The origin of where fudge came from is unclear, but it is thought to have dated back before 1886. This newly introduced desert is likely an American invention. The first recipe is believed to be the result of a “fudged” batch of caramels. This, the invention of the saying “oh fudge.”
The first sale of fudge was known in a Baltimore grocery store where it was sold for 40 cents a pound. Now equivalent to $10.98 a pound! A letter found in the archives of Vassar College, was written by Emelyn Battersby, which revealed that Emelyn’s cousins schoolmate had made this sweet treat in 1886. She then proceeded, to sell it for 40 cents a pound at the local grocery store.
2 years later in 1888, Ms. Hartridge asked for the fudge recipe. She used it to make 30 pounds of fudge for the Vassar Senior Auction. From here on, the recipe became very popular at the school. Once word spread to other women’s college’s, this new confection sprouted from a once local grocery store sale to a nation wide confection. Later, new recipes were developed by the Smith and Wellesley schools.
