– by Moira Gardener –
Local resident Linda Beller decided to have some fun seeking out the absolute BEST of the best chocolate chunk cookies, her personal passion. So after three and a half years of collecting recipes from award winning chefs and bloggers she decided to have a cookie contest to find the most addictive cookie of all. This idea grew into reality when she asked a group of well-travelled women, with globally sharpened palettes, to participate. Here’s what happened.
This chocoholic, originally from the woods of Northern Ontario, opened up her kitchen to her Newcomer’s hiking group. The group of 14 gathered on her deck in the sun to chat while taking in the ocean views as they awaited seven different types of freshly baked cookies. They were to judge cookie recipes chosen from Linda’s vast collection. Recipes designed with unique ingredients meant to stretch the palate beyond the basic CCC.
The doughs were created a few days earlier. Guidelines were established for quality control and to even the playing field. There is to be only one baker, the same type and quality of ingredients are being used, and these ingredients must be obtained locally. The chunk chocolate is a combination of Callebaut and Lindt. The main goal though is to have fun.
The judges, with their combined experiences as travellers, have refined taste-buds. Some have frequented places like Switzerland, Britain, South Africa, and Belgium. On the Canadian front there are transplants from Toronto, Saskatchewan, Calgary, the Fraser Valley, and a former Salt Spring Islander who grew up enjoying Harlan dark chocolate. They were all there to help find the ultimate in Chocolate Chunk Cookies.
The hostess is ready to begin. Everyone is welcomed and commended for being people who know what they like. She extolls chocolate for its ability to “calm fears, soothe nerves, and create a sensual experience.” So with the aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting from the kitchen and judging sheets in hand the contest begins in earnest. The best smell, touch, and taste are scribbled down. The judges dutifully rinse with water between tastings, while I listened to the comments. “They all smell wonderful.” “This will be enough chocolate for me for six months.” “This is quite a sugar rush.”
Finally the results are in and the numbers tallied. The winner is – Smokey Bourbon chocolate chip cookie*, minus the liquid smoke ingredient. This leaves bourbon as the recipe’s unique quality. Some words used to describe this cookie were ‘distinctive’ and ‘interesting’. A final indication it deserves first place – the empty plate, as some come back for seconds.
Before the group dispersed I ask if this might become an annual event. The unanimous answer, NO, or we’ll all weigh 250 pounds! “But I have brownie recipes yet to test,” cried the hostess. Looks like it’s time for more hikes up the hills in North Saanich and beyond.
*Readers wishing to taste this bit of cookie heaven can google “Smokey Bourbon chocolate chip cookie” for the recipe.
