Hot Dish Review

‘Tis the season to get fat…..
Few things are better than fresh baked chocolate chip cookies, especially on a chilly night. Served with an ice cold glass of milk, they are the antidote to the winter blues as well as that tiny bikini you think you’ll be wearing in a few short months!

Since I was a kid, my favorite has been the tube of dough, usually Pillsbury. Sure, I know it’s pedestrian. I can’t have Babette’s dried cherry tart with creme fraiche all the time!

The dough used to be dense enough to slice, then cut into quarters but they’ve changed the consistency so now it is best handled with a spoon (which often ends up in my mouth rather than on the cookie sheet!)

These days one can find all natural cookie dough at Whole Foods. And there are gluten-free mixes too (I think SAVI Urban Market might have some). Pillsbury and Tollhouse both make chocolate chunk, flavors with nuts, and ready-to-bake varieties but why mess with a good thing? I like the old-fashioned roll of dough. Baked until chewy and just starting to brown.

It’s cold outside so just snuggle up with a dozen warm chocolate chip cookies….f*ck the bikini, you can join a gym tomorrow.

My third dessert last night….These are scrumptious! I think LG introduced me to the little schoolboys (petit ecolier in French). Little schoolboys? Not surprising that I would find them irresistible. They go great with red wines and make a perfect dessert with an impromptu cheese and baguette dinner that I’ve become so fond of. Everyone loves them, even ST.

Petit Ecolier are chic little European biscuits topped with chocolate embossed with a schoolboy in his uniform. The box states, “Our signature design invites admiring glances: deep, dark European chocolate, paired with an oh-so-French butter biscuit. A luxurious cookie and chocolate experience like no other.”

It is true. As the crisp cookie snaps between your teeth, the chocolate begins to melt in your mouth. The textural contrast is brilliant.

Initially I bought the dark chocolate but soon discovered the extra-dark (extra noir), which I took to Thanksgiving dinner at my parents’ place in Florida a couple of years back. They only eat dark chocolate for health reasons, but I’m finding I prefer the flavor of dark to milk these days.

Petit Ecolier are still made in France….how charming! Kroger and Publix carry them so bring some home to your sweetheart for Valentine’s Day (along with some wine, roses, card, and romantic dinner plans that you’ve surely already made. What, no plans? Dude.)

Alright then, just buy ‘em and eat ‘em in the car on the way home. Whatever.