The Story of Elijah: It’s No Piece of Cake
A. Elijah / Eliyahu, His Story
1. Moses, The Ten Commandments, and the Golden Calf
– By Gustave Doré – Doré’s English Bible, Public Domain]
This month, Parshat Ki Tisa is read in synagogues around the world. It is one of the more dramatic portions of the Torah / Bible where Moses returns from his meeting with G-d, comes back down from atop the mountain to see the idol worship of the people. He shatters the tablets containing the Ten Commandments and then destroys the golden calf. It would make a great scene in a Hollywood movie:
[Fast Fact: the histrionic moment when Moses breaks the tablets and shouts “[t]hose who will not live by the law, shall die by the law” is not found in the Torah – it paraphrases a passage in the cannons of the New Testament (Romans 2:12), which was written centuries later (55-57 ACE). In comparison, the King James version provides the passage as follows: “For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law.”]
2. The Battle of Mount Carmel: Elijah vs. Baal
The subject of this month’s article, however, is not Moses, the Ten Commandments, or the worship of the golden calf. This month I will be discussing the lead actor of the haftorah for Ki Tisa . . . . Eliyahu (who is also known as Elijah). [Note: a haftorah is a portion recited from one of the Books of Prophets that accompanies the Torah reading, and there is usually a connection between the two]. His story is no piece of cake – many of his exploits are written about in biblical sources, but most of his life is a mystery.
In this week’s haftorah reading (1 Kings 18:20-39; note that it is called “1 Melachim” in Hebrew, but will refer to the book as “Kings” in this article), Elijah demonstrates the greatness of one G-d and denigrates the worship of Baal (Canaanite deity) and idol worship; which parallels the Torah reading which shows Moses’s anger over the worship of the golden calf.
In the story, the King of the northern Kingdom of Israel (Ahab or Achav) had authorized his people to worship both G-d in addition to other deities. Eliyahu challenges Abab to a duel of the G-ds, where he challenges the Jewish Gd-against hundreds of Baal’s prophets; they engaged in their celestial battle atop Mount Carmel. The background for an epic battle of biblical proportions (and worthy of a Hollywood movie) was set. However, the challenge itself was not as majestic as a movie-goer would have hoped. Two bulls were brought before Elijah, the prophets, and the many spectators, one for each “side” and placed on alters. The rules of the competition were simple – each side was to call upon their respective divinities to light a fire on the alter for the offering. King Ahab’s idol worshipers were up first. The prophets of Baal tried but were not able to conjure a flame. Elijah even trash-talks to the prophets by saying things like “Shout louder, maybe Baal’s on vacation, or maybe he’s sleeping, and you need to wake him up.” Next up was Elijah. To add effect, he poured water around the alter before beginning. He then called upon G-d to ignite the alter, and a stream of fire came down from the skies and ignited the offering, the alter, and the water in dramatic fashion. The story did not make it into a Hollywood movie, but there are a few animated reenactments of the scene, including the following:
3. Who is Eliyahu / Elijah?
Growing up in a non-Orthodox Jewish home, I learned about Elijah / Eliyahu the same the same way that most of my contemporaries did – you opened up the door for him during the Passover Seder (the celebratory meal during Passover, which follows an ordered recitation of prayers, eating select foods, singing, and undertaking various activities) so he can come into your home and drink the cup of wine that is set out for him, and we sing a song about him titled “Eliyahu Hanavi.” To tell you the truth, for most of my early childhood, I associated this action with the end of the Seder, that if Elijah actually comes, it means that the “Messiah” will be coming soon, and they will bring us to Jerusalem for the following year’s Seder (the Seder is concluded with “Next year in Jerusalem”).
Elijah (or Eliyahu in Hebrew, and written as אֵלִיָּהוּ) was a Prophet, and is usually referred to as Elijah the Prophet or Eliyahu Hanavi in Hebrew (אֵלִיָהוּ הַנָבִיא). By “Prophet,” I mean that he is believed to have been a messenger of G-d, divine G-ds words/actions through himself or have the ability to talk to G-d, such as in the story of Elijah and the followers of Baal provided above.
Elijah lived from approximately 900 BCE to 849 BCE, which was soon after the division of Israel into separate Northern and Southern Kingdoms. There is nothing mentioned in any literature about his early years prior to his appearance in the religious liturgy, except that he may have been born in Tishbe in Gilead (located in modern day Jordan; just east of the Jordan River). In biblical-era texts, the Northern Kingdom had begun to stray away from the mainstream monotheistic beliefs of Judaism. Elijah travelled to the north to proselytize the Jewish religion, and in doing so, had a few run-ins with the northern king (Ahab) and his wife, Queen Jezebel (or Izevel). These stories are immortalized in the Book of Kings. A brief overview of the stories relating to Elijah are as following:
- There is a drought in the north and Elijah tells Ahab that it will not rain until G-d allows it to happen, challenging their beliefs that it was Baal that was responsible for rain. (1 Kings 18)
- While wandering, Elijah comes across a starving widow and her son in the town of Zarephath. The widow offers Elijah her last morsel of food, a small piece of cake. Through prayers to G-d, he ensures her that she will never go hungry. Then, unexpectantly, her son dies. With more prayers to G-d, the child is brought back to life. [Fast Fact: This is the first instance of resurrection in the Judeo-Christian liturgy.] (1 Kings 17)
- Note: This story is the basis for the title of this month’s article, and the irony is not lost that in a few weeks we celebrate Passover, which involves the welcoming of Elijah, but we are not allowed to eat cake.
- Elijah squares off in a battle royal against King Ahab and a few hundred priests of Baal on Mount Carmel, as discussed above, and shows them up (1 Kings 18)
- Elijah orders the death of the priests of Baal, so Jezebel orders his capture (and death), so he flees to Mount Horeb. [Food for thought: If Elijah had the power of G-d to defend him, why did he flee?] Elijah goes to Mount Horeb to hide. [Mount Horeb is where Moses received the Ten Commandments [Fast Fact: The first time in religious liturgy where a person is said to have returned to the mountain since the time of Moses.] After a visit by and Angel (that feeds him) and a lesson from G-d, he is told to go to Syria to make Jahu the King of Israel, and to find his replacement (Elisha). (1 Kings 19)
- After Ahab and Jezebel have Naboth murdered when Naboth refuses to trade vineyards, Elijah come to dispense justice. When Elijah invokes the power of G-d, Ahab repents, but his wife and son do not, and are punished. When the son, Ahaziah, send men out to arrest Elijah, the first two groups are killed in fire. The third group is allowed to escort Elijah to meet with Ahaziah, whereupon Elijah tells him of his impending punishment, and Ahaziah dies soon afterwards. (1 Kings 21 and 2 Kings 1)
- Elijah departs to heaven in 2 Kings 2, although the story does not depict him as having died. He goes with Elisha to Jordan River, and when he strikes it, it splits into two. Then a chariot of fire lead by horses of fire appears and takes him to heaven (2 Kings 2:10-11):
Behold there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, which parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven. And Elisha saw it, and he cried: ‘My father, my father, the chariots of Israel and the horsemen thereof!’
[Food for Thought: Ancient alien theorists may look at this passage as a description of an alien spaceship, written in terms that someone in ancient times would have thought/understood. All of his miracles may also be explained under this theory by Elijah being in possession of advanced alien technology, such as a laser which allowed him to destroy things that seemingly looked like fire.]
- Note that before he goes, he drops his vestments so that Elisha could take them and use them as his own (2 Kings 2)
- Interestingly, that is not the last mention of Elijah. He is mentioned in a letter purportedly sent by him in 2 Chronicles 21:12 to King Jehoram for leading the people of Israel astray. [Fast Fact: Some scholars have issues with this letter since it is concerning a Southern King, and up to now, his has been focused on the Northern Kingdom.]
B. Elijah’s Legacy
1. Elijah’s Cup and his Invitation to the Seder
Although it is asked “why do we drink four cups of wine” during the Passover Seder, it is a tradition in many homes to put out a symbolic fifth cup for Elijah (some may even provide a full table setting, including a chair). A more elaborately decorated cup will usually be used as Elijah’s cup, which will be filled with wine. [Note: Another connection between the discussion of Eliyahu and this month is that Passover also falls out at the end of the month 9/27/2021.]
The addition of Elijah’s Cup was a late comer in the evolution of the modern Seder. The Eliyahu-Passover connection is not discussed in any of the early Jewish writings (Talmud, Mishnah, etc.). The earliest known mention of the connection was in the 15th century by Rabbi Zelikman Binga in his commentary on Peshachin (section 11) [one of the subsections relating to Passover/Pesach in Talmud]. He notes that this is something that he has observed people doing – pouring an extra cup of wine and referring to it as “Elijah’s Cup.” He believes that the custom was started because the eschatological (end of days) connection to Elijah. Passover Evening is the Night of Redemption, and as such, Elijah will visit and announce the coming of the Messiah. The Zohar (a book of Jewish mysticism) provides that Eliyahu will come on the eve of Passover to announce the Redemption. The cup was later also referred to as the Kos shel Eliyahu (in Mishnah Berurah 480:10), with similar reasoning. Rabbi Yair Chaim Bacharach reasons that the reason why we have a cup of Elijah is to further exemplify one of the prayers said at the start of the Seder. The prayer “Kol Dichfi” welcomes guests into our house, and Eliyahu is the most anticipated of all the guests.
Having said all that, there is a conflict in Jewish law regarding the day of arrival of Eliyahu (or the Messiah); in the Midrash, it is stated that neither can arrive on the Shabbat or on a Yom Tov (see Pesachim 13a):
[T]he Jewish people have already been assured that Elijah will come neither on a Friday nor on the eve of a Festival, due to the exertion involved preparing for the upcoming holy day. Consequently, Elijah will certainly come neither on Friday, nor on Shabbat itself, which is Passover eve.
It should be noted that in some communities, a fifth cup is drunk during the Seder by all guests. The fifth cup of wine is usually associated with Elijah. [Note: I briefly discuss the fifth cup in a prior article on Passover, and will be discussing the practice in more detail in the future.]
[Fast Fact: The great sages were unable to come to a decision on how many cups are to be served during the Seder. The discussion ended in a “non-decision.” When the sages could not come to a unified decision, it is called a teku.]
One more point to consider about Elijah’s cup. The tradition of drinking a fifth cup of wine during the Seder based on the flow of text of the Torah (Exodus 6:6-7) in which each of G-ds four promises coincide with each of the four cups:
- “I will free you”
- “I will deliver you”
- “I will redeem you”
- “I will take you to be my people”
The beginning of Exodus 6:8 begins with another promise:
- “I will bring you into the land”
Some of the sages believe that this promise brings the first four to a conclusion (bringing the Jewish people into Israel, a land of their own) should be symbolized as well with a fifth and final cup. Although I love this interpretation, there is no mention of Elijah (or his cup) by the sages the use of Elijah’s cup came many years after the introduction of the four cups into the early versions of the Haggadah.
[Food for thought: Exodus 6:8 concludes with what I believe to be a sixth promise “I will give it to you for a heritage.” Should a sixth cup of wine be added to the Seder? The first five provides a promise of a full circle from taking the Hebrews out of Egypt to bringing them to their new home, but the sixth is the promise of the future – that this will be their permanent home? Although note – since much of the Haggahdah was written in the diaspora, maybe it would have been too much to include a toast to a promise which was not fulfilled and at the time did not look as though it may never come true?]
2. Elijah’s Chair of Honor at the Bris (Brit Milah)
Male Jewish children are commanded in the Bible (Genesis 16:14) be circumcised. In the 9th century, while writing his commentaries, Rabbi Eliezer wrote (in Pirkei d’Rebbi Eliezer) that G-d gave Eliyahu the task of attending every bris (britot) to witness that every male child has been properly circumcised and fulfilled the Biblical commandment. So that he has a place to sit, later rabbis (such as in Arba’ah Turim YD 265; 13th century) provided for the Kisei shel Eliyahu (Chair of Eliyahu) to be present at every bris.
3. Opening the Door for Elijah During the Seder
After consuming the third cup of wine, it has become symbolic to open the front door of the household to welcome in Eliyahu. This is also at about the midway point of reciting the Hallel, which is a recitation of Psalms 113-118. [Fast Fact: The Hallel is recited during Passover because it provides an overview of the themes of Passover. According to the Gemara (Pesachim 118a), these themes are: the Exodus, Splitting of the Red Sea, Giving of the Torah, Revival of the Dead, and the difficulties prior to the Messianic Era.]
The origination of this tradition is unknown, but a few possibilities for opening one’s door on Passover night include:
- The most well-known reason for opening the door is the idea that Elijah is the harbinger of the Messiah, and Jews need to open the door in order to let him in so he can provide this news.
- Passover night is sometimes referred to as leil shimurim, which translates to “a guarded night.” This name comes from the protection of G-d over the Hebrews on the evening that the Angel of Death came down to smite the first born in Egypt, which led to the Exodus. By opening the door Jews are showing their faith in G-d that he will protect them.
- One may ask “Why Eliyahu?” Why not another prophet or angel? The reason may he his connection to the brit/circumcision [See Elijah’s Chair above]. Besides coming to tell of the Messiah’s coming, he may also come to each home to testify that those in attendance are circumcised. There is another direct connection here, since the Midrash also tells that all Hebrews that were not yet circumcised, did so the night before the Exodus [??Midrash Tanchuma Shemot??]
- In some communities, the attendees will stand (if possible) when the door is opened and say Baruch Haba, which means “welcome” – but it is a welcome to both Eliyahu and the Messiah.
- The opening of the door occurs at about midnight, which is the time that the Final Redemption will take place – so the door is opened at that time to welcome the redemption.
- The opening of one’s door may be reminiscent of when the Priests would open the gates of the Holy Temple at midnight on the night of the Seder; as recorded by the historian Josephus in Antiquities (18:2:2) in the 1st century.
4. The Passover – Bris Connection
Although seemingly dissimilar, there are two distinct traditions directly relating to Elijah during Passover (as discussed above), there is a very close connection between this holiday and the bris/brit milah (circumcision) celebration. Some of the connections between the two, found in Jewish literature, include the following:
- Eating the Passover offering (Karban Peshach) to the holy Temple in ancient days, and being circumcised (brit mitzvah) are the only two positive commandments (mitzvot) where the penalty for noncompliance is being cut off spiritually (see Sefer HaChinuch, Mitzvah 2)
- As noted above, Elijah is required to ensure that all males are circumcised. Only circumcised males can make the Passover offering, so Elijah attends the Seder to testify that those making the (now symbolic) offering are circumcised.
- There is a parallel between the Passover offering and the departure of Lot from Sodom which has a connection to circumcision (see article)
- The permanence of the acts – if you become circumcised, it is permanent to your body. If you sacrifice an ancient Egyptian deity (cow) – the Egyptians will no longer accept you
There are a few other theories that explain the connection, but the above are the more popular or more interesting that I have found.
5. Havdalah and Elijah
Eliyahu HaNavi is sung during Havdalah service after Shabbat which calls for the coming of Elijah. According the Jewish law (Talmud Eruvin 43b) Eliyahu will not come on a Friday so he will not interfere with the preparation for Shabbat. Nor will he come on Shabbat itself (due to travel restrictions). Immediately after Shabbat becomes the perfect time to ask Elijah to come and announce the coming of the Messiah.
Another reason for asking for the arrival after Shabbat has to do with a passage in the Midrash (another book of Jewish law) that states that Elijah sits in the Garden of Eden, under the shade of the Tree of Life during Shabbat, where he records the merits of those that observe the Shabbat.
One tradition provides that if every Jew observe only one Shabbat, the Moshiach will appear, so the passage regarding Elijah is to say “we have observed the Shabbat, we now await the coming of the Messiah.”
Eliyahu Hanavi
Eliyahu hanavi
Eliyahu hatish’bi
Eliyahu hagil’adi –
Bim’herah (beyameinu) yavo eleinu
im Mashi’ach ben David.
(x2)
6. Cave of Elijah
In 1 Kings 19:8, it mentions that after travelling for 40 days and nights, Elijah rested and stayed in a cave on Mount Caramel. There is a cave on the mountain that has been called Elijah’s Cave for many years by the three major religions and various historians and travelers to the area (although there is no evidence that this is the cave he used, if he existed)). [This is not to be confused with Mount Elijah in Oregon.]
7. Mendelssohn’s Elijah Oratorio
To augment to the legacy of the Elijah, Mendelssohn created a musical masterpiece known as the Elijah Oratorio [Fast Fact: an “oratorio” is a long orchestral piece that is written for an orchestra, soloists, and a choir. Also note that Mendelssohn was born Jewish and baptized at age 7 and balanced both faiths later in his life.]] The piece, first performed in 1846, provides the story of the life and adventures of the Prophet Elijah.
8. Elijah in Other Religions – Christianity, Islam, Baha’i
Elijah is not just a Jewish thing. He is mentioned in the liturgy of many of the major religions. He appears in the Christian cannon, including an appearance as a prophet in the Book of Mormons (Church of Later-Day Saints). He is mentioned as being present (along with Moses) during the Transfiguration of Jesus in the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke; which are also referred to as the Synoptic Gospels). Elijah is the patron saint of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Also note that around the world there are a number of churches, cathedrals, and even a monastery named in honor of Elijah.
Elijah also appears in the Quran (Islam). In Islam, Elijah is also a prophet, and even some of the stories have similarities (e.g., opposing followers of Baal, helping the needy, and even appearing on the last day of the end of days.
The founder of the Baha’I faith is entitled the “Bab,” and is supposed to be the coming of Elijah (and John the Baptist). The Bab is buried on Mount Carmel, where the story of the fight with Baal takes place in the Bible / Torah.
9. Birkat HaMazon – Asking for Elijah to Arrive
Just as Jews seek hope and ask for redemption in the coming of the Messiah on Passover and during the Havdalah service each week, in the 11th century, a passage was added to the Birkat Hamazon (prayers after meals), which asks for the coming of Elijah to give news of the Messiah’s coming.
10. Feast of Elijah
In Bulgaria, Christians celebrate July 20th as the Feast of Elijah (also called the Feast of Ilenden). The Prophet Elijah (or Saint Elijah) is commemorated during this day as the patron saint of tailors, rain, thunder, and lightning. [Fast fact: There is a second, similar holiday also celebrated on August 2nd – although that date is to remember the Ilinden-Preobrazhenie Uprising, where the Bulgarians sought to unify the Bulgarian territories against the Ottoman Empire.]
The holiday is celebrated by reciting prayers (for rain, health, fertility, protection against elements, etc.), and may even offer a sacrifice. Two types of breads are usually baked and served during the holiday – bogovitsa and kolach. Bogovitsa is a type of soda bread, and koach is a fluffy pastry that contains fruit. One way that Bulgarians celebrate the holiday is by fire-walking; walking on the fire with bare feet. Note that they feel that swimming is bad luck on this day and will refrain from going into the water, especially the Black Sea, in fear that St. Elijah will take the swimmer as a sacrifice.
11. Evidence of Elijah – WaS Elijah a Real Person?
There is no physical evidence that Elijah ever lived. There are accounts in literature, such as the Book King of Kings (written hundreds of years after he had supposedly lived), but no evidence, other than people’s faith. However, note that there is physical evidence found that King Ahab and his wife Jezebel did live during this time in Assyrian inscriptions from the 7th and 8th century BCE (which also referred to Ahab’s father, Omri). In addition, the palace of Omri and Ahab has been unearthed in ancient Samaria. On the Kurkh Monolith, an account of how Ahab the Israelite added 10,000 chariots to a coalition of other kingdoms to stop the army of Shalmaneser. There is also correlation between King of Kings (1 and 2) and some of the other nations mentioned in the monolith – but no evidence of even the name of Elijah/Eliyahu.
Some historians believe that Elijah is a fictional character that may have been derived from a compilation of various characters and events. For instance, many believe that something of significance occurred at Mount Carmel (where Elijah supposedly fought the followers of Baal) – but what that event was cannot be ascertained. Even the name provides a shadow of doubt. The name Elijah translates as “The one G-d is my G-d” – which may have evolved over time to encompass the various individuals and stories that have transformed into the modern caricature of Elijah.
On the other hand – the story of Elijah is wide-spread and well known around the world. His story is included in the three major religions, and there are even geographic locations (e.g., Cave of Elijah) named for him that may provide a trace as to a real person’s footprints in time. So maybe there was an Elijah that did miraculous deeds, or there were many individuals that were named Elijah (or became to be known as Elijah) after doing some incredible feats (or having those feats associated with them).
C. Origin of Cake and Cookies
1. The History and Origin of Cake
As mentioned above, one of the stories of the amazing things that Elijah performed was the resurrection of a poor widow’s child after she unselfishly offered him a small piece of cake. It is in honor of this deed, not by Elijah, but of the widow – to help others even when you are down yourself, that the food focus is on cake and cookies.
Although there are flour-free cakes, flour is one of the major ingredients that distinguishes it from other dishes and desserts. Hence, it is believed that the first cake was made soon after the advent of flour. How long ago was that you ask? There is evidence of flour being used 30,000 years ago in Europe.
Cakes were written about in Ancient Greece. They were called plakous (translated as “flat”) and were usually made with nuts and honey. The Greeks also made a cake called satura, which is described as a flat heavy cake (today known as a cake with various fruits). Cakes were called placenta and libum by the Ancient Romans. They were similar to cheesecake pastries, and were known to be used as offerings to their various deities. However, it was probably the Ancient Egyptians that advanced the baking techniques that are used today. The modern concept of a basic cake, round with icing, most likely developed in the 1600s in Europe.
By the time the medieval period came around, there were many different types of cakes being made and the words bread and cake were being used by Europeans interchangeably (the etimology of words derive from an Anglo Saxon origin, and even earlier from the Viking/Norse word for cook – kaka). It is believed that cake referred to a smaller bread. In addition, cakes were not made as often because of the expense of the sweeteners needed (in the past items like sugar were expensive), however, it was the advent and use of refined white sugar and baking powder in the later part of the 19th century where the truly modern cake was born.
[In future articles I will go more deeply into various types of cakes and methods of making them.]
2. Cakes: Slices of Wisdom
The use of cake as an allegory to provide thoughts of wisdom has been used for years. Below are some popular cake idioms, what they mean, and possible origins:
- “It’s a Piece of Cake”
- This may have come from the late 19th century, when cakes became a popular prize for contests which became known as cake walks, where contestants would be judged for how they “strutted by.” The winner, saying that winning it was easy, which became “a piece of cake”
- However, the earliest known reference to this term cannot be found until 1935 (Primrose Path by Ogden Nash), where it is written “Her picture’s in the papers now, and life’s a piece of cake.”
- Another possible origin is that this saying may have come from the British Royal Air Force that would describe easy missions as “a piece of cake”
- This may also have a slightly different meaning, instead of being easy (to do) as its origin, it may refer to a piece of cake being easy to swallow.
- “Cake Walk”
- This also may have come from contests, especially dances, where the most graceful couple would win a cake, hence their winning was easy, or a “cake walk.” These may also have derived from slavery in the earlier 19th century, where slave owners would award cake to slaves who either danced most graciously or were able to imitate the wealthy best. [Note: I have found references to slave owners doing this in 1870 – after slavery was officially ended in the United States.]
- “That Takes the Cake” or “That Just Takes the Cake”
- This phrase possibly has its origin going back much further than the above two, coming from Ancient Greece, where cake was a symbolic prize.
- It has been used for decades (earliest reference from 1839) to mean the prime example of something
- In modern lingo, it probably had its origin with the cake walks or contests being awarded with cake, but it also has derived a negative connotation, and more likely evolved from the idiom “Takes the Biscuit.” One source I found for its origin is possibly from the British Navy (or any ocean vessel) from the 1700s. When provisions were dwindling, one of the last edible items were a very hard biscuit (called ship-biscuit or hardtack). If all they had to serve were these ship-biscuits, you knew things were desperate.
- “Can’t Have Your Cake and Eat it too”
- The general meaning is that you cannot have to two desirable items at the same time.
- The earliest appearance of a version of this phrase is found from an English playwright named John Heywood from 1531, who wrote “Wolde ye bothe eate your cake, and haue your cake?”
2. The History and Origin of Cookies
The history of cookies begins with the origin of cakes (see above). Because the ingredients for the sweeteners (i.e., sugar) were expensive, bakery chefs did not want to waste money on making a cake which may not taste good, so they make much smaller test cakes – these very small cakes were the first cookies. Most likely the first “cookies” were made in/around Persia in the 7th century, since they were one of the very first areas of the world to cultivate sugar. One of the earliest known cookbooks (Goode Huswife’s Jewel, 1596) had a cookie-like recipe called “Fine Cakes.” The cookie had continued to evolve over the centuries. Also note that the word cookie comes from the Dutch word koekje, which means “little cakes.”
More on cookies and their origins, varieties, and history will be discussed in future articles.
- “That’s the Way the Cookie Crumbles”
- It means to take life as it comes – both the good and the bad.
- A possible origin of the word comes from the French idiom “C’est la vie” which translates to “that’s life,” or the Italian “Cosi va’l Mondo” (“such is life”) which probably became popular in those countries during the 18th century.
- “One Smart Cookie” and “Sharp Cookie”
- The term “cookie” has been used to describe women for centuries and used as a positive adjective – usually describing a good-looking woman. The earliest reference to a “smart cookie” was found by writer Jennifer Walker from 1948, but is not sure how the phrase was used (i.e., was it used to describe a woman?) However, over the last few decades, although it might be considered pejorative today, was used to describe a woman who was not only attractive, but was also intelligent (breaking the old myth that good-looking women could not be smart). The term “sharp cookie” also probably has the same evolution, but unable to find much information on its origin.
- “Tough Cookie”
- A tough cookie describes what a cookie usually is not. Cookies are brittle and usually crumble, so this is a term that is an allegory to those tough inedible cookies – or an illusion to that cookie that looks like it will easily dissolve in your mouth, but you cannot even bite through. But a “tough” cookie may not only mean physically strong, but one who is emotionally strong as well.
- The term may also have a negative connotation, meaning someone that is hard to work with, or will not move/budge (physically and argumentatively).
- This is another term where it is hard to pinpoint an origin.
- “Caught with your Hand in the Cookie Jar”
- This idiom is most likely of North American origin, since it is more of an American custom to have cookie jars in their kitchens. Because cookies are delicious and tempting to children, they are usually caught with their hands in the jars when they are not supposed to be eating them. At some point (unknown) this term was extended to criminal activities, where the perpetrator was caught in the act.
- “Cookie Cutter”
- The phrase refers to someone that is a conformist – or does everything exactly the same way – as they always have, or as everyone else.
- It may have originated in the early 1920s (the term was used in a 1922 edition of The Chicago Sunday Tribune).
- Note that during the early 1920s, sheriff’s badges were sometimes also referred to as “cookie cutters”
- Since this is culinary history site, a few related facts: Cookie cutters (used in kitchens) first originated in the 15th century – prior to that, bakers used molds to shape their dough (which was most likely originated by the ancient Egyptians). Cookie cutters gained popularity in the 17th century because of the interest in making gingerbread cookies. Do you collect cookie cutters? If so, do not miss the National Cookie Cutter Museum in Joplin, MO.
- “Toss One’s Cookies” or “Toss Cookies”
- The term (according to the Oxford English Dictionary) originated in the 1920s as a college slang word for vomiting. The word “toss” could also be replaced with either “lose” or spill”
3. Origin Cookie Monster
How can I write about cookies, and not mention one of my favorite Sesame Street Muppets? This lovable monster made his first appearance on the children’s TV series Sesame Street in 1969 (animated by legendary puppeteer Frank Oz). He loves to eat and will eat almost anything – but since cookies are his favorite, that is how he got his name. He actually first made his first public appearance in 1966 in a General Foods commercial in Canada (created by Jim Henson) with two other monsters and was known as the “Wheel Steeler.” However, he looked a little different than the monster we know today. His next appearance was on an IBM commercial (aired during the Ed Sullivan Show) in 1967, with some additional modifications, and eventually evolved into what and how we see him today.
Video of Cookie Monster in General Foods Commercial (1966)
Video of Cookie Monster IBM Commercial (1967)
Recipe for Snickerdoodles
This was a hard choice to make, but I am going to go with snickerdoodles. They are a fairly easy cookie to make and always delicious. Note that there is nothing really special about this particular recipe – you will find hundreds just like it because it is been made fairly similar by many, many chefs like you in their own kitchen for years.
Note that Cream of Tartar is a necessity for this ingredient – if you have never used it before, and you look for it (either in the baking or spices aisle) – it is usually a small container with a white powder. So, do not look for a “cream.” Of note is that cream of tartar is a biproduct from making alcohol. Interestingly, as I typed in the below information, I realized that I recently made pancakes with very similar ingredients (in different proportions) [Shhhhh . . . cream of tartar is my secret ingredient for pancakes to make them fluffy, so don’t tell anyone.]
Ingredients (makes about 30 cookies)
Cookie Dough
3 cups flour
1 ½ cups sugar
¼ cup brown sugar
1 ¼ cups butter (melted)
½ Tsp Baking Soda
2 Tsp Cream of Tartar
2 eggs (lg)
2 Tsp vanilla (pure)
Cinnamon Topping
1/3 cup Sugar
2 Tbs Cinnamon
Directions
1) In Preparation
a) Preheat Oven to 350 degrees
b) Take out large cookie sheet (unless non-stick, either pre-grease or use cooking parchment)
2) In a small bowl mix together the sugar and cinnamon for the topping and then set aside
3) In a separate bowl
a) Blend (on medium) butter, sugar (white and brown) until it is a fluffy texture
b) Add eggs, cream of tartar, and vanilla and blend for another 2 minutes (should still be fluffy)
c) To the mixture, next add the flour and baking soda (mix it well)
d) Wrap the mixture in a plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator for a half hour
4) Take mixture out of fridge and roll into small balls [read (b) before placing onto cookie sheet]
a) Drop balls into the sugar-cinnamon mix until fully coated
b) Place the dough balls onto the cookie sheet (leave some room between each) and press into the middle of the dough. [This is a trick / technique that will keep the cookies from rising too much in the middle. This also works for other foods – For example, I do this when making hamburgers before placing them on the grill to keep them flatter.]
c) If there is any sugar mixture remaining after all the balls are made, I usually spread it on top of the cookies on the cookie sheet
5) Depending on your oven – bake for approximately 10 to 12 minutes.
6) Of course, you should let them cool off for a few minutes before eating, but in my house there are usually one or two that never make it to the cooling plate.
Keep on cookin’
Chef Lon
Sources
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