By Todd Giesler of our Deli
One of the pleasures of coming to work in the Deli is making my way through the Bakery to start my day, offering a friendly "Howdy" to Lucy and Victoria, the resident bakers at the Boise Co-op and, more importantly, my pals who are always working feverishly – with smiles on their faces – to supply us with the multitude of goodies found in the Deli Espresso Dessert Case.
The cakes and pies along the top rack are a sight to behold, the picture of decadence and perfection, the first choice when the objective is a stunning and impressive dessert for a large get-together—but perhaps a bit much for a quick snack with your morning/afternoon/evening caffeine fix. Thankfully, just below the array of cakes and pies is our impressive selection of pastry bars, whice areshaped quite nicely to fit in one hand, with a latte in the other. These bars are roughly four cookie-monster sized bites each, certainly enough to share with other sweet tooths (or not!). Many customers will pick up several, have them boxed up, and cut them into bite size pieces for sharing at a function or book club meeting.
Here is a sample of the bars we have to offer at the Co-op Deli, all made from scratch, and each priced at just $2.50:
Lemon: Without a doubt, the most popular bar in the lineup, made with fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, lemon extract- you get the idea. Lightly dusted with powdered sugar. I don't know of anyone who doesn't desire these- unless you're allergic to delicious.
Lazy: Butterscotch chips, coconut, chocolate chips, pecans... what's not to like?
Key Lime: Just as zesty and summery as the Lemon. A refreshing companion to a glass of iced tea, poolside.
Toffee: A toffee lovers best friend, very satisfying, and certainly rich enough to share.
Almond Macaroon: One of my favorites- something you don't see elsewhere very often. I think it's the cream cheese that "hooks me" on these. Or the almonds...I don't know, just trust me- they are good.
Baseball: Another "winning" combination of brown sugar, peanut butter, butterscotch, oats, chocolate, and peanuts. A big kid favorite, and little kid, too.
Brownie Shortbread- I also have a weakness for shortbread, and this one is not super-rich like Scottish shortbreads, but a natural with a cup of coffee. Also lightly dusted with powdered sugar.
Edinburgh: Coconut, currants, oats, cranberries are the basis for these. A good seller, many customers won't "stray away" from them.
Macadamia Nut: Who doesn't love Macadamia nuts? (assuming you don't have a nut allergy) Super-rich, and chewy.
Caramel Cashew: Another bar with a loyal "fan base." Also chewy, and velvety smooth.
Grasshopper: A thickly textured bar consisting of Creme de Menthe, and rich chocolate. This cries out for a Mocha, all the way.
Carmelitas: Perhaps Bruce Springsteen should have sung about "her" instead of Rosalita! A harmonious blend of oats, chocolate chips, pecans, walnuts, flour, and butterscotch topping. Along with Lemon, one of our most requested items in the case.
Sticky Pecan Coconut- Made along with honey, and heavy cream. This one might be rich enough to share with two others. Maybe.
Apple Butter- The Bakery gals have decided to bring these back, and why not? Anything rather new in the case is sure to be just as good, and met with anticipation. Thanks, ladies!
Chocolate Caramel: New! Yes, both absolutely necessary flavors are layered and placed upon a shortbread crust. Sign me up.
Here's a sampling of some of out other bars that are silky-smooth and ready to please:
Cheesecake
Raspberry Cheesecake
Chocolate Cheesecake (seriously- can you put this much pleasure into one idea? Think of seeing the Beatles perform in your backyard...)
Blueberry Streusel
Pumpkin
Kahlua Brownies
And Speaking of Brownies…
This is Outrageous! One of the signature items from the Co-op Bakery is the Outrageous Brownies. Sold in eight-inch pans or wrapped individually, these delicious beauties reside out in the semi-aisle across from the bread racks. The Outrageous Brownies have a very loyal following because they are, quite simply, the best. Take your pick between plainly outrageous or the outrageously walnut Brownie – either way, you won’t be dissatisfied, I guarantee! The pans sell for $7.99, and the single brownies go for $2.50 each- ready for you to head out to the river, park, soccer field, wherever, you name it!
Finally, don't forget our made-from-scratch Baklava, brought to us from our pal Colleen for the past 18 years. These triangular pieces of Phyllo dough stuffed with walnuts, honey, cinnamon, and her "special syrup" and topped with a clove bud are sooo good! And like the bars, they are priced at $2.50 each. Try them today!
Thought for the day: If you are feeling stressed, make sure you don't skip desserts, because "stressed" is desserts spelled backwards!
