August 25th is Banana Split Day, but Ohio’s claim to starting this dessert trend is a battle with its neighbor to the east:

In Michael Turback’s Banana Split Book, he shares:

The origin of the banana split is controversial, but most historians believe it was first created in 1904 by an optometrist in Latrobe, Pennsylvania named David “Doc” Strickler. The sundae he concocted originally cost 10 cents, twice the price of other sundaes, and caught on with students of nearby Saint Vincent College.

Wilmington, Ohio, also claims an early connection dating to 1907 when Ernest “Doc” Hazard created a dessert in hopes of attracting students from Wilmington College to his shop during the slow days of winter. The dessert he came up with was the banana split: three scoops of ice cream served between the two halves of a split banana, topped with chocolate, strawberry and pineapple sauces, whipped cream, maraschino cherries and nuts.

Most historians believe the evidence for Strickler’s 1904 debut is more convincing, and, in 2004, the National Ice Cream Retailers Association certified the city of Latrobe as the birthplace of the banana split. Both towns hold an annual festival in honor of the dessert. Wilmington’s is usually the second weekend in June.

-I was born today in 1968 in Glens Falls, New York
-My mom was a restaurant manager and sparked my love for cooking
-I started teaching 30 minute meals as a class, then was invited to host a segment for a local TV station
-I signed with Food Network in 2001
-I’ve been a spokesperson for Dunkin’ Donuts coffee and have my own line of dog food
Who Am I?
I am Rachael Ray! Congratulations to Bonnie from Mount Vernon, who guessed correctly and wins the $5 gift card to Everlasting Cup.

Thanks for listening!
– Joe