined with the sweet taste of chocolate chips, makes it a favorite among food enthusiasts. While Tollhouse pie is high in calories and fat, it also has some health benefits, such as calcium and antioxidants. Whether you are looking for a classic dessert or a unique twist on the classic recipe, Tollhouse pie is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
References
– Wakefield, R. (1930). Toll House Inn. Whitman, MA: Toll House Inn.
– Nestlé. (2021). Nestlé Toll House. Retrieved from www./
– American Heart Association. (2021). Chocolate. Retrieved from www./en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/fats-and-cholesterol/chocolate
– National Institutes of Health. (2021). Calcium. Retrieved from ods.od./factsheets/Calcium-HealthProfessional/
