COOKIES FROM ABQ TAKE THE CAKE
Kristin Dowling of Rude Boy Cookies created two kinds of ginger delights
Baker Kristin Dowling wins first place in “Christmas Cookie Challenge” on the Food Network.
A challenge on a Food Network show — and another win for a New Mexico-based competitor.
Kristin Dowling appeared on “Christmas Cookie Challenge,” which aired on Monday night. The Albuquerque-based baker — and coowner of Rude Boy Cookies — was able to keep the heat up on her competitors and take home the $10,000 prize.
“I just won the ‘Cookie Christmas Challenge,’ ” she says. “My daughter is going to be so proud.”
The premise for the show is simple — four talented cookie makers are given a theme and then some time to make cookies. There are two rounds judged by Damiano Carrara, Ree Drummond and Jamika Pessoa. After the two rounds are over, one baker remains the victor.
Dowling competed against four other bakers through the two rounds. In the final round, she competed against three others. The challenge was to showcase a Christmas tradition with at least two types of ginger cookies.
Dowling decided to put together a gingerbread structure. And feeling that her first batch of cayenne ginger cookies were too safe, Dowling mixed it up for the second cookie. She created a candied ginger sesame cookie.
To top off the cookie, she made a ginger beer and chile de arbol glaze.
Drummond enjoyed Dowling’s creation. Carrara told Dowling the vision was beautiful and everything sparkled. We welcome suggestions for the daily Bright Spot. Send to newsroom@abqjournal.com.