Charleston Cookie Company’s by line is “Gourment Cookies with a Southern Accent.” They sent us Chocolate Maroni Cookies for our pillow treat. While searching its website, this cookie did not show up, but numerous other intriguing selections were available.




We have the Peanut Butter Cookie Recipe.

Peanut Butter Cookies

Directions:

1 c butter
2/3 c chunky peanut butter
1/3 c. 10-X sugar (sifted after measuring if it’s lumpy)
1 c (tightly packed) brown sugar
1 large egg
1 large egg yolk
2 1/2 tsp. vanilla
2 1/2 c. all-purpose flour
1 1/4 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
1 c chocolate chips
10 peanut butter cups, chunked to about 1/2 size

Have all ingredients at room temperature.
Mix together dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt) until thoroughly blended.
Beat butter, peanut butter, 10-X sugar and brown sugar on medium speed until well blended.
Beat egg, egg yolk and vanilla until well mixed.
Add to peanut butter mixture.
Stir, by hand, the flour mixture into the peanut butter mixture until well blended and smooth.
Add the chips and peanut butter cup chunks, mixing carefully, by hand.
Let the dough stand for 5 minutes to firm slightly.
Scoop 1″ pieces of dough and roll with hands into balls. The dough will be fairly soft.
Place the balls on a greased baking sheet about 2″ apart.
Press the balls in the center with the tines of a fork and flatten them slightly (this was my job as a little girl).
Bake 9-12 minutes at 350 until slightly brown at the edges.
Transfer to racks and cool.

With these boutique companies, it is frequently the story behind them that adds so much interest.

At the end of 2001, founder Judith Moore, was unable to find a recipe for a perfect chocolate chip cookie. So, after a two-month quest, she decided to use a butter-cookie dough and develop her own recipe.

A team of cookie fans formed and by October 2003, they launched the Charleston Cookie Company, LLC. They are fortunate to have Chef Judy Papadimitriou with her experience in large-scale production baking and a willingness to work on specialized cookies and brownies.

Judith says, “We also believe in working hard, in having fun, in bringing a smile to people’s faces and in supporting our vision of, in our own small way, bringing joy to the lives of those who buy our cookies.”

I’ve a friend who used to refer to his working as, “Have a little fun and make a little money.” He had a lot of fun and made a lot of money. Judith’s philosophy did bring a smile to my face.

I encourage you to check out www.charlestoncookie.com. There are recipes for some favorites. The pumpkin nut sound great to me. Judith is willing to be interviewed for stories.

You can reach her at 800 606 9001. Thank you Judith and team.

Maralyn
Author: Maralyn

Maralyn Dennis Hill, The Epicurean Explorer, is president emeritus of International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association, member of Society of American Travel Writers, and Society of Professional Journalists. She is Executive Editor of Luxe Beat Magazine and contributes to other publications. She also speaks and is a guest on many shows. The majority of Maralyn’s articles are now geared to the luxury market, spas, corporate retreats, business events, and culinary tourism, from simple to gourmet. Maralyn’s description of herself: I was born to travel and tell the tale. I’m energized by different cultures in every aspect of their lives, from food, wine, and destination, to how they conduct business. Travel represents a continual geography lesson.