COOKIE CREATIVITY
Chefs compete to benefit Girl Scouts
Thin Mint S’mores, anyone? How about a Lemonade Icebox Pie or Toffee Takeover cocktail? They’re just some of the cookie-inspired treats at Bourbon Blue — one of several restaurants and bars promoting Manayunk’s Girl Scout Cookie Month, a tasty February fundraiser.
“We figured, ‘What a cool way to get involved,’” said owner Brendan McGrew. “I don’t know anybody who’s NOT a fan of Girl Scout cookies.”
“I love Thin Mints,” agreed Chris Maguire of Tubby Robot Ice Cream Factory. “Ever since I was a kid, I would down a whole box of Thin Mints singlehandedly.”
He’s offering a Cookie Season sundae, featuring chocolate-mint-chocolate ice cream, hot fudge, cookie crumbles, whipped cream and Thin Mints.
“We make all of our own ice cream every week, and this is one of our favorite flavors,” Maguire said. “If you like mint, this is something you want to try.”
Shortbread cookies “have always been my favorite,” explained Jenna Cardello of Boostin’ Bowls, where she dishes up a Strawberry-Banana Shortbread Bowl.
“It’s delicious,” said the former Girl Scout. “I think it just pairs really nicely with the strawberries, the banana and the taste of the acai.”
Another perfect pair: Thai Coconut Milk Custard with Caramel deLites.
“The ingredients make it special,” described chef Moon Krapugthong, once a Girl Scout in Thailand. Cookies “add another aspect to the dish” and “crunch into the bite.”
Enjoy it at two of her three restaurants — Chabaa Thai Bistro and Binto Market & Cafe. Or indulge in Chocolate Mousse à la Mode with Lemonade Cookie Crumbs at Yanako.
“Just come and support the Girl Scouts in a really sweet way,” she said.
Be a smart cookie: Don’t miss out and remember to vote for your favorite.
Strawberry-Banana Shortbread Bowl INGREDIENTS
½ cup acai puree 1 banana 1 cup chopped ice ½ cup sliced strawberries 4 Shortbread cookies
INSTRUCTIONS
Using a high-powered blender like a Vitamix, blend the acai, half of the banana and ice. Pour into a bowl. Slice the remaining banana half. Top bowl with sliced strawberries, banana and whole or crushed cookies. Serves 1.