Coddies facts for kids
Coddies are a unique and tasty snack food that are very popular in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States, especially in Baltimore, Maryland. They are like a small, fried patty made mostly from mashed potatoes. People often eat them with saltine crackers and yellow mustard.
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Coddies: A Special Snack from Baltimore
Coddies are a well-loved snack, especially in Baltimore, Maryland. They are a local favorite and are often found in the city's deli shops and seafood stores, including the famous Lexington Market.
What Are Coddies Made Of?
A typical coddie patty is made from simple ingredients. It usually includes mashed potatoes, eggs, salt, pepper, and onions. Crushed-up saltine crackers are also added. Sometimes, a small amount of salted cod fish is included. These ingredients are mixed together and shaped into a patty. The patty is then covered in breading and deep-fried until it's golden brown and crispy. Coddies are usually served sandwiched between two saltine crackers, often with a dollop of yellow mustard.
Where Did Coddies Come From?
The exact origin of coddies is a bit of a mystery. Some people think a similar recipe might have come from the Czech region of Bohemia in the 1800s. Another idea is that they were first made by African-American communities in the region around the same time.
However, coddies became widely available thanks to a Jewish businessman named Louis Cohen. He started selling them from an ice cream stand in a Bel Air market in Baltimore in 1910. His family continued to sell coddies from their own food stands for many years, all the way until the 1970s.
Coddies in the Old Days
Coddies were much more common in the Baltimore area throughout the 20th century. Many locals remember that you could buy them almost anywhere. They were sold in places like drugstores and even bowling alleys. They were also very cheap! In the 1960s, you could buy a coddie for as little as a nickel. Because they were so affordable, coddies earned the nickname "the poor man's crab cake". This name refers to another famous Baltimore food, the crab cake, which is usually more expensive.
Coddies Today
Even though coddies are not as widely sold as they used to be, they are still considered an important part of Baltimore's culture. They are seen as a classic, old-fashioned snack. You can still find recipes for coddies online, and they have even been featured in local newspapers like the Baltimore Sun. Many people in Maryland see coddies as a special part of their local food history.
