The only real complaint that we get, and that is not too often is, “Those cookies are too big!” Our fans can relax, we aren’t going to shrink or downsize our orginal Huge cookies, but will instead do a special offering every month. We will be calling this our Cookie of the Month. Every month we will create a cookie up to our amazing standards but sized like a more normal cookie. These will be packed a dozen in a heavy re-closeable bag for each portion control.
We started this new program in February with a Raspberry Dark Chocolate. We thought that was perfect for Valentines Day and a great way to start off. This was made with a European cocoa, our own blend of melted chocolate, pure raspberry and coated with a raspberry powder sugar. Mmmm, it was a good start, but wait until you see what we have planned next for March!
In conjuction with this we also lauched a Cookie of the Month Club. This is great as a gift program for a loved one or special client, but we have sold several as a regular delivery for a personal treat.
Let us know if you have any suggestions for future cookies. This is a chance for us to stretch our wings so to speak and try out cookies that aren’t quite up to Toby’s tastes to be one of Toby Tobin’s Seasonal Cookies.
Trail Mix Cookie
Or do you at least love nuts? “What do you have with nuts” is the one request we get that is hardest to satisfy. “Nuts” is such a broad category with much segmentation. We have pretty much stayed away from anything with peanuts because of severe peanut allergy and our paranoia. We are finally loosening up a bit and have put several systems in place (like double washing equipment in 2 different sinks) so that we can use nuts more often.
We decided that we would not just throw a nut into an existing cookie but create a cookie from scratch that really showcases the flavor of nuts. Our Trail Mix came into being because of our chocolates, but that is a different story. Those of you that know us could guess that this is not your ordinary Trail Mix. First of all we decided to not only include cashews, but big cashew halves. Instead of whole almonds (kind of hard and overwhelms the mix with its texture) we went with almond slivers (lots of them) and peanuts. To balance out the Trail Mix we added dried cranberries and raisins.
We have heard people comment that each bite of our Trail Mix Cookie offers a different experience. Based on the response that we have received thus far, this will not be our last Nut offering. If you have a specific nut that you love that was the feature ingredient in a cookie, chocolate or dessert, tell me about it.
My memorable food
Saturday I had a customer turn the tables on me and asked what my most memorable meal was. We had been talking about how my goal in creating each of our recipes was to create a sweet treat so wonderful that even 2 years later they would remember not only what it was but the who and where. The point that I was trying to make was that when you experience a food that is truly wonderful you remember not only the flavor, texture and joy of the moment but everything about it.
Back to the challenge, it took me only a moment to sort through the jumble of favorite foods to settle on the single best: Chipotle rubbed rib eye steak from Mesa Grill, by Bobby Flay. Not only was the steak itself wonderful, but the two sauces (I have no idea what they were) brought out flavor notes in the steak that I have not had before or since. Apparently I am not alone, it took only a couple of minutes to find the above photo on google images. I can’t attribute this photo, as much as I would like to as it is available in several places with no attribution.
We were in NY for the fancy food show so we had to make reservations a couple of months in advance. The taxi ride to the restaurant was exciting (horrifying to Diane & Cherrie). I remember that from my seat at the table I was facing the bar (which had glasses of bread sticks 12 inches long about the size of pencils) with the entrance to my right and the open kitchen to my left. I remember tentatively taking the first bite of the ribeye without sauce, concerned that my 3 months of building my expectations had set me up for disappointment. Wow. It was all that I had hoped for. You see, really great food will not disappoint you no matter how long you think about it.
Every cookie, cupcake or chocolate recipe that I work on I have this goal of amazing people that are passionate about their cookies, chocolates and now cupcakes. Now you will find people that will say they did not like that steak from Mesa Grill, but they probably did not like steak to begin with. Anyone that is pretty serious about steak can’t help but be impressed with that dish. Take those breadsticks at the bar for example. I asked the waitress about them and she brought us some to sample. They make them there as a free treat for patrons and they were wonderful. If I remember correctly they had a chipotle salt sprinkled on them. Again, not for everyone, but wow if you like spicy!
Oh, by the way that was two years ago this month that I ate at Mesa Grill and it feels just like yesterday. Your turn to share what your most memorable meal, food or sweet treat was.