MoonPie and logo are registered trademarks
A moon pie or MoonPie[1] is a pastry which consists of two round graham cracker cookies, with marshmallow filling in the center, dipped in chocolate or other flavors. The traditional pie is about the size of a hockey puck, a smaller version exists (mini MoonPie) that is about half the size. The four main flavors are chocolate, vanilla, strawberry and banana. Two newer flavors, lemon and orange, are also available.
History and origin
The moon pie was invented circa 1917 by the Chattanooga Bakery, USA.[2] According to the producers website, the product's origin is undocumented. Richard Dixon was identified as the possible creator by his son. Mr. Mitchell reportedly conceived the moon pie as a snack for coal miners in Kentucky, Tennessee and West Virginia.[3]. "RC Cola and a Moon Pie" is a common phrase in the southern states of the United States.[4][5]
Similar products
In the northern regions of the United States, a similar product is marketed as a Scooter Pie. See also Mallomars, a single-cracker marshmallow cookie. In the UK, Australia and Canada there are Wagon Wheels, introduced under the Weston name in the 1940s but since divested to other companies in the UK and Australia.[6] The Korean company Orion produces Choco Pies. In Mexico there is a similar cookie pie called Mamut.
A moon pie is not to be confused with the Chinese confectionary mooncake.
Mardi Gras tradition
The moon pie has been a traditional throw of Carnival krewes in Mobile, Alabama, since 1974,[7] and other communities along the Mississippi Gulf Coast, such as in New Orleans. The westernmost outpost of the moon pie as an important Carnival throw is Slidell, Louisiana, which has a parade by "The Krewe of Mona Lisa and Moon Pie." Also, in the town of Oneonta, Alabama, there is a moon pie eating contest started by Wal-Mart employee John Love when he inadvertently ordered too many. This anecdote was featured in Sam Walton's autobiography, Made in America.[8]
See also
References
External links
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