Ep 13. Cookies & Cake

"Unwrapped" takes a dive into the world of sweet treats in season 8, episode 13, named "Cookies & Cake." This episode explores various types of dessert items, from classic American staples to international delicacies. Host Marc Summers leads the viewers on a journey of discovery, uncovering the history, legends, and cultural significance of these dessert items.

The episode kicks off with a segment on one of the most beloved American desserts, the chocolate chip cookie. Summers reveals the origin story of this cookie, which dates back to the Great Depression era. He visits a bakery in Michigan that specializes in creating large, soft, and chewy cookies packed with chunks of chocolate chips. The bakery's owner shares some of the tricks of the trade that make their cookies so irresistible.

Next up on the list is the Oreo cookie. Summers takes a trip to the Nabisco factory to see how these iconic cookies are made. With a fascinating look at the assembly line process of creating the cookies, viewers get an inside glimpse into why they are so popular. Summers also takes a look at the different Oreo flavors that have been released over the years and speaks with experts on the brand's marketing strategies.

The episode then takes a detour to explore international desserts, starting with a traditional Swedish treat called kanelbullar. These cinnamon rolls are baked with a unique twist, and Summers visits a local bakery to find out how they are made. He talks to the bakers and explores the cultural significance of this beloved pastry in Swedish society.

Next, the show delves into the world of Italian sweets, starting with the famous cannoli. Summers visits a bakery in the heart of New York City's Little Italy neighborhood to see how the cannoli is made. He talks to the bakers about their family history and how they have kept the traditional recipe alive for generations. The episode also features other mouth-watering Italian desserts, including sfogliatelle and zeppole.

The final segment of "Cookies & Cake" is all about cake. Summers visits Charm City Cakes in Baltimore, the bakery that starred in the popular TV show "Ace of Cakes," to see how they create their unique cake designs. The bakery's owner, Duff Goldman, shares some of his tips and tricks for making show-stopping cakes. The episode also features a segment on the history of birthday cakes and explores how they became a staple of American celebrations.

Overall, "Unwrapped" season 8, episode 13, "Cookies & Cake," is a sweet, satisfying exploration of desserts from around the world. Whether viewers have a sweet tooth or just enjoy learning about food culture, this episode is sure to satisfy. From the classic American chocolate chip cookie to the international delicacies like cannoli and kanelbullar, "Cookies & Cake" offers a range of desserts that are sure to inspire and delight.