Girl Scout Cookies aren't until January (sales) and February (delivery). But, Girl Scouts.
I'm having my post-Girl Scout Meeting glass of wine. It might be two glasses. And I'm wondering how anyone could be a kindergarten (or first grade) teacher. Only 8 girls tonight, only for an hour and I'm d.o.n.e. Don't get me wrong, I'm glad I volunteered to be a leader and I'm happy to do it it just isn't really my strong suit and it exhausts me. Trying to keep the girls focused for 10-15 minutes is MORE than enough and then they have to dance it out so to speak.
Given the nice weather I sent them to the yard for a dance party. Of course that also meant a lot of "no, we're not going on the tire swing." "no, you can't 'skate' on the funiture dolly" etc etc. Our yard isn't first grader proofed. In the end, the dancing was a success and I was grateful to the wonderful parents who stayed around during the meeting and helped with kid control. I sometimes feel self consious to have the other parents there during the meeting as though they're watching/judging my lack of troop management skills. But, tonight, they helped take the clothes off the line and laid a soothing hand on a girl who needed a bit of extra help focusing and generally were awesome. So, Daisy Girl Scouts, fun, but phew, glad it's every OTHER week :)
Cookies.
I was involved in recent a Facebook debate with a local friend and blog reader and my cousin from PA about cookie and brownie recipes. I'm a devout follower of Ina Garten/Barefoot Contessa cookie recipes and I admit I have developed a bit of a cookie reputation (as in, I make good chocolate chip cookies). I use Ina's recipe faithfully except for a chocolate chip switch (I use only Guittard chips, half milk, half semi sweet). ANYWAY FB friend, said that the infamous Neiman Marcus cookies BEAT Ina's cookies. I didn't believe her so I had a taste off.
I followed the recipes precisely except for the chocolate chip ratio described above. I used the AMOUNT of chips called for but mixed up the TYPE of chips. And, for Ina's recipe, I left out the walnuts. I LOVE walnuts but, in cookies, they're divisive and I didn't want anyone's vote to be swayed by nuts.
First test group was Mr. H's poker night crowd. (not so blurry in real life but I loved the double fisting it of cookies)
Seven men, one woman. Vote was 5-3 in favor of cookie #2 which was Ina's. Those voting for #1, Neiman Marcus, all liked the coffee flavor. The recipe calls for 1.5 tsps of espresso powder and I used a Starbucks Via packet. The next day I took the cookies to a family event and the votes were 5-0 in favor of Ina. Now, I admit that's a crowd that is very familar with the Ina cookie since I make it a lot. Also, for the poker crowd the Ina cookies were a bit warmer since they were the second batch cookied. STILL I think Ina wins this one. Next step, add 1/2 tsp of espresso to Ina's recipe and see what happens....
Too bad I used all that cookie dough in taste tests. A cookie would go well with my wine about now.
PS Is this the funniest thing ever or is it just me?
Yes that is the funniest picture ever. Dad
Posted by: Mark | September 13, 2011 at 09:53 AM