One Smart Cookie

There are times that I drive by places over and over. I add them to a list which keeps growing and growing. I stepped out to go see a movie (the Avengers, of course) and I wanted something other than the treats at the movie theatre.

In American Fork next to the Cinemark theatre is a small shop called Smart Cookie. I had heard of them on the radio, and only driven by hundreds of times. It was time to make a visit and do some research.

The shop was simple and the girl at the counter was really sweet and very helpful. The story goes: Christian McDaniel created, tested, and perfected a handful of cookie recipes, that when combined with premium ice creams would surpass his childhood’s ideal dessert (vanilla ice cream with oatmeal cookie in a sandwich). With 25 perfect cookie recipes in hand, Christian traded in his financial calculator for a commercial-grade mixer, and Smart Cookie Company was born.

I have been use to super fancy flavors and spoiled by (RubySnap) gourmet cookies. The cookies are as simple as the shop is. I liked that they incorporated an ice cream counter next to the cookie choices to create the perfect ice cream sandwich, although the ice cream sandwich would've melted in my pocket on the way to the movie. The choices are basic and you would think that would make your decision easy. Oh contraire!

I went with the sugar cookie with a lemon frosting, and an always personal favorite: the chocolate chip walnut cookie. I had to eat the lemon one first because I didn't want the frosting to squish in my pocket. My only wish for this cookie, because it was soft just like I love, was that the lemon frosting didn't taste so much like confectioner's sugar. I would've loved more tang! Second was the chocolate chip walnut. Nice and chewy as well. I am not a fan of crunchy cookies unless it's those delish Biscoff cookies that are served on Delta flights.

I didn't notice walnuts at all, it was good, but I will have to try it again. I like a lot of chunk in my cookie if there are flavors in it, but perhaps I was too into the movie to have noticed? I can't wait to go back and try one as an ice cream sandwich.

If you are in the American Fork or the Fort Union area stop in and try a cookie, the prices are SO awesome and the flavors will remind you of the cookies your mom makes at home.

 

http://www.smartcookiecompany.com/index.php

Gourmandise = Indulgence

My love for this small little place started from a local newscast. One day they were featuring Gourmandise (295 S 300 w) and they were eating off the breakfast menu which included... are you ready for this?? ... creme brulee oatmeal. I almost died. Now, amazingly enough the couple times I have been to Gourmandise I have yet to try it because I always make it in for lunch.

I have written in the past I am not a big fan of pastries. This place brings it to a whole different level. Slices, whole cakes, tarts, cookies, breads, and a regular menu with home made items. My first items to try were the marzipan cake which I didn't even use a fork. I just took the slice and ate it! It was smooth, creamy, and I really loved the design on the top. I also ordered a slice of pumpkin bread pudding. Don't roll your eyes at me. I know it surely is an acquired love, but please I beg you, try it at least once. Make sure it is good bread pudding as well. (I make a mean eggnog bread pudding for Christmas every year)

I don't know if it is the wet texture that people don't enjoy, but this piece was amazing. I think I need to go back for seconds. I am looking forward to trying their ciabatta bread because it is enormous, as well as the challah for some home made french toast!

I have only been in at lunch. This particular time I was in a bit of a hurry and they were very accomodating and quick. I was met with too many decisions. Do I get the reuben? Maybe basil egg salad sandwich. I went with a half a sandwich and soup. Gourmet grilled cheese. Cream cheese Parmesean spread-provolone- feta- grilled carmelized onions- tomatos. Wow. Then there was the homemade cream of mushroom soup. No canned mushrooms here. This was legit!

Gourmandise has been in Salt Lake for over 20 years. Jean-Jacques Grossi is the general manager and head chef. He worked his way through French culinary school and to this day continues to refine his pastries. The location has limited parking, but the feel inside is that of a cosy cafe.


Even if you have just a moment and you are in the area stop in for a quick sweet and a cup of coffee or whatever might be your fancy.


http://gourmandisethebakery.com/index.html

When life hands you lemons... YOU MAKE COOKIES!!!

In February I had the honor of writing about a place I have come to love even more over the year. Let's rewind, if I may, to this past summer. . .

A quaint and tasty bakery located on 770s and 300w in downtown Salt Lake City by the name of "My Dough Girl" was given a cease and desist letter from Pillsbury (or as we now call them Pillsbury) letting her know she had to change her name. After much protest and boycotting from consumers, and as much media attention we could give her without getting her in trouble, my friend Tami Cromar- owner and baker extraordinaire- decided it was better to just change her name.

** for more information follow this link: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/38646774/ns/business-consumer_news/

This is a very personal blog entry for me, because of how much I admire Tami. From the moment I walked in her store to this day, she has treated me like a friend. She stood tall through every month of this, even when she felt broken. To have that strength and still hold strong to personal creativity is admirable and it makes her one of my hero's.

On that note, December 1st, was the unveiling of the new name. *drum roll please*

Same sassy red head who is still serving the most wonderful cookies every day, with every bit of passion involved, just a different name. I can't wait to get up and try December's cookie "Noelle"!! Yum!

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=lf#!/pages/RubySnap/114126331987914

http://www.rubysnap.com/

Amendment to a blog

Today I am making my very first amendment to a blog. .

After taking a couple visits back to the "My Dough Girl" bakery to check out the other flavors (I couldn't possibly eat them in ONE sitting, well ok MAYBE if my arm was twisted) I felt the urge to talk about a couple of the other "girls."

Virginia.. oh sweet robust Virginia. Think: ginger and dark molasses and super chewy with sugar on top. When you bite in this cookie its not a typical ginger snap. As a matter a fact, there is no snap at all. The after taste... Heaven! Actually the after taste, and I am not sure where it comes from, is as if you just had a slice of a gingerbread cake with whip cream on top. What an amazing after flavor!!

If you are looking for something to cleanse your palatte but with a bit of warmth. Oh Vivianna, she will fill that need. Think: citrus dough with mangos and dark chocolate on the inside.

I still have a few more flavors to try, but for March I suggest Lucy. She is a lime cookie with cheesecake in the center and a lovely lime curd on top with some powdered sugar! Ps. Don't wear black and eat this cookie!!

Remember... run, don't walk!!!

Hey Girl!!

Dear sweet, sweet, dough girl-

The taste of your cookies still lingers on my taste buds as I stare at my last cookie, debating whether I should save it or just dig in.

Love Jessica.

As I find myself reviewing past entries, I noticed I like simplicity. Well, People, don't walk, please run to 300 W and 700 S area. There you will find a little shop by the name of My Dough Girl. Now ask yourself: Who's your dough girl?

Is it Lilly who is so silly!? (a lemon sugar cookie with lemonheads and lemon glaze)

Could it be Judy as she melts in your mouth?? (velvety orange dough topped with buttery cream cheese frosting)

Or does Penelope tempt you because she is dipped in chocolate? (truffle like peanut butter cookie dipped half in chocolate)

Or my personal favorite an Audrey (almond dough full of adoration, almonds, cranberries, and white chocolate)

The super friendly and super cute owner has put a special touch on each of these cookies. One of the best parts of this store, besides the pin up girl ambiance, is that you can take frozen dough home and cook it yourself! (maybe that's so you're not tempted to eat them ALL on the way home)

I am lucky enough to be writing this during the month of February where she featured a beautiful cookie called "Scarlett" Its moist and dense red velvet with a buttery cream cheese frosting. (not to mention I made it in when they were in the oven and took them home fresh!) I am sorry to say folks, but next month will be a different flavor. I have no doubt it will be just as good.

I tell you what, you are definitely paying for quality when you walk in this shop!

I can't wait to go back, but for now my Scarlett is calling my name.

http://www.rubysnap.com/

Connies Cookies!

I am not one to have much of a sweet tooth. I think I used it all up when I was a kid, just ask my mom. This past weekend I was working at the Bountiful Summerfest with the Oak Pit BBQ Co. And saw people walking around with the fluffiest cookies I have ever seen.

I do love a good cookie though.

Behind us was a small booth with handmade cookies and some cute earrings. Well, people this is not a jewelry blog!! It's a food blog!

There wasn't much of a selection on the table the first day I went because she was almost sold out!!! What is so special about this Connie?? She is a yoga instructor in Bountiful and Sugarhouse (a plus) and her cookies come in all tastes. All tastes you say?? Connie specializes in Gluten free cookies. This is a blessing for those of you with wheat allergies or Celiac disease. Connie also does vegan cookies and of course for regular people like me.. regular old cookies.

We are talking tasty flavors like triple peanut butter (gluten free), zucchini chocolate chip (gluten free), everything nice (which is like a little bit of everything), double chocolate mint, regular chocolate chip, and these awesome ginger cookies. I was wary because I am not a huge ginger person, but the ginger cookies are like gingerbread but a BILLION times better. She uses natural and the finest ingredients and the size and texture of each one is almost perfection. Besides cookies she also does cakes in the gluten free genre.

Right now she just takes orders through her email yogacookie@gmail.com and she is also at the Bountiful Farmers market on Thursdays from 4-7pm.

http://yogacookie.blogspot.com/

Over The Top Cookies

It was hard to pick a place to begin. So, why not start with dessert!

Over the top Cookies has only been open for about a month in South Jordan. It is just off of Redwood Road and 106th south. I work just around the corner and decided to step in one day to welcome them to the neighborhood.
First off, Rachel, the owner is so humble and very sweet. (cookies will do that to you) She had a business out of her home for about 5 years and decided to finally make it big! Trust me, with the type of cookies she is producing, once the word gets out, it will be hard to keep the hand out of the cookie jar!



Over the top has two sizes of cookies. A big one and teeny ones, called 'cuties.' You love candy bars and cookies? Together they are heaven! She has everything from milky way, butterfinger, m&m's, grassjumper, twix, reeces pb cups, a few others, and my most favorite the s'mores! Rachel also sells the most beautiful candy apples, and for those that like sweet and salty she has chocolate covered pretzels.
I am not a big candy bar person, but I had to try one for the novelty of it! Wow, a cookie that was soft! If she can be proud of anything it is amazingly soft cookies!! I had the Milky Way (which is my second favorite) next to the S'mores. Imagine a chocolate cookie with REAL marshmallows and pieces of graham cracker crumbled on top. And those marshmallows - they are baked so they taste like you just pulled them out of a camp fire! One word for anyone that loves cookies... HEAVEN!

Oh! Don't worry, if you like milk with your cookies she has a cute little refrigerator that has regular and chocolate milk. If you are totally enticed, you can also order them and have them shipped!!

http://www.overthetopcookies.com/