Ep 22. Cookies

Unwrapped is a food-based TV series that takes viewers on a behind-the-scenes tour of how their favorite treats are made. Season 1 Episode 22, titled "Cookies," focuses specifically on the world of cookies and the production processes that go into making some of the world's most popular cookie brands.

The episode starts with an introduction to cookies, highlighting their sometimes surprising origins. The host, Marc Summers, explains that the word "cookie" comes from the Dutch word "koekje," which means "little cake." From there, he dives into the world of cookie manufacturing, starting with Nabisco's famous Oreo cookies.

Summers visits the Nabisco factory in Richmond, Virginia, where he sees the entire cookie-making process from start to finish. He shows viewers how the cookies are formed by machines, how the cream is added, and how the packaging process takes place. He also introduces viewers to some of the lesser-known Oreo flavors, like peanut butter and mint.

Next, Summers heads to Otis Spunkmeyer, a company that specializes in making cookies for restaurants and coffee shops. At Otis Spunkmeyer, Summers learns about the various types of cookie dough that they make, including chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin, and peanut butter. He also sees how the dough is mixed and formed into cookies using machinery.

The episode then takes a look at a smaller-scale cookie operation, Uncle Eddie's in Brooklyn, New York. Uncle Eddie's is a family-run business that specializes in making old-fashioned Italian-American cookies. Summers talks to the owner, Eddie Mafucci, about the history of the business and about the various types of cookies they make, from almond horns to Italian wedding cookies.

The next stop on Summers' cookie tour is the Tate's Bake Shop in Southampton, New York. Tate's is known for their thin and crispy cookies, and Summers talks to founder Kathleen King about how she developed the recipe. He also watches as the cookies are baked in the ovens and packaged for sale.

The final segment of the episode takes a look at cookie innovation, specifically the invention of the "stuffed" cookie. Summers visits Max Brenner, a chocolate shop in New York City that specializes in unique chocolate creations. At Max Brenner, he tries a cookie stuffed with chocolate and watches as the cookie is formed using a special machine that presses the chocolate into the dough.

Overall, Season 1 Episode 22 of Unwrapped is a thorough exploration of the world of cookies, from classic brands like Oreo to smaller, family-run operations like Uncle Eddie's. Viewers will come away with a new appreciation for the art and science of cookie making, and might even be inspired to try making their own cookies at home.