I Could Have Been a Cookie Contender

Posted by The Editorial Desk / Thursday, June 3rd, 2010

(image: Sweet Fool)

ACKC (because “Artfully Chocolate Kingsbury Confections” is a different kind of mouthful) owner Eric Nelson says a few months ago then-Washington City Paper editor Erik Wemple publicly chided ACKC for not selling the best chocolate chip cookies in the area. (The paper was running a “Best of D.C.” series and ultimately awarded the cookie crown to Tryst.)

I mean, denying the blue ribbon to a venue that prides itself on its fine chocolate provisions is one thing. But scolding their efforts proved too cheeky to ignore.

ACKC has the chance to defend its honor by looking to a trusted chocolatier, Erika Bahnik, who was already in the process of crafting a chocolate chip cookie that would turn heads.  Bahnik is an up-and-coming local entrepreneur of Sweet Fool, a business combining cookies, fine Belgian couverture chocolate and creative passion. ACKC is privileged to be the first wholesale account for Sweet Fool. Luckily she was three steps ahead of this challenge, spending the past year testing recipes and laboring to create superior cookies. Bahnik says that when the blurb came out in the City Paper, they all thought it was kind of cool that she could soon be introducing a contender for the title.  She didn’t just create one sugary biscuit, but a whole batch: a classic chocolate chunk, double chocolate chipotle—sweet AND spicy (one of the best couplings since Harry met Sally)—a chocolate cookie sandwich (with hazelnut cream for filling) and a peanut butter-chocolate combo (to leave no cravings unanswered).
 
  These cookies will normally be priced as $1.50 individually or $7.95 for a ritzy gift box of 6. 

That’s right.  I said “normally,” because tonight Alexandria’s ACKC will be hosting an open house/public cookie tasting to unveil Bahnik’s new babies. Come taste for yourself between 6:30-8 p.m.

For all those college students and unpaid interns out there, let me reiterate: FREE COOKIES.  And remember, these aren’t just any cookies, but motivated contestants for the next “Best Chocolate Chip Cookie” throwdown. 
 
As all kindergartners, Kris Kringle impersonators and furry, blue Sesame Street monsters know, chocolate chip cookies are best paired with a glass of milk.  ACKC offers a decadent alternative with their Milkshake Divas (each named after a favorite Hollywood starlet).  For $5.75 you can get 16 ounces of Marilyn Monroe, Judy Garland, or others.  Eric Nelson says his personal favorite is the Lucy (after Lucille Ball).  With semi-sweet chocolate, cinnamon, and a kick of chipotle peppers, it might cause one to hum the “I Love Lucy” theme song in honor of the more edible namesake.
 
So, Mr. Wemple, come and give these cookie contenders a bite. 

-Jamel Daugherty

Tags: ACKC, chocolate chip cookies, Erika Bahnik, Sweet Fool