Fun Food Facts- Brownie Mixes, Hershey's Kisses, and Candy Hearts
By DB
@dgobucks226 (36364)
January 25, 2025 1:07pm CST
There are some interesting stories behind some of the most popular food products sold in supermarkets and other stores today. From how they got their names to other oddities which make each item unique in some way. Let's explore a few of those mysteries...
1. What's your "go to" brownie mix?
-Mine is Betty Crocker which receives high marks from Pro Bakers and other taste testers. But I am sure there are other good ones as well. Anyway, who is Betty Crocker? And did she invent this rich delicious tasting brownie recipe.
THE BETTY CROCKER STORY
*The character was developed in 1921 following a unique Gold Medal Flour promotion featured in the Saturday Evening Post.
-In responding to the promotion, the women submitted many cooking related questions, and the advertising department realized that especially housewives would want advice from a fellow woman. So, the name Betty was selected because it was viewed as a cheery, all-American name. The company combined it with the last name "Crocker" to honor William Crocker one of the company directors. So, Betty Crocker is not a real person but a made-up name.
***Mrs. Butterworth's, Aunt Jemima, and Uncle Ben's are other examples of food products that used a made-up name to promote their brand.
2. Are you a fan of Hershey's Kisses? And what's the deal with that paper sticking out of the top?
THE STORY BEHIND THE "PLUME"
*Plume is the name Hershey's has given to describe that funny paper used in their chocolate candy wrapping.
-And, did you know it serves 2 purposes. To identify the "real Hershey's kisses from knockoffs and of course, to quickly remove the wrapping from these little chocolate candies. Yummy!
3. Did you have those candy hearts for Valentine's Day? What did you like more the messages or the taste?
THE STORY BEHIND THOSE CANDY HEARTS MESSAGES
*Also known as "Sweethearts" this tasty sugar candy did not always have a message on them.
-The original shape of today's candy hearts was actually sold as a "scallop shell." Messages were used but on slips of paper placed inside just like a fortune cookie. They were very popular at parties and weddings. It wasn't until the 1860's, Necco founder Oliver Chase's brother Daniel invented a machine that could stamp the sayings on the hearts.
***Do you remember some of the popular messages printed on the candy hearts when you enjoyed them? Do share!
Source Info: The Daily Meal & Wikipedia
Photo- Yankee Magazine
9 people like this
9 responses
@Deepizzaguy (108114)
• Lake Charles, Louisiana
25 Jan
I did not know that the name Betty Crocker is not based on a real life person.
2 people like this
@Deepizzaguy (108114)
• Lake Charles, Louisiana
29 Jan
@dgobucks226 I did not know that for a fact about Mrs. Butterworth's was loosely based on a loving grandmother.
2 people like this
@dgobucks226 (36364)
•
29 Jan
Yes, Betty Crocker sounds like such a real person.
More Fun facts:
-Mrs. Butterworth's syrup is loosely based on the maid in the film "Gone with the Wind." It is supposed to
represent images of a loving grandmother.
2 people like this
@dgobucks226 (36364)
•
29 Jan
More Fun facts:
-Hershey's kisses were invented in 1921. Are you a fan of Hershey's Kisses?
2 people like this
@grenery8 (15321)
• Zagreb, Croatia (Hrvatska)
30 Jan
@dgobucks226 i've never had them. Only tried German brends, like Haribo. Being in Europe, eating european stuff
2 people like this
@dgobucks226 (36364)
•
29 Jan
Thank you, it's fun to learn interesting and unusual things.
Those candy hearts had some fun sayings on them and were popular at Valentine's Day.
Some of the popular candy heart sayings were: Marry Me, Miss You, I'm Yours, You Shine, All Mine, and Cutie Pie...
1 person likes this
@RasmaSandra (83514)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
25 Jan
You just got me hungry for brownies, I usually use a mix for them, I love Hersheys kisses but have not bought any in a long time, The Valentine's candy I ate as a child,
2 people like this
@RasmaSandra (83514)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
29 Jan
@dgobucks226 I get a Betty Crocker mix of Fudge brownies,
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (36364)
•
1 Feb
@RasmaSandra I use Betty Crocker to make a ricotta cake recipe.
Like Betty Crocker, Mrs. Butterworth's, Aunt Jemima, and Uncle Ben's are other examples of food products that used a made-up name to promote their brand.
2 people like this
@dgobucks226 (36364)
•
29 Jan
Do you like your brownies to be on the fudgy side or more cake like? I always get a bag of the Hershey's kisses for Christmas. The red and green wrapping paper always looks so festive. It's a shame to eat them but I do, lol.
More Fun facts:
-Hershey's kisses were invented in 1921.
-Some of the original mottos found on the heart shape we know today were "Be Mine," "Be True," and "Kiss Me." Their first appearance was in 1902.
2 people like this
@cabuyogty (3436)
• Philippines
25 Jan
I like to eat Hershey Kisses chocolate for me to stay awake and work on my phone! 
2 people like this
@cabuyogty (3436)
• Philippines
30 Jan
@dgobucks226 yes , they always help me to wake up at night!
2 people like this
@RevivedWarrior (3733)
• India
27 Jan
Those are interesting facts. I was not aware of these. I never knew the real intention of paper sticking out from kisses. Thought it was part of their branding. Never ever I thought it had the two purposes you have mentioned. I can add two facts like I did for the previous discussion on animals. M&M was actually a chcolate treat meant for soldiers during World War 2. The soldiers were to provide chcocolates which was easy to put in pockets and would not melt. The hard candy shell took care of that. The next one is about Snickers. The Mars family actually named the candy bar after their favourite horse! Well, nice info to definitely know. Take care!
2 people like this
@dgobucks226 (36364)
•
29 Jan
Yes, the paper on Hershey's kisses was also to brand them, that is also correct.
Thanks for the additional trivia. 
Another candy I liked was tootsie rolls which helped save the troops during the Korean War.
Here is a short video about it that you many enjoy watching...
Another candy I liked was tootsie rolls which helped save the troops during the Korean War.
Here is a short video about it that you many enjoy watching...https://www.bing.com/videos/riverview/relatedvideo?q=candy+for+soldiers+ww2&mid=0FC509B92B725A63957B0FC509B92B725A63957B&FORM=VIRE
2 people like this
@RebeccasFarm (93179)
• United States
26 Jan
Gosh I forgot Valentines is coming up DB.
I had so much fun with those candy hearts as a child in school.
Such lovely memories.
2 people like this
@dgobucks226 (36364)
•
29 Jan
They were fun. I not sure what I liked better, the hearts or the messages on them.
More Fun facts:
-Some of the original mottos found on the heart shape we know today were "Be Mine," "Be True," and "Kiss Me." Their first appearance was in 1902.
More Fun facts:
-Some of the original mottos found on the heart shape we know today were "Be Mine," "Be True," and "Kiss Me." Their first appearance was in 1902.1 person likes this
@FourWalls (72973)
• United States
25 Jan
There’s nothing that can replace a Hershey’s Kiss, that’s for certain. Bite into one and you’ll know the difference immediately. I loved touring the Hershey’s Chocolate factory (well, a “ride” that explained how chocolates are made) when I was there a few years ago (because of covid you couldn’t actually go IN the factory anymore).
2 people like this
@dgobucks226 (36364)
•
29 Jan
I like to let those Hershey's kisses melt in my mouth. And you are right the chocolate is unique and delicious.
More Fun facts:
-Hershey's kisses were invented in 1921.
More Fun facts:
-Hershey's kisses were invented in 1921.2 people like this
@dgobucks226 (36364)
•
4 Feb
Yes, that was an interesting fact. You might remember some of the popular candy heart sayings like: Marry Me, Miss You, I'm Yours, You Shine, All Mine, and Cutie Pie...
1 person likes this
