---

One of America's favorite snack foods is said to have originated near Saratoga Springs, New York, in 1853.

The chef at Moon's Lake House, George Crum, was irritated at a customer who sent back his fried potatoes several times, saying they were too thick and soggy.

Crum decided to slice potatoes paper thin and stir fry them.

The customer was delighted, and so-called Saratoga Chips became famous.

The exact history of potato chips is unknown, but it is thought they originated in Europe.

Worldwide, more than $16 billion of potato chips are sold each year. In the U.S., chips make up a good part of the 39 pounds of potatoes each American eats annually.

---