Chapter 1
Playtime inventions born from happy accidents
Chapter 2
Famous foods discovered by pure chance
Chapter 3
Everyday technology designed for completely different uses
YOUR GOAL
Master of Surprising everyday origin stories
Ch 2 · Famous foods discovered by pure chance
schopenhauer Accidental food discoveries
Oh, I left my soda out in the cold, and it froze right onto the stick!
schopenhauer Chocolate chip cookies were invented when a baker hoped chocolate chunks would melt and dye her dough brown.
schopenhauer The ice cream cone was popularized in 1904 when a waffle maker helped a neighboring vendor who ran out of dishes.
BETA
schopenhauer Play an interactive trivia game about the accidental invention of the frozen popsicle. Test your knowledge on this surprising origin story.
Fun Fact
Popsicle original name: Frank Epperson originally patented his frozen invention under the name Epsicle, combining his last name and icicle.
Glossary
serendipity (noun)
The occurrence of finding valuable or agreeable things by chance. In 1938, Ruth Wakefield's serendipitous cookie experiment occurred when chocolate chunks failed to melt into her dough.
The occurrence of finding valuable or agreeable things by chance. In 1938, Ruth Wakefield's serendipitous cookie experiment occurred when chocolate chunks failed to melt into her dough.
Quiz
How old was Frank Epperson when he accidentally invented the popsicle on his porch in 1905?
Quiz
What was the original name patented by Frank Epperson for his frozen treat on a stick?
Quiz
Which major chocolate company bought the rights to Ruth Wakefield's cookie recipe in exchange for a lifetime supply of chocolate?
Quiz
Why did chef George Crum slice his potatoes paper-thin to create the first potato chip?
Quiz
What did Syrian vendor Ernest Hamwi use to make the first ice cream cones in 1904?
Quiz
Which mineral compound in unrefined sea salt caused Prince Liu An's soy milk to curdle into tofu?
Quiz
What was the name of the Massachusetts inn where Ruth Wakefield invented the chocolate chip cookie?
Quiz
In which New York town were potato chips invented by chef George Crum in 1853?