Cookies: A Recipe for Joy

The whole world loves cookies. Whether you call them cookies, biscuits, galletas, or keks, these sweet, cake-like confections have been delighting people for centuries. Culinary historians believe that the first cookie was created in 7^th century Persia, and bakers have been creating new recipes ever since.

Enjoying a warm and gooey cookie is one of those simple joys in life that evokes feelings of comfort and pleasure. But sometimes you reach into the jar expecting a soft cookie and instead get hard crunchy hockey puck. Whether it’s due to a mistake in the baking process or because the cookie is getting stale, a hard cookie is a real disappointment.

Don’t let it get you down. With one simple trick you can turn that tough cookie into the chewy delight you were hoping for. 

About the author, Jenna Huntsberger
Originally from Eugene, Oregon, Jenna moved to DC in 2005 to work in nonprofit communications. After deciding her real passion was pastry, she founded Whisked! in 2011, selling baked goods at a local farmer's market. Today, Whisked! cookies and pies are carried in more than 100 retail locations, and have been featured in publications like the Washington Post, Washington City Paper, and NPR.

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With the Holidays fast approaching, you may be wondering, “What gifts should I get for my vegan friends?”

Vegans avoid using animal products. They don’t eat animal products, like meat and cheese. And they don’t wear or use animal products, like leather or mink (hello, makeup brushes!). 

You might be unsure what gifts are vegan and cruelty free.

We’ve put together a list of the best gifts for vegans so you can confidently cross your vegan friends and family off your shopping list! 

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You can classify yourself as a “stress eater” if your first instinct is to reach for something sweet to eat in order to soothe your nerves. There are millions of others out there who are just like you, longing for the comfort that sugar provides during stressful situations.

We love sweet treats here at Whisked! and have been guilty in indulging in a cookie (or two) after a hard day. It got us thinking: What desserts do other Americans reach for when they are stressed?

Well, we decided to find out! We polled 1,000 people to see what is their guilty pleasure when they are frazzled.

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Do you ever find yourself indulging in a luscious dessert and thinking what mastermind came up with this scrumptious delight? You are not alone because the question of why desserts were first eaten has crossed the minds of many, so today, we’ve compiled a short (and sweet!) history lesson for you.

The word dessert is derived from the French word desservir, which translates to “to clear the table.” This origin is apt, considering that the first use of desserts was to wash down the aftertaste of a large meal with something sweet.

Desserts in history, such as in the middle ages, revolved more around fruity sweet foods such as jellies and wafers mixed with exotic fruits, nuts, and butter. Indeed, the custard is known to be one of the first desserts ever eaten in the middle ages. The next few reported desserts include apple pies in 1381 and gingerbread in the 1400s.

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The winter season is starting to slowly creep up on us again. And the changing of the seasons brings changes of taste in the kitchen, as well! Whether you want to warm your belly on a chilly evening, or wow your family with a new spin on a classic meal, these pies from around the world are sure to give you fun new recipes to share with loved ones.

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When summer draws to a close, we often find ourselves looking back at the summer memories we’ve made this year. Although holiday celebrations, convivial cookouts, and travels to new and exciting places are highlights of the year’s hottest months, we at Whisked! believe that can keep the spirit of summer alive throughout the year through the time-honored tradition of baking.

With that in mind, please allow us to take you on one last summer trip. No luggage or airline tickets are required — all you need is a kitchen, an oven, and an open mind for this virtual tour of... cookies from around the world!

About the author, Rob Bock
Rob Bock works for Whisked! as a fulfillment coordinator and part-time writer. He graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park with a Master of Journalism degree in 2012, and has been published in blogs, newspapers, comic books, and magazines across the country. 

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Are you ready to fall into some self-love this fall? Autumn is a wonderful time to embrace change while enjoying the gorgeous leaves and cooler temperatures. Let’s treat ourselves and friends and family to some self-care gifts for some seasonal TLC.

While self care might seem like simply a buzz word or media trend, it’s actually extremely vital for maintaining our overall mental health. The Yoga Journal strongly insists that self-care practices can greatly “relieve mental stress, melt muscle tension, and help you feel confident that, yes, you can tackle your lengthy to-do list and handle whatever else may come." When our mental health is in check, we tend to experience improved physical, socioemotional, and spiritual wellness.

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Have you ever wanted to know how to make cookie cutters? The process of making delicious and fun-shaped DIY cookie cutters is far easier than you’d expect. Learn how to make all sorts of shapes so you can mold your cookies into whatever you want.

What You’ll Need for DIY Cookie Cutters

• Paper
• Marker
• Super glue
• Scissors
• Ruler
• Cutting gloves
• Aluminum: either foil, oven liners, or soda cans

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Since before the dawn of civilization, humankind has harnessed the power of fire to enhance the quality and flavor of food. Even today, we’re hard-wired to love the smell of sizzling wood, the sight of wafting plumes of smoke, and the musky taste of charcoal that comes from food cooked over an open flame.

It should come as no surprise, then, that barbeques and cookouts are still a time-honored tradition celebrated by cultures around the world. In fact, you might have a barbeque scheduled in your calendar right now.

But here at Whisked!, we don’t believe that all glory belongs to the master of the flame. We know that the only things tastier than fire-cooked food are what comes after: the desserts. That’s why we’ve curated this list of 9 mind-blowingly good desserts that you can bring to brighten up any barbeque.

Individual Key Lime Pies

Via Food Network

Nothing says summertime like the taste of key lime (hey, that rhymed!) Not just adorable, these mini key lime pies are relatively simple to make, and are sure to “unlock” the sweet tooths of everyone at your barbeque. Keys, please!

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America's birthday is coming up, and when a lot of people think of the Fourth of July they think fireworks, sparklers, and hot dogs. Here at Whisked! our minds go to desserts, and specifically what delicious treats we can indulge in when checking out the fireworks display. As the holiday approaches, we were curious what desserts Americans treat themselves to on the Fourth.

So we asked 1,000 Americans what kind of dessert is their favorite to snack on when the Fourth of July comes. Check out our infographic to see the breakdown:

Hungry Americans answered and here's the breakdown of their favorite desserts for July 4th:

• Ice cream: 31%
• Pie: 16%
• Brownies: 10%
• Cake: 7%
• Cupcakes: 6%
• Cookies: 5%
• None of these: 25%

What are you favorite desserts to munch on over this patriotic holiday? Let us know by tweeting at us, or posting on our Facebook wall.

If you just want to kick back and relax this Fourth of July and not worry about baking, you can order cookies online from Whisked!, or get a mail order pie. Enjoy!